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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!

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Exam Tips & Advice

Both my brother and my sister-in-law are studying for exams in school, and with myself and Andy have just completed our degrees in Law LLB and Geography BSc, I thought it would be useful to anyone studying for any type of exam to know some tips and tricks.

Identify your study method

Not everyone can write out word for word what they have learned. Not everyone can just read a book and intake all of that information. Not everyone can make a colourful mind map full of neon highlighter and squiggly lines. Do what is best for you. I found that mixing up reading, writing out and colourful mind maps helped me the most. Don't spend a whole day making mind maps if you won't be able to read them later or it won't really help. Don't read a book page to page if it won't help. Sit down and think about how you would prefer to revise.

Get up early

The earlier you get up (reasonable of course) the better. Most people are productive in the mornings which tends to reduce as the day goes on. Apart from this, you have more of the day. If you don't get up until midday you have lost 1/3 of your day which I can imagine will lead to added stress as time goes on. Little things like that can add up, and you want to do the best you can possibly do to get yourself the best grade.

Reduce distractions

Turn your phone notifications off for social media and games. You can check your phone in the breaks. If you have it next to you and your Instagram is going off every 5 minutes because someone has liked your photo is really won't help your revision nor your motivation. There's nothing wrong with having breaks, whether it be every hour for 5 minutes or every 4 hours for 1 hour. Just don't spend every other minute on your phone. Trust me, Youtube and Twitter were limited because I could spend a lifetime on them.

Narrow it down

Start off with a plan on what topics you're revising and what they include. Start revising all the information in your chosen method. As time goes on you can reduce this information into bullet points with sub bullet points. A few days before the exam reduce the information into the key points you need i.e. paragraph titles. You will be able to reel off information from the main points.

Teach somebody

Even if the person isn't studying what you're studying, or they are a parent or friend etc, "teaching" them is a really good method to get the information into your head without you trying to cram information in and get stressed about it. As long as they respond to you when you "teach" them (otherwise you're just talking at them) it should go in. The more you teach, the more you will learn. Mostly likely they will also know the information afterwards too, so teaching with people studying the same subject can help too.

Question, question, question

Asking somebody you know to ask you questions that you can answer will help identify what you know, and what you don't know. You can do this at any point during revision. I used to do it a few days before and the night before, just to make sure I was constantly answering the questions. I find this is another great way to revise since you can ask the person questioning you to pick topics at random so you aren't used to answering them in a set order, since an exam may not flow in the way you've been taught.

Practice

Not only is this to make sure you are reading the question properly (is it a problem question, an essay, a small answer or something else?) but to get into the habit of doing questions. The more you practice, the more you get to grips with how the exam works and your timing. Even if you answer in bullet points or abbreviations it still helps. Better yet, ask a teacher/tutor to mark a practice answer to identify where your faults are. The sooner you identify your weaknesses the sooner you can fix them.

Remind yourself of its importance

This will keep you motivated. My last exam was worth 100% of a 30 credit module out of 120 credits for the year. This means after my dissertation, it was my second biggest module of the year, so revising for my exam was vital as after that, nothing else counted towards my final degree classification. I made sure I worked hard to know the information and practice writing past paper questions out so I could do the best of my ability.

Best of luck to everyone studying for exams and handing in assignments!

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10 Tips for Travelling Home for Christmas

Hey Guys, I'm travelling from Newcastle where I stay during Uni, to Liverpool (my home town). If you're getting a train, I follow my little checklist to make sure I'm travelling stress-free, especially during the festive season. Follow these tips and you can too!

1. Pack your bags well When travelling home for Christmas, everyone will be rushing and throwing as many things into a bag as possible. Pack wisely with only the things you need, it won't be as heavy to carry!
2. Choose your bags wisely So many people will take a large suitcase with them and try to cram them all into the luggage compartment on the train. Why not choose 2 small holdalls instead of one large one. You can fit them into the overhead storage without taking too much space.
3. Book tickets in advance There's nothing worse than getting to the train station on time and seeing a huge queue for the ticket machines. If you book your ticket in advance, you can get tickets posted home, print them out yourself or pick them up from a machine a few hours after you've bought them. If you happen to be near your train station days before your trip, you can pick them up then, meaning less of a rush on the day.
4. Get cheaper tickets If you book in advance online, you can see the prices of the tickets. This means you can pick the cheapest tickets available to your suitability. Sometimes it is cheaper to buy 2 singles than a return, so buying in advance is a huge life saver. Don't forget, if you have a railcard you can use it to book tickets online, saving about 1/3 of the price too.
5. Get a reservation Booking as early as possible (usually about 12 weeks in advance) means you can get first picks of the seats. You can choose a normal seat or table seat, and aisle or window seat. I personally always go for a table seat at the window as I do uni work whilst I travel. Having your own reservation means that no matter what, that specific seat is yours for the journey. It means less rush during busy Christmas travelling times as you don't have to scramble to find a free seat, and you don't sit in someone else's reserved seat. I can't got on a train journey without a reservation!
6. Arrive 15-20 minutes early You're at the station and need to find your platform with 2 minutes until the train leaves. You have to go through the ticket barrier and then onto the platform, which could be a few minutes away. There are loads of people looking to find their train. Then you miss it. Arriving about 20 minutes before my train means that I can grab any drinks/snacks before I leave, and I'm ready to board the train as soon as the doors are open. Christmas time is usually incredibly busy, so allowing yourself as much time as possible to get to your platform is a ticket to stress-free travel.
7. Don't forget to pack your presents You can't arrive home without the presents you've carefully wrapped and added a sparkly bow to can you? If you have a lot, try to make sure any fragile gifts are in between your warm jumper in your bag to keep them protected. If you plan on taking gift bags home, flat pack them in your luggage and re-pack them into their gift bags at home. You don't want them to be creased on Christmas Day.
8. Grab a hot drink and some food In most train stations there are usually a variety of little shops like Costa, Starbucks, Pumpkin etc that you can buy a hot drink and some food from. Some trains don't have food trolleys to buy things from, as they don't always have a huge selection. You can get your festive food and hot chocolates from stores in the station and carry them onto the train with you. Just remember to put the rubbish in the bins located on the trains or in the station when you're done.
9. Add Christmas songs to your phone/iPod The train is loud and you want a peaceful journey back home, ready to see your family and friends. Why not make a playlist filled with your favourite Christmas songs to listen to on the way back. Just don't forget your headphones!
10. Get the National Rail App No matter where you're travelling, you can track your train journey with this handy app. If there is a delay, you can see even when you're mid way through your journey, how long the delay may be. This is handy if someone is picking you up from the end point station as you can update them with what time to arrive there to greet you. It also sometimes tells you which platform you will get off at, so if you know the train station well, you'll know how long it will take you to get from the platform to the exit. Particularly handy in Liverpool Lime Street Station as there are 3 different sets of platforms (Wirral line, Plat 1-6 enclosed and Plat 7-9 near some shops and the exit).    I hope you enjoy these tips! I'll be travelling via First Transpennine Express* this Christmas, where you can find cheaper tickets online. On the home page, you can find their 'best fares' and their student offers which are quite handy. Their destinations include Newcastle, Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Edinburgh, Sheffield, York and many more. This means that you can visit the Manchester Christmas Market with a cheap ticket too!

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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.

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