LauraHadley.co.uk: uni

uni

2020 Is Approaching Us, So What Have I Achieved In The Last Decade?

At the beginning of 2010 I was 16 and about to finish the last 6 months of GCSE exams. I'd already moved to my Dad's house, had my appendix out, started a relationship with a boy I liked and mourned several people from my family in just a few close years. When I opened my exam results I was nervous, but I achieved a double A* in ICT, A's in Science, Religious Studies and Child Development, B's in English Literature, English Language and History, and C's is Spanish and Maths. At this point, I'd already decided that for my A-Levels I would choose History, Sociology and Psychology with an AS Level in English Literature. Throughout the next two years of studying those topics my baby sister Sofia was born and she is honestly the light of my life, my little best mate and she is a joy to be around. She's just turned 8 and it just shows how fast the years have gone by. I started going out drinking and had an amazing time with friends. I applied to study Law at Northumbria University and was accepted when I achieved an A in Sociology, a B in History and Psychology and a C in General Studies in my A-Levels.

I moved up to Newcastle and still managed to communicate with my little sister despite being 3 hours away from her. I met my flatmates and for the next year, they were all great friends. The closest person I became friends with was Andy, and we used to sit and watch TV together every time we couldn't be bothered to go on a night out. By two months in I knew he was someone I highly valued and was an all-round lovely person. Not long after the next semester started I ended things with boyfriend and a few months later ended up dating Andy. In our third year of uni, we got our own flat together and it tested our relationship, especially while both doing dissertations and end of year exams but it showed our strengths far more than weaknesses. We both graduated in July of 2015 and moved to my Dad's the next month.

During my uni experience, I began to develop pains in my body and couldn't decide whether it was in muscles or bones. I don't know why it had to be just one of the two but it turned out it was both plus nerve pain. After a lot of pushing to see a rheumatologist I finally was able to go and a doctor said I had Benign Joint Hypermobility Syndrome. This was an out of date term for Joint Hypermobility Syndrome but regardless I wasn't listened to properly and ended up back in the same hospital for another opinion eight months later. This doctor formally diagnosed me with Fibromyalgia and only verbally diagnosed me with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. I only found out it wasn't on my medical notes when I had a letter through the post that didn't mention it at all which only enraged me. It took until April 2018 for me to have it confirmed by a doctor and added to my medical notes. It took 4 years, which isn't even 'that' long in regards to being diagnosed with this condition. All in all, I've now been experiencing pain (I did have pain with EDS before but it was nowhere near as extreme) for over 6 years now.

An achievement that really should be highlighted is starting this blog. It began in February 2014 so we're coming up to the 6 year anniversary in a few months. I've worked with many amazing brands and PRs and although sometimes it's hard to keep up when you're in pain, I'm so thankful I can post when I can and some brands are understanding of this. I've managed to review hotels and restaurants, share my experiences of living in Liverpool and Newcastle, share holidays with people and review a lot of makeup and skincare. I'm really grateful for the opportunities I get.

Since graduating, we went to Los Angeles together as I won a competition to go which gave us a range of emotions and experiences and we'd definitely go back again. We saved up for years and finally last year we were able to buy our first home. Aside from leaving the kitchen cupboards in their place and painting them, we fitted new worktops, tiled the walls, plumbed in a new sink, changed the flooring and the result went from a dark scratched up kitchen to a bright white and grey one. We also fitted laminate flooring in four rooms of the house, dug up a fair bit of the garden, daringly painted our living room navy blue and so much more. That was a whirlwind of four months of renovation and it was so worth it. We made the decision to not have a TV in our bedroom too, to allow us to have a better nights sleep and that was another great decision for us both. Instead of having a dining room we have a creative space and beauty area room that stopped us cluttering up other rooms. Our house is our safe space and right now I don't even want to think about moving at some point.

I suppose the last big achievement for me was deciding to get married. In December 2017 Andy popped the question on a trip to Newcastle to visit for the first time since leaving. It was absolutely freezing! A year later we booked our wedding in, so in the first half of 2020, we will be getting married. Obviously, we have had to split the money between the house and the wedding, with the house being a priority, but 2020 felt about the right time for us. Not everything is sorted yet but we are most of the way there and glad we've made the majority of the decisions by ourselves. I will share a lot of the process and things like the invitation and the dress post-wedding and I'm looking forward to that too.

For things I'd like to achieve in the next decade, there's only a few things I'm certain will happen. The first will be to get our own dog. Our family dog Charlie lives with my Dad and has just turned 12 but I do miss having a dog in the house. I do think we will eventually move house in the next decade, partially for another project to work on as we love renovating, but also for a bit more space. I have my fingers crossed that I'll continue to work from home on blog things and move properly into freelance work too. We are hoping to have our honeymoon in Disneyworld in Florida but it really depends on money. We are thinking about having a 'minimoon' not long after the wedding so that if we don't get to have our dream honeymoon then at least we can have a little holiday to have a break. Aside from that, I'm not really sure what will happen.

A Guide To Northumbria University: Clearing

Although I've not been a student now for two years, I wanted to write about my experience at Northumbria University, given that it's only two months away until the Autumn semester begins. This week it's results day, and aside from those who have already chosen Northumbria as their firm or insurance choice, there is also Clearing at Northumbria University. They have a limited number of spaces for high quality students so it's well worth checking out before getting your results if you're thinking of studying there.

Northumbria University is based in Newcastle Upon Tyne in the city centre. I studied Law LLB and in my first year lived in Glenamara House with 6 other students and had an amazing time. I chose my course based upon wanting to be a solicitor (which is no longer the case) but it's taught me so many skills and it's a great course to have on your CV. Had I not had chosen Law, Marketing would have been my next choice. For accommodation, I chose to live in flats with two shared bathrooms (or a non-suite as I call it) which worked well for me and my flatmates. It was a five minute walk to lectures and a further five minutes to Primark which is basically where I spent the rest of my time. I've created plenty of posts about my time in Uni, especially since I began this blog halfway through my second year, which are linked below.

Clearing Hotline: 0800 085 1085

If you like the look of Northumbria University, here is a bit of information below about the Clearing Process.

The Process
You're eligible to go through UCAS Clearing if you're not holding any offers (firm or insurance) from your initial UCAS applications, you applied after 30th June, you do not have a confirmed place from your firm or insurance course, you've declined all of your choices or you have been declined by default, you have not withdrawn your application and have paid the full application fee of £23. If you have made a single choice application, you can pay £11 to apply to other universities through Clearing. If you're eligible for UCAS Clearing then UCAS will give you a Clearing Number which you can access by logging into your UCAS Track account.

Things you need to know before ringing up:
You have to call yourself, it cannot be someone ringing on your behalf
You have your UCAS personal ID number and your clearing number handy
You know the title and UCAS code of the course you're interested in studying
Have all the details of your qualifications which include GCSEs
Be prepared to talk to the admissions tutor and answer questions about why you want to choose this course
Have pen and paper or a laptop to take notes
Think of questions you may want to ask

If you're offered a place through Clearing you'll be notified by email, and your place is only open for 48 hours.

Accommodation
The university has over 5,000 bedrooms in their residences and are working with referral partners to ensure that they can guarantee accommodation to every student that goes through clearing. Once you accept your offer you will receive log in details to the portal where there is an accommodation widget where you can reserve a room based on your preferences. You will receive your accommodation offer within the next few days.

Posts To See
What to pack/take to uni
What it's like to live in Newcastle
Places to visit in Newcastle for students
Graduating from Northumbria University

Good luck to everyone receiving their results this week, and I hope to see you joining NU!

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Taxi Tales & Survey*

It seems mad how it was nearly a year ago that I was moving out of my uni flat and I can't believe how time has flown. Uni feels almost like I blinked and then it was gone, although I've got some good memories from being there. While thinking back I remembered about the time when we booked a taxi to get to the train station from our flat. Whenever you get into a taxi, I always wonder whether they are a talkative driver, or that you don't hear a word until it's time to tell you how much your journey has cost you. I wouldn't say I'm always going to start a conversation with the driver, but if they are easy going and started chatting away, it makes the journey so much more relaxed and less awkward.
Luckily, when we got in, the guy was so friendly and we got talking about this and that. When I asked him how his day had been and if he'd been busy, he started to explain that he was working long days as him and his girlfriend had been arguing. At first I was a little unsure where he was going with this, although soon enough it turned into a nice chat about how he could try and make things better and before you knew it I was helping out this random taxi driver and before I knew it we were at the station. Even though it was only a relatively short journey, it made me feel so much more relaxed and gave me a good start to the day, all from having a friendly chat with the driver.
Fast forward 6 months and we booked a taxi to pick us up from town. As I got in, I looked at the driver and recognised him. At the same point he came out with "have I taken you before" and the penny dropped about the last time we had seen him. We started chatting again and almost picked up from where we had left off last time. He was keen to tell us that things were much better with his girlfriend and he was starting to save up for a ring. He mentioned that as well as other money he was putting away, that every £2 coin he got from fares, he would put the ring. When we were getting to the end of the journey, I dug into my purse and randomly saw I had a few £2 coins, I felt happy that I would be able to help him save up. It felt a little weird that I wouldn't ever find out what happened when he managed to buy the ring.
A few months down the line I called a taxi after a hectic day at uni. It was the awkward moment when I felt like asking him as soon as I got in the car whether he had asked her yet. We had barely started moving and he was so excited to tell me he had bought a ring, asked her and she'd said yes. It almost felt like I was a proud parent, even though he was much older than me.
It may seem like I've been going on about randomly getting the same taxi driver and you might think it was just a coincidence. The point of my little story is that when you get a taxi, having a friendly driver who doesn't mind having a chat will make your journey so much better, and I do feel much more inclined to give a tip to give them a little extra and I often feel happier for what I've paid if they have actually made an effort to talk to you. Even the little gestures can make a big difference. I was reading a few things online about similar situations that people have been in, and I was also quite surprised at some of the results in this Taxi Survey. Being up in the north it looks like we get cheaper fares which is something i'm not going to complain about! I'm always more likely to get into the back seat of a taxi as it just feels a bit safer, although my boyfriend doesn't mind going in the front, which is reflected in the survey. When getting a taxi, I have always been more likely to call a private hire as it just seems more trustworthy and I've been overcharged in a few Hackney cabs before. Since Uber has started in Liverpool, I have started using them sometimes too, but these are similar to the private hire ones. Anyway that's enough of me rambling about my random taxi journeys, let me know in the comments if you've had any weird or funny taxi journeys before.

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Advice For Future Students & Graduates | ad

After graduating from uni last month I've been looking into continuing my uni series to help others, and as they say, a little bit of help can go a long way. There are a few things I wish I had been told about how to prepare for uni and how to prepare for my future, so here are my tips.

Visit your guidance tutor/mentor You usually get assigned a guidance tutor in your first week of uni and they're supposed to help you through university. I asked to meet my tutor over email and on both of our parts it just didn't happen. On the occasion where I emailed to ask for help he gave me an email address for someone else. This happened a lot during uni as you're expected to find answers out for yourself. If you're struggling with writing (not learning) then seeing your guidance tutor is probably the best thing to do.
Understanding things This links to the first point - going over things by yourself and with others can help a lot. Having a study group or a revision session with people can clear up questions you have in your head that may not be answered by your tutors. Your guidance tutor may point you in the right direction but the best advice would be to ask a friend, and if they don't know then you can work out the answer together.
Ask for help Aside from tutors and friends there are people on campus to help. There are older students who work with younger students who can give advice, there should be a counselling office where you can get help and a disability office too. If you need advice with money, extenuating circumstances with exams/coursework or you just need a bit of friendly advice - they are the best people to turn to. Once daytime ends and the offices close, if you find yourself in need then a lot of universities have a phone service where volunteers can answer your questions, however serious they may be. The 'real' world may not take things like mental health seriously but there is a high chance your uni will, so don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
Fix your CV I can't stress how important it is to have your CV up to date with your education, skills and hobbies, especially when it comes to your final year. The graduate schemes go online for application from September onwards and you may only have a few weeks to apply. This an be tricky when you're balancing assignments and Winter exams. If you keep it up to date every few months then you're less likely to miss those job application deadlines, in turn keeping you a little more relaxed. There should be a careers adviser on campus so see them if you're struggling.
Look for a job early Again, this goes with the above point. I've graduated with no career to go into and now have to wait until Autumn to apply for graduate jobs for the following year, whilst trying to find work to tide me over until then. Don't wait until you find your results out to apply for jobs. The earlier you apply, the stress is off your back for a while and it makes a good impression to future employers if you get your application in quick. I know a lot of graduates that struggle to find jobs because there are simply not enough, but if you get stuck in my situation then don't give up hope. You'll find your feet.
Here's an example of how you can get help in uni:

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My University Bucket List

I started Northumbria University in September 2012 and made a bucket list on paper and promised myself to do it. It was roughly 20 things and I wanted to achieve them by the time I graduated. Well, I graduated on the 9th July and I thought I'd see if I had completed everything I set out to do.. I thought I'd show you some of my list here. If you enjoy reading uni posts then I have some here such as Exam Tips and What To Take To Uni.

The List

1. Join the uni gym

So this only happened today! I signed up for 3.5 months for the remainder of my time in Newcastle for a membership at the uni gym. Not only is this to work out but to also go swimming, use the climbing wall and go to classes. I feel like a new person.

2. Get to grips with the new place

I definitely feel like I know Newcastle a lot more than I previously did. The only thing I knew prior to moving here was what happened on Geordie Shore... not the most credible source for information.

3. Make friends

I have written previous posts on bullying in my time at uni, but one thing I learned was that I can have people who are friendly and do care for me. I was treated quite badly in my second year at university for no particular reason in my shared house but since moving out my whole outlook on life has changed. I seem to have shaken the majority of my depression and I'm not as anxious. I went up to people and spoke to them and I made some close friends and some course friends.

4. Get a 2:1 in some assignments

After getting ABB in my A-levels I set myself a goal to gain some 2:1s in some assignments. There haven't been many but you know what, a law degree is hard work and is difficult to get your head around especially when there are external things going on. I've learned to be proud of all my grades.

5. Do something I would have never agreed to before

I went to a Benefit Cosmetics event with my uni friend Katie which I wouldn't have done before uni since I didn't have to confidence to. I went to a networking event with my course and met people who would have previously intimidated me. I also went on some mad nights out that I definitely would have agreed to.

6. Go to a lecture alone

I only succeeded in this in my final year! If my friends weren't going to a lecture I would head to the computers to do work, but picking modules alone meant that if I didn't go to the lectures then I wouldn't be able to complete my work. This was a huge step and I'm so proud that I accomplished it. It may seem little to some, but anxiety doesn't half surprise you.

7. Expand my cooking skills

I wasn't one of those people who believes they can't even make toast or use a microwave, I used to cook for myself a fair bit at home. But I wanted to learn to cook from scratch. Not to use a jar for my pasta, not to heat up a pizza and to make a gorgeous curry using tons of spices and herbs. And I did it. I love cooking even more now and would happily spend hours in the kitchen.

8. Go out in fancy dress

I went out as Spiderwoman, a dead ragdoll, a school girl, a dead bo peep and then some in first year!

9. Go out in a different city

I went out in Leeds in first year with friends which was completely different to Newcastle. A club inside an old church, the SU actually having a really good club and obscure pre-drink games.

10. Start off a new life

This wasn't completely intentional. I wanted to know what I wanted to do with my life, create some certainty and develop as a person. I never intended to meet someone and want a future with them, but I did. That person is Andy from Andrewmarksmith.co.uk and he is fab! Needless to say, I have still never kissed a random person in a club, nor had a one night stand because it just never happened. I'm so thankful anyway!

11. Have an amazing night out

I've been out when it's snowing, where there are stage games, seen people like Fatman Scoop and Verne Troyer. There have been nights where I've sang until my heart is content, or nights where I've had a right laugh. There is the occasional "screw this, let's get a subway" kind of night but they're still good nonetheless.

12. Complete a dissertation

I did it! And I'm so glad I never have to do it again. It was more enjoyable that my other modules since you got a bit stuck in, but the amount of proofreading, rewording, restructuring... Not worth the stress it put on my body!

13. Go to the SU

I have done - in first year. I don't think Northumbria's SU is anywhere near as good as other uni's like Leeds (where they have their own club inside!). I wish ours was bigger with more on than just the odd quiz or football match that I would never go to.

14. Get a job

Kind of true. I had a job at the end of my first year back home for a few months which was good but couldn't transfer back up to uni as it was too far away from where I was staying. I did also be one of those promotional flyer people outside a club for all of two nights before I decided that my 9am lectures were suffering and it wasn't worth being groped by drunk men for £12.50 a night.

15. Get out of my comfort zone

I did things I wouldn't have normally done, but not to extreme levels. I got the metro by myself (to a job interview, see I tried!) before I understood which route to take. Bare in mind I despise getting the bus into town at home, so this was a good step in the right direction. I even got a 4 hour train from Newcastle to Liverpool by myself which was something I really wasn't expecting to do (for some reason I didn't think during uni I would come home, including Christmas?!). I've met some lovely people by going up to them and starting a conversation, with pre-uni Laura seeming completely out of the picture.

16. Travel further outside of Newcastle

With Andy, I have been to Edinburgh for the day, been on day trips to Sunderland and Gateshead and even gone to conduct research for his dissertation in the Lake District for a week. Can definitely tick off this box!

17. Develop career skills

Not only did I learn to network due to being a law student, I feel I have learned more interpersonal skills and confidence. I don't feel nervous going into interviews anywhere near as much and I can sit down and solve a strangers problem at ease. I've given legal advice to other bloggers and to family. I've learned to think from different perspectives and not get wound up as I used to. I think my whole personality has developed and I'm a much more well rounded person.

18. Expand my love of writing

Here is the proof! I've been writing my blog for exactly half the time I spent in university. I've definitely expanded my skill set and I'm loving every minute.

19. Get to know myself a little better

Not like what you're thinking. I always used to doubt myself and be unsure of whether I was really being "me". I learned to not care as much what other people thought of me (including bullies) and really be who I want to be.

20. Figure out my future

Still need to decide what I want to do! The ultimate dream would be to work in fashion/beauty in magazines or online stores but this isn't achievable at the moment. For now, the job search is on and I'm hoping I'll get through the next round of graduate jobs to start working in a scheme in September 2016. Once I've returned to Liverpool properly after my holiday to Spain I'll be applying for retail jobs to pass the year by.

I ticked off all but one, typical!
Do you have a bucket list?
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I'm A Graduate!

You may have noticed I've been a little absent on my blog and social media the past week. It's been a busy week to say the least, because I graduated! I'm glad to be back blogging but I thought I'd fill you in on my week.

On Wednesday my family came around for dinner in mine and Andy's flat before going to their hotel (my nan stayed over with us) and we were tired from making sure the flat and ourselves were presentable. On Thursday I was up at 6am to start my hair and makeup. I originally planned on wearing my Hair Trade Extensions but it would have been too much messing around and went for straight hair. It was a small hassle to say the least when you have no idea where to collect your robes from, where you have to get your photo taken and which entrance you have to go through to graduate. My little sister has broken her leg too so we had to make sure my family had disabled access as she is in a wheelchair. Eventually, I graduated - I'm officially Laura Hadley LLB (Hons)!

After a quiet celebration with my family and Andy, we had to have an early night because it was his graduation on Friday. Luckily we weren't up as early as he had an afternoon graduation and we now knew exactly where to go to find his robes etc. At about 2:15 Andy graduated and is now Andrew Mark Smith BSc (Hons)! I'm so proud of both of us for getting our way through uni whilst dealing with some personal things at the same time.

Now for the next chapter of our lives. For now, we're both moving in with my family in Liverpool and will begin the job hunt from there. Andy knows what he wants from a career and will be utilizing his degree whereas I want nothing to do with Law as far as a job is concerned. Once we have saved enough we will be renting a house together and after that, another chapter will begin! We aren't those typical advertisements of graduates who can jump straight into a job and apartment straight from the university because these days that is a difficult job. We know that we both would love to work in the North West with dreams to tour America one day. We know exactly what we want from life and have done since the day we became a couple. Whilst we're open to suggestions it's safe to say we have it sussed. The summer will be spent enjoying a break from exams and dissertations and with a supportive family, we can slowly ease ourselves into graduate employment without the stress that really isn't needed.

I'm looking forward to the next chapter. It feels like I've been Andy's girlfriend for eternity and as soppy as it sounds, I'm loving every minute. It's not often these days you can genuinely not fault your other half. I didn't come to uni to find a boyfriend. I originally came to uni to train to be a solicitor and gain a Masters in Law. I dropped a year off so I gained the traditional Bachelors of Laws and I no longer want to go into that field. The best thing I gained from uni was my boyfriend and I'm thoroughly looking forward for us to continue our lives together.

Good luck to anyone graduating or receiving results this summer!

What To Take To Uni

As I've not long finished my second year at uni, and I know how much I googled what I needed to pack to take to uni, what experiences to look out for and how to meet new people, I though it would be a good idea to make a checklist that personally helped me! This may be a bit of a long one, but it will be worth it! I am doing a Uni series at the moment, something a little different to my usual beauty and fashion posts, so keep your eyes peeled! If you're looking for a list of things you should experience during your time at uni, have a look at my Bucket List post.

For when you arrive:

Some people bring with them a gesture like cakes, drinks etc to welcome everybody into their new student accommodation. If your baking is good then definitely make something nice for people as it makes a good impression! You don't have to do this, but I did and it was a conversation starter to help ease myself into living with strangers.

Electricals:

Laptop, with charger and bag.
Extension leads must be safe, with surge protection.
A printer if you think you will print a lot out - very handy. (+ ink)
Digital camera for photos.
A spare 'rubbish' phone. So many people lose their phones on nights out, have a spare!
Chargers for any electrical devices.
Speakers/docking station - plug in your ipod/phone during pre-drinks.
HDMI/VGA cables for connecting laptops to monitors/tvs
TV - check if you need a tv license though!
Headphones.
Games consoles with multiple controllers.

Clothes/Shoes:

Guys, you will come back to uni multiple times before the end of the year. You don't need to pack all of your summer items when you move up in September/October. Pack most of the things you will wear, but do leave things at home!

If you're moving to a potentially cold city, bring some winter warmers!
Ice proof shoes to walk to uni in, wellies won't cut it!
Fancy dress items for Halloween and freshers parties.
Clothes to go out in ("clubbing clothes").
Thick socks for when it's freezing.
Gym/sports clothes.
Waterproof coat/Jacket.
Dressing gown and slippers - a must for when the fire alarm goes off at 4am (horrible, I know).
Smart clothes for possible job interviews etc.

For your bedroom:

Buy a mattress protector, you will be sleeping where a previous student has before!
Bring a double duvet even if you have a single bed to sleep in. It is worth it, trust me.
Possibly bring two duvets - one thin and one thick.
Pillows; pillowcases + spares (in case someone stays over)
Bring printed photos for your walls, along with decorative items like bunting, fake flowers, etc.
Posters and blu tac/white tac.
Blankets for when it's cold.
Cushions for your bed (decorative) and for your desk chair in case it isn't comfortable.
Sheets for your bed x4/5. Drinks get spilled, as does makeup when you don't pay attention!
Door wedge - so handy for getting ready for a night out or just not being completely anti-social.
Hot water bottle for those chilly nights.
Rubbish bin for those clothes tags you'll throw away from spending your loan.
Small rug.
Fairy lights to make everything look pretty!
Febreeze - to keep everything fresh!

For Laundry:

Hamper for clothes
A bag to carry dirty clothes in to the washing machine and back.
Clothes maiden for drying if you don't use a tumble dryer.
Washing powder, softener, drying sheets.

For the kitchen:

You won't necessarily need all of these, depending on your student accommodation. Check your halls website page to see what is already there.

Frying pans, saucepans, woks.
Microwaveable bowls/plates, for all those noodles you'll be eating..
Enough cutlery for you and a few others, in case you lose some or have friends over.
Plates and bowls to eat out of, you won't be eating takeaways every day!
Kitchen scissors, knives, wooden spoons, spatulas.
Colanders and sieves for draining water or sieving flour.
Plastic cups, mugs and throwaway cups (get 100 from the Pound stores for pre-drinks).
Straws for pre drinks if you wish.
Baking utensils, if you're into that sort of thing. I was baking multiple times a week at one point.
Toaster, kettle, coffee maker, toastie maker.
For roast dinners - masher, roasting trays, steamer.
Cheese graters, measuring jugs, pizza cutters, peelers.
Tuppawear boxes, cling film, foil, baking paper.
Washing up liquid, tea towels, scourers, bin bags, oven gloves
Bottle openers!
Chopping boards.
Shot glasses, wine glasses, pint glasses.
Coffee, tea, sugar, hot chocolate etc.

For the bathroom:

I don't know if you will have a shared bathroom (I did) or have your own en suite. Regardless of this, you will most probably have to share a bathroom in 2nd and 3rd years!

Towels, hand towels, face cloth, shower cap.
Try and stock up on a few shower gels, shampoos, conditioners and even razors before you go!
Hand soap - preferably in liquid form as bars can go a bit gross (in my opinion!).
Face wash/personal hygiene essentials.
Contraceptives - need I explain?
Hairbrush, combs, clips etc.
Hair styling products/electricals.
Shaving essentials - nobody likes hairy legs!
Make up remover - so important!
Bath mats.

To take to Lectures/Seminars:

A lot of A4 pads and biros for note taking
Highlighters - I used so many, especially for revision.
If you're bringing a laptop/tablet, bring a charger!
Big ring binders to file your work in.
A water bottle - most unis will have water fountains/dispensers and it means no buying Coke!
Dictaphone - you must get permission from the tutor first though.
Stapler and hole puncher - you can buy mini versions for on-the-go use.
Pen drive/personal hard drive. I have 'saved' work and gotten home and it have disappeared.
Tippex if you can't stand a messy page.
Mini calendar/diary - don't rely on just remembering something important.

Important Extras:

Passport, drivers licence, NHS card, NI card.
Any uni conformation letters, contracts, event info.
Discount cards - 16-25 Railcard, NUS card etc.
CV and references if you wish to get a job.
CRB check if required for your course.
Holdall for weekends home or trips to see friends.
Sewing kit - my leggings rip so easy!

It seems like a huge list but remember, you will be living in uni until you graduate! These are just the things I would personally take, but be cautious on how you're going to get everything to your halls! Good luck to all those on their way to uni! If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below.

Update

Hey guys. I know I've been posting daily for a little while, and I'm trying to carry this on, but I thought I'd just let you all know what I have planned so if you wonder why I haven't posted soon this is why:

Up until 4th April: Coursework

12-15 April: Anniversary in York

Whole of May: Exams :(

9-13 June: Lake District

16-20 June: Center Parcs

I will try to get as many posts up as I can, and for when I'm away and cannot get to a laptop I will try to schedule posts! I'm really appreciative of the support I have received lately; it's so nice for other people to admire your work.

In case I can't post tomorrow, I hope you all have a lovely weekend! If anyone wants a chat I'll be on Twitter @Bvelvetlover

BVL

xxx

50 Facts About Me

I've not actually been tagged to do this post, but I thought it would mix it up a little.This is because I've ordered the Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation but it isn't due to arrive until next Wednesday, so I thought it would be fun to do a more personal post until I think of something else to blog about! If you want to do this tag yourself, then I tag YOU!.

#1 I am a natural blonde

#2 I am short-average at 5ft 4"

#3 I am originally from Liverpool

#4 In total I used to have 5 piercings (3 lobes, stomach, cartilage) but I now only have my lobes done

#5 I love baking

#6 I am a dog person, definitely not a cat person

#7 I have a sister and a brother

#8 My favourite drink is milkshake

#9 My favourite colour is blue

#10 I am a law student

#11 I would love for my career to be in fashion/beauty/business/marketing etc, NOT law

#12 I am 20 years old

#13 I've not been abroad in 3 years and it makes me so sad!

#14 I am open to trying new products and going out of my comfort zone

#15 I seem to feel the cold very easily, you'll see me wrapped up a lot

#16 I'm going to Paris for the first time in October for mine/my boyfriends 21st birthday and I am beyond excited!

#17 When I'm bored, I go on Topshop and add everything I love to the basket, then close the tab. It just passes time when I'm procrastinating :')

#18 My favourite author is Richard Montanari. If you love crime/thriller books then check his Byrne/Bolzano character series out. I'm hooked.

#19 I hiccup EVERY day. People pick up on it and laugh but I guess it's just a unique quirk.

#20 I previously had a part time job in a Bowling Alley, but now I'm looking for a job over summer or an internship... help me?

#21 I've never climbed a tree before. Seriously feel like I'm missing out

#22 My hair is naturally curly, so when I first had a significant amount of hair it looked cute.

#23 As I have blonde eyebrows, I have to fill mine in to avoid pictures taken with flash making me look like an alien. Drives me mad.

#24 I live, for the time being, in Newcastle Upon Tyne, and I love the city.

#25 My nan really helped bring me up and she was basically like a mother to me. I love her so much.

#26 I don't like having my feet out or looking at other people's feet. It's weird.

#27 Cider and Sourz make me feel really ill and vomit, they don't seem to have any effect on making me feel drunk whatsoever

#28 If I'm not going out that day, I'll shower and put fresh pjs on and wear them all day. I'm such a comfy person

#29 I've dyed my hair so many weird colours and got judged for it. Today I'm growing my light blonde dye out and trying to help my hair by not dying it for a good while. I am starting to question why I first dyed my hair in the first place!

#30 Toffee things are my fave. Aside banoffee pie, that's gross.

#31 During the night I am spooked quite easily. I'm scared of the possibility of ghosts or anything happening in the dark. Yes I'm 20 and I still hate the dark.

#32 My boyfriend is exactly 1ft taller than me. I look so teeny next to him!

#33 I love sausages

#34 I have an allergy/intolerance to bananas. Don't know which but they make me burn up and feel dizzy even if I don't know someone is eating them.

#35 I adore Pandas. I went to Edinburgh to see the two they have there and I could have cried. They were so adorable.

#36 My little sister can't pronounce my name properly yet (being 2) and calls me 'Lawa'

#37 I've been bullied multiple times in the past and it has made me a stronger person. Yes people's opinions get to me quite easily but I try to move on from it and grow as a person.

#38 My fave tv shows are Lie to Me, Dexter, The Walking Dead, Pretty Little Liars, Waterloo Road, and Don't Tell the Bride.

#39 I get to upgrade my phone contract in 1 month (to the day) and I am counting down the days. Hello new phone!

#40 I am having a minor operation next month, that I've already had before 3 times. Hopefully this is the last one.

#41 I tend to have to hold back from correcting people's grammar, as I know I'm just being picky.

#42 I have never been happier than I am with my boyfriend. He picked me up when I was truly lost and I owe him everything I have for that.

#43 I find it really difficult to accept a compliment

#44 My chest is not in proportion to my body, so wearing jumpers makes me look 1-2 sizes bigger and it annoys me so much!

#45 I love a good cup of tea. With two sugars. Always two sugars.

#46 I have no time for attention seekers unless they are in need of help. Honesty is key in life and if you fake it you'll never be happy.

#47 I want to name my future children (out of the selection of) Amelia Grace, Poppy Taylor, Annabelle, Isabella, Benjamin, Isaac, Noah, Oscar..

#48 I don't care for coffee. It is too bitter for my taste as I have a major sweet tooth.

#49 My favourite fabrics are velvet (obviously) and lace.

#50 I never knew what the Channel Tunnel's purpose was. I got laughed at. A lot.

I tag anyone to do this, it took some time but it was fun! Mix it up a little :)

xxx

Living in Newcastle

Most of you won't know, but I'm currently studying in Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK. I'm originally from Liverpool, and chose a city that I thought wouldn't be too different from where I'm from. How wrong was I! It is so different, but for all the right reasons.

This is the river Ouseburn, which is 5 minutes away from my student house. It is my boyfriend and I's "spot" where we sit and chat on the edge of the river, eating our lunch. It's such a break away from the city and you wouldn't suspect it would be close to student houses.

Now little did I know, if I carried on walking for 5 minutes, you end up in Jesmond Dene. It is an amazing park with a little "Pets Corner" with sheep, goats, rabbits etc! It also has this amazing waterfall which is part of the river. We came on a day where it wasn't that sunny (being February) and wasn't far from sunset, so I can't wait to go out in the sun.

I also love the Quayside. It has some hotels, restaurants and a lovely ice cream place! It's where Andy asked me to officially be his girlfriend and it just holds so many memories. It's beautiful at all times of the day and connects Newcastle to Gateshead.

I love coming here at night. It does get quite cold but seeing the lights makes it worthwhile. If you ever want to visit Newcastle don't be afraid to ask me anything! I love being a city gal, a little town would be so different for me I wouldn't be able to cope! Anyway I hope you enjoyed a little insight to where I live.