General Update

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Happy Friday Everyone! Now if you can remember back to the beginning of the year I did a post about my New Years resolutions. One of the most important ones I forgot to add was my need to drive (six months too late)! Obviously living in Central London meant that there was no point in learning until I got home to rural East Bergholt, stuck with a lack of public transport and a little too much reliance on my driving friends. And so today began the start of my driving journey (cheese line, I'm sorry I had to do it). I had some lessons on and off over the past few years but this time, my lessons are relatively intensive until I pass. I've yet to pass my theory (attempt.....) so it's booked in good time for me to revise for it and my instructor seems to think I could pass my practical faster than I first realised...SCORE! My current aim is to be passed by August or at least the beginning part of the month. I'll keep you posted on my progress, fingers crossed for a first time pass!

Monday saw me taking my lovely friend Della to court for the first time. No she wasn't on trial, but she had not been locally to court before so we went to Ipswich Crown Court to watch a couple cases and boy were we lucky. We could choose between a double murder, class A drug smuggling or a brothel raid run by some Polish immigrants. Who would have thought Suffolk would have so much going on?! 

For anyone interested in watching court cases, all courts have a public gallery for individuals to watch although there may be restrictions on what you can see (usually family cases) but you can always ask at the desk and they're usually more than happy to help. If you're a Law student, I highly recommend going to court as often as you can to catch a glimpse of the sort out work you will be carrying out when you're fully qualified.

Quick tip: If you wanted to watch a juicy case (not to be too crude, remembering these are peoples lives and should be respected) then you are better off going to your local Crown Court over a Magistrates Court as indictable offences are first heard in the Crown Court. If you are able to get to London, definitely go to the Royal Courts of Justice and the Old Bailey for the high profile cases. Remember to treat the courts with the respect they deserves which means dressing appropriately (doesn't need to be smart just don't keep flesh to a minimum). You can also see Court listings for the Royal Courts of Justice online before you go.  

We decided on the double murder case which we watched all day until the court adjourned. Please bear in mind court isn't exactly how television depicts it. The beginning of a case is usually just statements read out and the foundation being laid out for the jury to understand the case better. Don't expect fireworks every time you walk in.

Afterwards, we went to Zumba, my first time; shocker for a dancer I know, but I really enjoyed it! The class was packed but it was a brilliant workout, I was sweating afterwards which is always a good sign. My gym offers zumba without having to pay an extra fee but I'm enjoying it locally and with one of my best friends so I think I'll stick to spin, pilates and a standard workout at my gym. It sounds like a lot but I'm missing Cheer much more than I thought I would and I need to lose the stone and a half I put on at uni (lost half a stone so far, one more to go!). Activities such as pilates also aids flexibility which I want to work out and I need a little more strength for stunts. I wanna fit in a tumbling class at some point but we'll see how much time driving lessons and work take up before I start anything else new.

And so we are up to date with my ever so exciting life...pun intended. I've got Hackney Weekend to look forward to on Sunday and I've got a weeks worth of work experience at 1 Hare Court starting the 25th so I'll keep you posted on how those go. That's not to mention my work experience at Birkett Long the week after, Wireless Festival and the dreaded lead up to exam results. Hopefully I'll have good news to give you on all fronts but still, I'll keep shtum until then...

xoxo



Bad Roisin...too long between posts!

I apologise profusely for my utter ineptitude at by not blogging at least ONCE last month! Please except my sincere apology....NOW WE HAVE THAT OUT OF THE WAY!

It's been a busy month in my defence...I have FINALLY caught up on all the work I missed last term (go me!) which has left me exhausted and an unsociable newt. I went out once last month for a Take Me Out night at our SU a few of my friends organised which turned out to be a really good night...here's a couple of photos from the night:

I also went to PARIS with my lovely boyfriend for our anniversary. He was a lil' overzealous with the planning (he made an itinerary for the two days we were there) which ended in sore legs and tired travellers (note to anyone wanting to be romantic in February IT'S FREAKING COLD). However, we did everything on the list (bar Notre Dame sob sob!) and we have some amazing memories...

Valentines day was taken over by cheerleading practice but I came home to the most romantic homemade meal waiting for me ♥

Following this, I had my first cheer competition! Compared to the other teams, I'm proud of the quality of our uniform and I was proud of our first attempt at competing, a good showcase for the Greenwich Mermaids:

So now you're up to date with what I've was up to last month. I promise this month I'll update more often but here is a quick recap for you all to enjoy :) I also promise to take more photos this month because I'm disappointed in my lack of photos! Until next time...

xoxo

What UCAS doesn't tell you about university

Having settled into uni, I thought this would be a good post for those who are going or thinking of going to uni in September. Now this is not to try and change anyone mind or to put anyone off going; It was the best decision I ever made, but there are things I wish I knew before I went.

#1 GET YOUR ACCOMMODATION APPLICATION IN EARLY!

I cannot stress this enough! Even if it says that rooms are not given out on a first come, first serve basis it wouldn't hurt to put your request in quickly. As soon as the option came up for me to apply for halls, I did it immediately and I was lucky enough to get good accommodation close to transport and to the uni itself. I can't guarantee that you'll get what you want first time, but if you leave it too late then you can end up with nothing (I know too many people who have had to do long commutes in their first year and believe me it's draining especially when you have 9am lectures).

#2 Buy your university items throughout the year/summer instead of leaving it all last minute

I cannot stress this enough. Not only does it spread the cost, but it gives you enough time to pick up pieces you may have forgotten. I know this as this is the mistake my brother fell into. I bought all my things throughout the summer whereas he left his until a couple of weeks before we left which left my Mum stressed out and panicked to make sure he was fully equipped. Don't forget you'll have to do a supermarket shop just before you go too so save yourself the stress and bother...and allow your parents a chance to breathe!

#3 Make the most of your friends during the summer

As much as you will all promise to visit each other, you won't as often as you want to. You're a student, you're poor, you have deadlines. Your intentions will be good but the practicalities won't always allow you to do things. Most of my friends I didn't get to see until Christmas time so I made a conscious decision to make one of my new years resolution to see them more at uni. Believe me, as much fun you will have with your new uni friends, your friends from home will always be there for you so don't forget about them.

#4 Don't be a stranger on move in day

Get a door stop and keep your door open on move in day. It's the easiest way to introduce yourself to your new flatmates. If you keep yourself locked away, it could get awkward post move in day. If you're really eager to get to know your new flatmates, offer going to the closest pub/bar/restaurant for an informal get-to-know each other evening. Everyone else will be living on their own for the first time and will be going through the same emotions as you will so having that support system in place will come in handy when you're feeling low.

#5 Freshers week

You will see the true side to the new people in your life. If you make the most of it, you will adore freshers week (freshers fortnight at some unis which is AWESOME) but you have to embrace everything that comes with it. This means going to the freshers fair (grabbing some freebies), going to the department mixers (they're definitely worth it) and trying out your SU. If you go to uni in London, your SU's may not be as good as some of your friend's further afield. The reason why is because you're in London. There is ALWAYS something to do! So many clubs, bars and student only events on various nights that it doesn't matter how good your SU is, just enjoy the city you're living in!  

#6 Lectures

As tempting as it may be, don't skip lectures. It's not worth it. Although some lecturer's will put their lecture notes/slideshows online, they will tell you more than you will get from a slideshow. Also, be careful when it comes to recording lectures. Many universities require a recording permission form to be signed before using recording devices (usually due to a disability) so no 'I'm hanging' excuses! If other people can make every lecture so can you. I know I can't talk (three 9am starts, gimme a lil' break) but I am trying to be much better. 

#7 Wikipedia will ruin your degree

Is it worth it being lazy and going to wikipedia the night before your lecture/seminar? No. As accurate as it can be sometimes, wikipedia pages get edited and messed around with on a daily basis (I have previously made up so much stuff about Charlemagne when doing my A level coursework on there so be careful Medieval History students!) so don't risk it. Whatever you do, DO NOT REFERENCE WIKIPEDIA UNLESS YOU WANT TO DROP A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF MARKS! You think I'm joking? Ask any lecturer and they'll tell you the same.

#8 Don't be too precious with your shopping

You won't be able to afford the same presents, food & clothing as you previously could (unless you have a job/healthy amount of savings). Don't beat yourself up about it, everyone understands that you're a poor student! One of my friends after rent only has £50 left of her student loan. Whatever you do, don't be too precious with food. Value food is not dirt and can sometimes be the same as the name brands for a fraction of the price. You cannot afford organic, finest food so don't try to stretch your budget...you will have other bills you didn't expect to pay.

#9 Try to buy second hand books if you can

Otherwise you will spend enough money on books to get a small european country out of debt. Some courses you can't as it changes yearly (thank you law!) but if you can buy your books cheaper from past students/uni shop then do it! You'll thank me later...

#10 Keep on top of your assignments

It is so easy to fall behind, thinking you have enough time to do it but bear in mind you have other obligations to keep such as laundry, cooking, cleaning, shopping etc. Get it over and done with and it will free up your time to do as you please.

#11 Give it time before you visit home

If you go home too early before leaving, you WILL suffer with home sickness. You'll probably be home sick regardless but it will help you immensely if you put off going home for at least two-three weeks, you'll be able to cope better when going home isn't feasible e.g. during exam times. Your family/friends/boyfriends/girlfriends will understand that you're there to work and shouldn't put any extra pressure on you. Plus it gives them more time to miss you and treat you when you're home!

#12 Family will always be there for you

I can honestly say that my family have supported me in more ways than just financially. Just talking to my Mum for 5 minutes reminds me why I am working so hard for this degree. They will keep you grounded and will reassure you regardless of what is troubling you. Don't lie to keep them from worrying about you either. Let them know now so that they can help.

#13 If you're in trouble/somethings happened, go to your university to talk to them

Be honest. The more straight forward you are to them, the better they can help you. Most lecturers are willing to support you however they can and will continuously check up on you to make up you're not struggling. However, don't take the piss. The moment you do, you've lost that support and trust which can be very damaging. For example, if a Law student is found guilty of plagiarism, they will not qualify. The Law Society will not tolerate dishonesty in the profession, therefore ruining your future career plans. Lecturers aren't stupid. They were students before too and have probably pulled the same stunts as you before you were even born. Respect their intelligence before they publicly embarrass you in the middle of a full lecture.

#14 Student Finance will drive you up the wall!

The tearful phone calls home, the screaming matches down the phone...it will happen! Especially when you have siblings at uni too, they will invariably mess up your application. You will get payments late. They will get your details wrong. You won't have enough money to survive on realistically after rent. Get over it. We've all had issues with it at least once. You just need to take a breath and know that things will eventually get sorted. Shouting to a poor representative down the phone won't make it happen any quicker. 

#15 Your sleeping pattern will be screwed

This is a given...I started writing this at 4.45am.

#16 Pranks will happen

Embrace them. You don't wanna know what we've achieved in the past four months!

#17 Don't take yourself too seriously

Or you will fall victim to #16! You think I'm joking? Believe it. Doesn't matter what degree you're doing, you will be taken down a peg or two if your flatmates think it's necessary.

#18 Halls washing machines

They like to break down more often than not. If you're lucky, you may have halls with more than three washing machines per 231 students (take note Greenwich) otherwise you will scream with frustration when people take forever to take their clothes and command the use of one machine. Have a look at nearby laundrettes on the occasion you desperately need to do a wash. Otherwise, run home for a weekend with all your dirty washing and use the laundrette of Mum.

#19 Fire alarms will ruin your life

Especially at the ungodly hours they usually decide to have a drill. You can't do anything about it. Just deal with it. Happens at whatever university you go to - prestigeous or not!

#20 Have fun!

University will be the best years of your life. Enjoy it! Get drunk, take silly photos, be hungover in your lectures (not all of them!) and try new things. You won't get this freedom again once you get settled in your career and start a family so make the most of it while you have it!  

This list isn't exhaustive and if you want more advice comment below and I'll answer any questions you have about uni in general or starting a law degree.

xoxo