It's Time For Third Year And Cold Weather!

It's officially Autumn! I have gone from being pretty much uncomfortable in my own skin for the past 3 months because of the heat (and my lack of summer clothing) to flaunting my comfier and more autumnal clothing. My mum recently came to visit for the weekend and i took the opportunity to buy some more appropriate clothing, fit for the colder months which are slowly approaching. My wardrobe is now full of those gorgeous brown, burnt orange and rose tones which i am loving lately. I've had my fair share of pumpkin spiced latte's, late nights with a fluffy blanket and Gilmore Girls, Halloween Lush specials and Christmas candle browsing (not to mention the Christmas gift ideas I've been having!) Lets just say I'm full of festive feels. After welcoming you all to the colder seasons it's time to get onto the next big thing in my life right now... I'm in third year!

After the struggle of actually getting to this point, I'm proud to say I'm finally in my last year at university and it's safe to say i can't wait until I'm wearing that cape and gown and education is finally behind me. If you don't already know, i study Web Design and Development and it hasn't been the easiest road. This year will no doubt be the hardest year of my education, why wouldn't it be? 

This year is going to either make or break me, and i feel like I'm more than prepared this year. I'm settled in my new job as a receptionist at a gym, I'm settled in my new flat and I'm happy with life now. I had my first lesson, i copied up my notes all neat and i finished my first piece of work. 

This year organisation is key for me this year, i think it's important to stay on top of the work I'm given before i head out properly into the big wide world. I'm determined to do well for myself and my family. 

Finally, I'll be getting back to blogging about normal life. I'll keep you updated about my academic life and my style life.

Danielle

Unwinding After A Long Day

Lately myself and the people who surround me have been nothing but busy, we all go to uni and have part time jobs to keep us ok between loans. I've noticed that it's really hard for some people to be able to relax and have a nice evening after a long day at work or university, especially if you know you have to get back up tomorrow and do it all again (it has been a week of early starts for me.) It's hard to unwind after constantly doing things all day, so if you're like me and can't stop fidgeting when you get home, this tips could seriously help you relax and help you to look after yourself a bit more.

1. Pamper Session

Lets talk beauty... Get your favorite face mask, cleanse your face and enjoy some pamper time. It's important to feel refreshed and happy instead of just falling into bed without taking your makeup off. Fortunately i never do this, it's so important to take your makeup off before going to sleep. Think of the pimples you will wake up with the next day if you don't clean your face! The horror. A face mask is a perfect way to unwind and give your skin the treat it needs after having piles of makeup on it all day. Another thing you could do is take a long relaxing bath. Take a bath bomb or your favourite bubbles and soak for about half an hour, I'm sure you will be ready to crawl into bed after that treat. 

2. A Nice Dinner

I'm guilty of not eating properly after work, I'll settle for snack food but i will always wake up in the morning starving because i haven't eaten real tea the night before. It's important to look after your body and make sure it's ready for your next busy day. Eat your favourite meal and make sure you enjoy it, this will motivate you to do it more often.

3. Some Reading

I love to read. I'm into any genre and i get into books straight away. When you're a book addict like me it's easy to sit down with a cup of tea and dive back into a world which isn't your own. Let your mind wander and your eyes tire, you'll soon be relaxed enough for an easy nights sleep.

4. Watch A Film/TV Program

I have certain films and programs i watch when i'm going to sleep. I'm one of them annoying people that can't sleep unless there's something on the TV. So my go to things are Chalet Girl, Burlesque and Mock The Week. I don't know why they're just nice to fall asleep to. Find your fave film and put it on or maybe even just a nice film.

5. Playing Games

Spend some time with your family and friends, play some board games or something.

6. Snack Food

Indulge your dark side and go and buy all of your favorite snack foods. Maybe even some ice cream? lay in bed, relax, watch some crappy TV and eat everything you own.

Let me know what you guys like to do after a long day!

Love,

Danielle

Top 10 things you need at University

One week today i'm moving into my house and to say i'm excited would be an understatement. Last year i was in halls and i did have a fab time, but i'm excited to be comfortable in a home situation. Because i wasn't sure what i needed when i moved out i took absolutely everything i could get my hands on, and i also forgot some pretty important stuff. I decided to list some stuff i think you need when you move out because i didn't have a guide, and i think it's pretty important for someone to give you a rough idea. Most of these will be for the people who are moving out, but if you're not, i'm sure you will one day.

1. Pictures of the people you love

All through my first year i was printing pictures of my memories with people from home and my new memories with friends from University. It's important to be surrounded by the people you love when you're so far away from home, it makes you feel less alone.

2. Two sets of bedding

You will see this bedding set in my Home Haul post, it's brand new for my house. I did purchase two sets of bedding last year for the house just in case. It turns out it is highly important to have more than one set. Don't kid yourself, you won't do your washing once a week. You might aim to, but finding the time to go to the laundrette in your first year is so hard. I was across campus so it took a while to get there and was in the end, a dreaded task. I change my bedding once a week so yes, two sets of bedding is handy.

3. Cleaning products

If you're like me and live with a larger amount of people, it's important to tidy up after yourself. You're in charge of keeping your own space clean, you shouldn't live in a pig sty like the stereotype of a student is. Through my first year at uni i went through two bottles of bleach and two bathroom/kitchen products. CLEAN.

4. Stationary

There's nothing worse than having someone constantly ask for a spare pen in lectures. Get yourself prepared and keep a pencil case/notebook in your bag.

5.  A mirror

I only had a mirror in my bathroom, and when you're addicted to a program on Netflix, (it will happen) you'll want to watch it whilst you're eating, getting ready and showering. So a mirror on your desk is a perfect idea i think. It helps the lazy inside all of us.

6. Healthy food

Please for the love off god do not live of chocolate and Dominos. Trust me, i know how hard it is to fall into that lazy pattern, the amount of work you have to do is piling on top of you and it's easy to call that number and get some pizza. Don't. Once in a while is fine, but go to the supermarket and pick up some fruit. Maybe put some yoghurt on top. It's a better snack and you will feel so much better after.

7. Hobbies

When you aren't with the amazing new friends you have made or when you don't have any work which needs doing or you aren't getting drunk at 12pm, you need a hobby. You need to keep busy so you don't get into that sad stage where you miss home and some people. Read, go swimming or go explore some amazing places near you.

8. Netflix account

Netflix will be your bestfriend, there's nothing else to say really.

9. Confidence

I'll be honest, i'm not the most confident person. I can't just go up to people and speak to them or talk in front of a group of people. But you need to be able to put yourself out there and be comfortable with different people. Make friends and don't be scared to put yourself out there. You won't regret it.

10. Cupboard food

Soup and beans for example. You need emergency food for when you've spent all your money on alcohol and eating out. Invest in a huge bag of pasta and pasta sauce, it will do you good.

Leave any recommendations for future University students, i'd also love to hear them!

Love,

Danielle 

University Life

In September i'm going into my second year of university, this is the year that counts. I spent my first year settling into a new city two hours away from home, meeting new people, getting drunk and finally achieving a 2:1 (which doesn't even count towards my degree.) I thought i'd write a post which will help some of you who are about to go to uni, or some of you who just don't feel like you're settling in. I'll also be sharing some of the pictures i took from the past year with you guys!

Living with other people

I moved into a flat with 7 other people, boys and girls, and gosh was there drama. Every night something was happening, someone was being loud or someone was drunk. Every time you think of going to a university you know everyone will be drunk. Luckily i had different groups of friends to keep me grounded. I loved my flat and i'm so grateful that i got to meet some amazing people. I was living on my own for the first time ever and i have to say i loved it.
My one piece of advice i'd give to you for living with other people would be: Be involved, but remember to have time for yourself.

Making friends on your course

When i started my course i literally knew nobody. There were various groups on facebook where people were talking but i didn't really put myself out there. Were were put into groups for our lessons and that's where i met some fab girls. Ever since the first day we all instantly clicked and seemed to get on. Because we were such a big group of girls there were many occasions where the drama caught up with us. But being at uni and making friends is completely different than high school, you just get on with it. Everyone is grown up and mature, we all put our differences aside and made some amazing memories.

My one piece of advice i'd give to people would be: Help each other and don't leave anyone behind.

Keeping up with the work

I struggled to find the motivation to actually get the work done if i'm honest. Once i get into it i am completely fine and i will finish it then and there. But i made a habit of leaving things to the last minute. It caused a lot of stress in the last few months not for me but for everyone else i knew. You just need to remember that there are people out there who can and will help you. You aren't alone in your work load and you need to relax.

My one piece of advice i'd give to people would be: Don't rely on people too much, you got to university so use that brain of yours.

The best friendships

I have learnt that the friends you make at university will be the ones you have for life. People will still come and go but the ones you have at the end of year one, in my opinion are the ones who will stay with you always. I have friends that live all over the country and when we aren't all in Ormskirk it can be hard, but friends will always be there. From my big group of friends on my course i met four girls. They all live close to Uni so with me being hours away it can get hard when you're all used to making plans that day. They're fab girls and i wouldn't change them for the world. (Don't cry when you read this)

I've also made amazing friends with one of the girls from the flat, she lives close to me so we're able to have Chummy Tuesdays anytime. 

My one piece of advice i'd give to people would be: Make time for everyone.

New relationships

In the past my relationships have been.. lets say eventful. They haven't been great. I came to uni thinking i wouldn't be in a relationship for a while as i'd been on my own for nearly 2 years. It wasn't a priority basically. I've been with my boyfriend for 7 months now and it's fab, I'm not staying on this subject because i hate public affection, awkward.

My one piece of advice i'd give to people would be: Open up yourself to new people and love. 

Thanks for reading guys, i hope you enjoyed this ever so personal post. I'm glad i get to share all these special people with you. Comment and follow so maybe i can reassure others that university can be scary, but wow is it amazing.

Let me know what you enjoy most about university!

Love, 

Danielle