The Little Things

I finally have internet in my new uni house and can get back into the stride of blogging again. I have missed it and it's been a little strange being away for just over a week, but now that I'm back at uni and everything is back in the full swing, blogging is definitely back to being part of my routine. 

The fact I've moved back to uni away from home (and some of you probably have too) means we can miss those little things that make us happy at home.

For me, I miss things like the cushions on my bed, having my work/ drawers arranged in a way I know and love. My back garden where I can play with my dog. Of course I can't have all of these things with me (the garden would be pretty tricky) but I tend to take note of little things at my new house that make me happy and remind me of home. For example, the sound of a door closing, the smell of a perfume or finding a stray dog hair on one of my clothes. All of these kinds of things can remind you that home, is only a phone call, train journey or car ride away and uplifting things are all around us. 

So as my first post back at uni, I want you guys to take more notice of the little things that make you happy. The taste of your favourite food, an outfit someone special bought you or a flower you see on your travels. I've really realised living in my house that little things truly do make me happy and that this really is the bigger picture. The little things.

Thanks for reading.

G x

Uni. Homeware

I'm returning to uni for my second year on sunday and I have to say I am more then ready to to move back out. Yesterday I took it upon myself to go buy a few little bits of homeware pieces. Since I am now living with people I have chosen to live with, the level of trust between housemates has risen, so I felt like I could buy a few nicer pieces to take with me. 

I'll tell you a little story about my first year to begin. I started the year with 2 dinner plates, 2 side plates, 2 bowls, 3 forks, 3 knives, 2 tablespoons and 2 teaspoons. So your average set of crockery and cutlery yes?

Lets fast forward to the end of first year and what I am left with. A plate, and about 7 different spoons. So my spoons breaded and the rest of the group decided to wonder off and not return. Each to their own. So as you can tell, I was in need of a shop. 

I headed to Debenhams for a couple of dinner and side plates. Accidentally bought a mug as well. I'm a sucker for a good homeware store so not having a very friendly budget and being in these kinds of stores can be somewhat torturous. However I found these mint coloured plates (gorgeous) for £7 each and the bowls £5 each.  And it just so happens the mug matches perfectly. I love when a plan comes together.

These are like the cutest cutlery set. They were £12 from Next. They come in red too but for me that was a bit too much with the hearts as well. These will not be wondering off this year, and if they do, I will hunt them down and kick their ass (Friends reference there).

I'm all about that variety life when it comes to mugs and boy did I achieve that. I didn't buy all these at once but I wouldn't say no if I saw them all at the same time. 

1) Heart Mug - Debenhams

2) Walls Ice Cream Tin Cup - Lakeland (no longer sold)

3) Green/ Turqoise Mug - Tesco

4) Union Jack Cup - Given as a gift (£3 in store)

5) White Spotty Mug - Given as Gift

6) Eeyore mug - Given as gift

Thanks for reading.

G x

Fresher Lessons

Greetings!

If you saw on my twitter last night then you will have seen that this post is going to be about university. I'm about to enter my second year at uni and it's gone extremely quickly. So i thought I'd share some of the things I learnt. I'm not going to talk about the educational side to this because you obviously go to uni for the education so it goes without saying. I'm going to tell you about the other side to the experience. 

I know what you're thinking, why talk about this now when applications have already been sent and offers are being made. Well, if you're thinking about uni as an option for next year then start looking now. I started over a year in advance and I'm so glad I did as my course decision changed, my whole view on going to uni changed a few times so it gave me time to have allll the emotions towards the situation before coming to final decisions. Cos believe me, you do not want to rush into this kind of thing. Anyways, on with a few more fun things.

Personally I think it is, in a way, a chance to start your life again. You'll be meeting new people left, right and centre. They have no idea who you are so you can finally be the person you want to be. You haven't been put into a certain kind of clique like high school does. You are you, a fresh new page for you scribble all over. I've definitely changed, for the better may I add. So go ahead, be the person who doesn't give a shit what people think.

You're going to learn so much, not necessarily eduction wise but things like how to be more sociable, being more confident in yourself, independence and how to use a washing machine. I think that for me, the independence was the most exciting. I feel more like myself being responsible for myself. Obviously it's nice having your mum or dad doing things for you but you will have to master this learning curve at some point. Yes it can be scary and daunting being thrown into this new environment where you are your own responsibility, but once you've learnt (and you will quickly) I think it feels so rewarding knowing that you can balance looking after yourself, keeping things in check, and trying to get a degree as well. I mean, that's a big achievement. 

The next point I will admit I'm not the best at doing but I'm going to try harder with it in my second year. Saving money. Student budgets aren't exactly the friendliest of budgets but you will learn how to allow yourself to spend it. Like me for example, £20 a week on a food shop, £10 a week for a night out and £10 a week to treat myself/ put into savings. It'll work out eventually. But then you've got that student loan coming in. I mean I've never had that much money in one go before and it can be a bit daunting. This is where i'm guilty of spending too much on things I don't actually need. Clothes manly. This year is going to be a different story however. I've had the novelty of having this money and spending spending spending. It's time to get serious and lock down on my savings. It'll be important to save in the long run and it goes hand in hand with responsibility and independence. Must learn at the end of the day. 

I hope this has given some kind of insight into the uni world. Whether you're going to start this september or starting next year. Thought I would share a few pictures of my first year to see what you could be letting yourself in for. It's all good fun. (There's quite a few pics). Enjoy!

First semester I had a trip to Italy. This is when I bonded with my friends. Great trip.

Guilty of being drunk and getting on a rogue motorbike.

Halloweeeen! Weird, fun, interesting night. Beware, don't leave your drinks unattended. And don't minesweep!

Christmas in the flat!

Embarrassing snap chats you wish you could unsend. 

Decorating other peoples doors/ rooms. 

Findind amazing swings in a hidden park!

Awks….

Impromtu barbecues. Last one before summer. Emotions!

I hope y'all liked this post, found it useful or just laughed at some of the pictures. 

Till next time.

G x