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



SEE YOU LATER FIRST YEAR...hello resits!

So I've finally finished my first year of uni! It was much better than I thought it would be. I've made a really good group of friends since going there, especially the people on my course and my lovely Mermaids with a sprinkle of extra lovelies to include! What makes it even better is that we still have another two years to go! There have been good times and some less than good times, but let's hope for less of the latter this following year. Celebratory drinks seemed to span well over three days (but why count my happiness in numerical form?) but they were well deserved.

I know for a fact I will have a few resits to look forward to in August due to missing so much last year (no freakin' way am I retaking the year!) but I'm hoping that my friends who I know have worked their arses off sail through this year comfortably...if not, I'll be annoying you with my endless pleas for help!

To all my friends and family at home, I'm soooo excited to see you all and spend the summer making cocktails in the sun (a girl can hope) and celebrating the many birthdays coming up!

I wish everyone the good results they deserve and hope you all have a great summer, I know I will!

Heres some select few photos from the past few days...no apologies, they're gold!





xoxo

Dear 16 Year Old Me

I am aware I haven't blogged in a long time with exams at the moment so please bear with me, I will be up to my blogging self soon! However, I saw this tag on BubzBeauty blog and she was so refreshingly honest that I thought I would do the same.

Dear 16 year old me,

Well you've gone and fucked up your knee again! This is a common reoccurance throughout your life, don't worry so much about it though, you do rugby (yes, full contact) at sixth form and start cheerleading at university so don't let it hold you back now. Although I will admit, the full leg cast they put on you is horrendous to wear and you'll go around school in a wheelchair (note: do not let anyone push you on it!)

Don't fret about having a boyfriend now. I know the comments that a certain person made a year previously still runs around your head but it's not true. Instead, she ends up doing everything she told you not to do and you have a perfectly intact reputation in that sense. Keep it up. Keep spending time with ALL your friends,  believe it or not, you will keep in contact with a good chunk of them even whilst you're all on separate sides of the country. You will need them and they will come with arms wide open. Cherish that. Ohh, and that slimey ex of yours will falsify something that happened at a party with you. He subsequently falls of the face of the social earth so I wouldn't worry too much about it.

Prom will be the most amazing night of your 16 year old life. No, you never find that red dress you were after, but instead find the most flawless blue dress that you fall in love with instantly and makes your Dad emotional even looking at you in it. The photos with all your friends are gorgeous and you dance the night away into the early hours. You become very emotional at the thought of leaving your friends, theres no need, you've still got the important ones.

Your fear of exams will continue to haunt you. Revise more during your GCSEs PLEASE! You were so lazy and although you got good grades, you know you could have done better. Same goes for your A levels. The internet can be a cruel mistress!

Stop buying cheap make up. Save up your money and buy decent foundation. You start to do this during the end of your year but it'll save you the freak out you had with your Mum about your skin.

Stop dicking about with your hair. Go to the hairdressers and KEEP going! Mess with your fringe anymore and you'll look stupid.

You would kill for the legs and abs you had at 16. Love them & your awesome back off!

Keep dancing, in fact never stop. You love it and it's a good release for you.

You have an boyfriend in your second year of college, he's a dick and breaks your heart. It's the best thing that could've happened to you. You learn your true self worth. Never lose that. Your boyfriend now treats you like a princess regardless of how bitchy and ratty you are.

Stop giving your Mum & Dad a hard time. They're trying their best, they aren't perfect but they love you unconditionally and would do anything for you. Same goes for Ben. You're lucky to have them.

You will always hate being told off. Won't ever change you goody two shoes.

You hate that girl now, she fucks off back to wherever she came from after school. You never hear from her again. Don't hate another person again. It's tiresome and bad to hold grudges.

Tim & Phoebe remain big parts of your life. You couldn't image not having them in your life. Don't ever take their friendship for granted. When I say they are there for you, they literally are 100%. You will never be able to repay their friendship.

Same goes for Alice, she stays as a very good friend to you throughout. Keep her. She's a rock to you.

Stop being scared to do things on your own. You thrive in those situations, it's just that initial fear that puts you off. Keep going. You'll be fine.

You're a good person 16 year old me but you make mistakes. Learn from them, don't beat yourself up.

Keep going, you're doing okay!

Love the 20 year old me

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

2012: New Year Resolutions.

Each year I promise myself I won't make any new year resolutions and each year I fail to keep that promise. This year I decided to be more realistic (last year I promised myself I would have a hospital free year...I probably spent the majority of the year in there). So this year, only resolutions I have made are ones that are in my control:

Experiment with more food recipes (happy flatmates & boyfriend!)

Eat healthy

Enjoy university life

Keep up with uni work & get a good grade for my first year

Blog often and honestly

Look after my skin & my appearance better (no more sleeping in make up)

Take more photos

Be less lazy
Drink more water
Treat my Mum more often...and I suppose Ben could do with a treat or two!

Look after my hair colouring better

Look after my hair extensions

Travel more

Visit friends at university

Extend my perfume & make up collection

Be more confident & act with conviction

There was no point in making unrealistic resolutions therefore although I have made 16 resolutions, they are achievable and aimed towards me bettering myself and others. The temptation to write more down is overwhelming but there is nothing stopping me from making a mid- year resolution or two if I achieve the first 16! Family and friends are a huge part of my life so I want to ensure resolutions involving them are the highest priority. Expect me to use my blog more often too. I made this last year but didn't have the motivation to keep it. However as it is the new year, perfect excuse! Those who follow me on Facebook & Twitter know that I am partial to a rant or two so expect those from time to time but I primarily want to embrace the girly & law student side of me on here. Fingers crossed!  

Realistic? What are your resolutions? Do you believe in them?

xoxo

TAG: 10 Random Facts About Me

I didn't want my first post to be awkwardly fake or impersonal so what better than a tag post? Some may be obvious, others a little less so. Regardless, they are truthful as I promise to always be on here (brutal honesty will probably end in my demise). Nevertheless, enjoy!

#1  My name is actually Serena. My Mum wanted to call me Roisin after her best friend who died in a car crash. My Dad wanted me to be called Serena after my aunt. In the end Dad snuck off and registered me as Serena, but Mum insisted on calling me Roisin. It means 'little rose' in gaelic.

#2  I'm a 1st year LLB Law student at the University of Greenwich, which I adore.

#3  I used to play rugby. No, not tag rugby. Full contact rugby. And we were fierce!

#4  I have a boyfriend called Sam and we've been together 10 months. He hates photos, but I love him :)

#5  I'm a diehard Labour supporter and member (much to my boyfriend's dismay).

#6  I adore all things shabby chic & original. My Dad and I used to restore old furniture from second hand shops and car boot sales.

#7  I have been and always will be a Daddy's girl.

#8  My heritage is very mixed. My Mum is Kenyan, Seychellois, Indian and Dutch. My Dad is Irish. I call myself the United Nations.

#9  Born in London, bred on the border of Suffolk/Essex. Spend most of my time in Essex and am proud to consider myself an Essex girl.

#10 My family and friends are my world.

TAG! You're it.