A little catchup

I have been back at Uni for three months now, CRAZY. The course is going well and I find myself living in the library and commuting back and forth from the kitchen to my bedroom hoarding chocolate caramel digestives (my true love) to fuel my brain. Being an English lit and Creative Writing student I am constantly writing, developing and expanding my ideas. Coursework deadlines are arising and my stress levels are too, with it now being 2nd year and the year that sadly counts (forever wishing I was a fresher) I feel I am more organised and ahead of work, I hope.

 I am enjoying 2nd year so so so much. Living in a house is a lot nicer than halls, I adore my room it's like my own little safe haven. Living on the top floor allows me to escape from the hectic house as living with 7 other people it can get a little loud but still a lot of fun at the same time. 

My social life is still very much alive despite all the work. Although I do need to cut down on eating out but it is so hard when I am now surrounded by so many nice antique cafe's and restaurants.

   

Home Cafe/Albert Road

                   

2nd year is looking promising having been accepted to write for the University Student blog (http://studentblog.port.ac.uk/) where I hope to share my thoughts and what I am up to. I am so happy I have joined a society/group this year as I really wanted to be apart of something which I enjoy and would also look good on my CV. I also joined the gym (yes I just said I joined the gym you can laugh) and I am surprisingly really enjoying it. I have been going to Zumba almost every Tuesday which is basically dancing and shaking your booty like Beyonce, clearly the best form of exercise. Although I don't think I will be attending the Legs, Bums and Tums class ever, EVER again or not until I am a little more fit. It was basically a work out of death, I think I almost died, no I'm not joking. 

I hope this year continues to be full of laughs and good coursework results (keeping my fingers and toes crossed). I have so many things to write about but it is just so hard finding the time to sit down in my room and write urgh. But I promise I will start to post more frequently!

Sian.X

LIFESTYLE// UNI OUTFIT

The most stressful part of Uni (alongside your course) is definitely deciding what to wear. I mean you can't be seen on campus wearing the same thing every week. However there is a trick in doing this so you won't be spending hundreds of pounds in Topshop on a top you already have in 3 different colours (I deffo do this). It's all about layering, the key to looking good and being able to repeat outfits without looking like you have no clothes. 

Here I have put together my staple uni pieces for a casual outfit for those days when you wake up hungover and you realise you have 15 minutes to get to your lecture.

1) JEANS (Topshop)

Jeans are life savers, they go with everything and are easy to whip on when you have no time. I chose to include the ripped Joni jeans from Topshop as black jeans are my life (literally) I wear them pretty much all the time because I know they will always look good and fashionable with anything you match them with. 

2) WHITE CROP TOP (Zara)

Easy and simple. A crop top with high waisted jeans is such a good look and can easily be dressed down or up saving you money so you don't have to buy two completely different outfits. 

  

3) BLACK SHIRT (Asos) 

To dress this look down I think a plain black shirt would look so good. Oversized and thrown on with the buttons undone finishes this look off. Lecture theatres can be quite cold and during the transition of Summer to Autumn you don't want to be walking around with a heavy coat, so this layer alternative is perfect for those breezy days. 

4) CONVERSE (Office)

Converse are everything. A serious fashion staple in my wardrobe. I wear them all the time especially at uni as they're comfy and easy to throw on with any outfit. I feel the converse pull this casual look together. However if you are wanting to dress this outfit up then I'd swap the converse for heeled boots or maybe some loafers, perfect for a pub night out. 

5) RUCKSACK (H&M)

Since being at Uni I have realised a normal shoulder bag just won't do. Your back and shoulders feel like they are about to fall off and you don't want that. A rucksack is the thing you need for Uni as they are affordable and fit everything you want in them without breaking your back. 

6) NECKLACE (Banana Republic)

So many shops are selling these type of necklaces at the moment and I love them! They make your outfit instantly jump from an 8 to a 10. There are a lot of cheap alternatives and this is a piece of jewellery that you will definitely wear more than once. 

What are your Uni outfit staples? 

Sian. X

6 tips to surviving the first day at Uni

It's that time of year again where students are packing their cars with every last thing they own and heading for the motorway to start their first year at University.

First year is scary, exciting, fun and an amazing experience. A time where you meet so many different people who hopefully will become your friends for life. For me First year was everything and more than I had imagined.

 Here are my top tips to surviving the first day at Uni:

1) Last days at home:

Spend these wisely. Uni comes around so quickly and before you know it you are heading down the A3 to your new home. Fill your last week of summer with plans and spontaneous trips out with friends and family. You probably won't be seeing them until Christmas which is a long time if you are someone who has never lived away from home before.

2) Stay calm & don't stress:

 At the end of the day there is nothing to stress over as 'Everyone is in the same boat' ,the phrase every student must hear a thousand times over, but it is SO true, everyone really is. Even though some may not show their nerves, trust me they are totally freaking out inside. Be excited! Uni is an experience that you will never forget.

3) Be confident:
 Shy does NOT exist. Speak to everyone and even if you are not the most confident person, pretend you are, how will they know? If your flatmates don't like going out then it is entirely up to you to put yourself out there and find people who do as you don't want to be alone during freshers week. Also be friendly, you become friends with people you least expect.

4) Say YES:
Nights out, casual drinks, cooking together, going for meals... say yes to it all! You don't want to be the one missing out in all the fun even if it is something you don't think you'd enjoy.

5) Your uni room:
Loads of people complain about the size of their uni rooms but this really doesn't matter. Your room doesn't stop you from having fun. Once you have added your bunting and stuck pictures all over the bare walls of you and your friends and family it will be like you never left home.

6) Be yourself:
 The most important tip. Everyone worries about making friends at uni, with the repeated questions 'Will I fit in with these people' or 'What if no one likes me'. Honestly if you are yourself someone will like you. Uni is filled with such a variety of people that there will always be someone that you have something in common with. Whether that be your flat mate whose guilty pleasure is Taylor Swift or the girl on your course whose obsessed with Gossip Girl, there is someone for everyone. 

What tips would you give to freshers on their first day?

Sian X.