New hair for the summer

As much as I have loved my red hair, I really need a new change for the spring/summer (red hairdye on my pillow is getting tiresome). I'm thinking about going brunette again but less of the chocolate and more of the light/highlighted colouring and before you ask, no I will not go blonde, it just wouldn't suit me at all. Lighter hair would suit a tan much more and it would be good to see what I'd look like without my darker locks. Heres a couple lil' hair inspirations I've picked up along the way...

What do you think?

xoxo

Multiculturalism and the UK

I feel like this is something I need to address considering how popular this topic has been on Channel 4 recently. It is clear that we are a multicultural country yet racism and prejudice is still rife. The degree of segregation and integration is highly controversial and debatable. However, in the 21st Century this sort of behaviour should have been eradicated years ago. However it is clear we still have a long fight ahead of us.

I have an African mother and Irish father yet I was born and grew up in England, along with my younger brother. How I identify myself hasn't changed from the moment I was born. On forms I consider myself Mixed African-Irish and I am proud of my heritage. However, I am incredibly integrated in the British way of life and I never deny being classed as British because I was brought up in this country and I have active involvement in my community. My family have been very lucky that we have never had an issue of feeling segregated from the wider community and I have a wide variety of friends from different cultures and creeds which has left me with a great tolerance and interest in them. I have often referred to myself as the United Nations! I have fallen victim to racism in the past by uneducated young boys at school however, I am proud of my colouring and my heritage and I have never let it affect my confidence or self worth. I was brought up to be a strong individual who will fight for my right to be equal in every element of my life. It has played a great part in my choice to read law at university and has let me embrace my right to be heard (just don't get me in a political debate because I won't back down and it'll be a looong day for all involved!).

However, there are some individuals who don't share my pride or confidence, as well as individuals who feel they have the right to make others feel inadequate in comparison. Clearly the latter are wrong in doing this, however they do have a right to voice their opinion, even if I don't agree with it. Personally I believe anyone who treats another in a derogatory manner because of their race or religion should be treated with the utter contempt they deserve. If you don't agree, ask yourself whether you would appreciate being treated like that? How would you feel if someone spat on you as you walked passed them purely because of the way you look? You wouldn't take that sort of disrespect would you? So why show that to any other human being?    

To define what is 'British' has been under much debate for years so until the day comes that we have a universally agreed upon definition, noone has the right to declare another not British. As long as they contribute to society just as much as everyone else, they are well within their rights to refer to themselves as British.

RANT OVER.

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

Rant: Women's prerogative

The first of many rants! This is an issue I have to address because it is incredibly unfair to those involved. Women are often given the role of being (excuse my french) a cocktease. There is the depiction of good looking girls leading on boys then dropping them but the women's view is never taken into consideration. That ends now.

If a girl is wearing make up, dressed nicely, wearing heels, flicking her hair around THIS IS NOT AN INVITATION! She wants to feel good about herself and she is well within her right to do so. If she also doesn't want to plaster her face with make up, it's her choice! This is no indication of how 'open' or 'easy' she is. What makes it worse, women are attacked by strangers according to what they are wearing. The worst attitude some people have is that women 'bring it on themselves' or they have 'given them the impression' that their intentions have changed. This is how sexual deviants justify their behaviour.  

This is an unacceptable and medieval attitude to have. If a girl is being nice to you and having a joke with you, she feels comfortable enough to act naturally around you. The moment you make her feel uncomfortable, irrespective of what or how you did it, you've lost her. If she decides to back away and take time for herself, LET HER HAVE IT! Don't persistently contact her. Respect her space. If you don't, you will annoy or creep her out and lose any respect she previously had for you. If you do this to multiple girls, you will gain a reputation.

In most instances, this is where one person does not respect or know their boundaries. However, this is important to realise to avoid any awkward communications between the two of you. In some cases, a woman has been leading on someone because they like the attention. This is also unacceptable as it is toying with another person's emotions which is inexcusable. If that is the case, there is nothing to stop you from contronting that person to find out the truth, but be careful, as you may have gotten the wrong end of the stick. However, if shes honest, then move on. You won't change her mind. Find someone else who appreciates you.

This is not exclusively female vs male. This works for male vs female, male vs male, female vs female. Regardless of who it is, respect of boundaries and the other person's feelings is important and should not be compromised. If a person likes you, they will tell you eventually. Just respect each other. 

Rant over. If you want more information, look at http://www.slutwalktoronto.com/ to see what others are doing about this.

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

Let's go Mermaids, let's go!

I'm a cheerleader!

Quick post to show off my new uniform and the team in a stunt. I'm looking forward to our competition in Loughborough on the 18th February. Nervous but after our practice earlier on, I'm sure we'll be dead strong & ready for whoever comes in our way! You'll get an updated photo when we're competition ready but until then, it's time to rest my poor achey body until my 9am lecture tomorrow morning....fun fun!

xoxo

I'm back!

So I'm back in London for my second term ready to start the new year with a bang! Currently theres only me, Sam & Daisy in the flat and without the rest of our wolf pack it doesn't feel right. Luckily they're coming back tomorrow so we'll be reunited once again. Tomorrow we're doing a big dinner & cocktails so expect photos & an outfit of the day blog. Sam and I just got back from cocktails (soooo good!), watching a cruddy comedy in bed which is bliss considering all the travelling we did on the way here. So until tomorrow...

xoxo