Some Initial Placement Thoughts

Although my course doesn't have a dedicated sandwich year, getting work experience in the industry is widely encouraged.

I'm not someone who is particularly artistic in the literal sense of the word, and I'm also quite modest in the way I talk about my work, so experience is something that really gives you a boost when you're trying to sell yourself but not as 'loud' as others in the same field. Without it, I'd probably leave uni and have no real chance of getting a job related around my course, and that's what probably forced me to get my arse in gear when looking for experience.

This summer I will be volunteering for the communications team at my local hospice. The phrase "it's not what you know, it's who you know" really came in to play when I was looking for a placement and I have been really fortunate with this opportunity. For starters, it was only my second attempt at finding something, it's also right on my doorstep so I'm not having to commute up to London every day, and it's not full time, meaning that I can work and earn money alongside (and try and get out of this hefty overdraft!).

I'm thinking of doing a comparison post at the end, in September, when I've made it out the other side, to see whether this opportunity has been a good step to further my career or simply just a learning curve. So I've written a few initial thoughts down to see whether I feel the same afterwards...

1. The job title, 'Social Media and Content Creator', and description has my name written all over it! So hopefully I will be able to learn some key skills which will point me in the right direction once I graduate. OR, it will prove that maybe it's not so perfect for me after all!

2. However, I am a bit worried they have this preconceived idea that I'm a social media/content expert and I'm going to majorly disappoint them!

3. I'm also worried about meeting so many different people, as I'm expected to travel around the different shops and carry out what is essentially primary research, which I've never been very good at. Although, it will come as good practise.

4. I'm excited about the amount of freedom I have within the role and I hope this will increase my confidence in the work I produce, which I can then bring into third year.

5. The idea of having to drive around to different locations, in an area I'm only slightly familiar with, and having to find somewhere to park without making a complete tit out of myself is terrifying! Things like that give me such anxiety and I can guarantee I will be about 20 minutes early every day!

Omg I've Finished My Second Year At Uni !!

It feels WAY too soon to be writing this post, but I have officially finished my second year at university. I don't know whether to laugh or cry or what to do, it's only just hitting me now as I sit here and write this and it's really overwhelming!

This year has had all sorts of ups and downs. I've dealt with depression, poor accommodation, a break up, general uni stress; we've had snow, we've had sun, but also some of the best times ever. But if this second year has been anything, it's been a very go-with-your-gut year, and aside from all of the FCP-related skills I've learnt over the last 8 months, learning to listen to my gut instinct has been the biggest lesson.

For example, during the first semester I found myself in a place that I don't ever want to go back to, but if I hadn't have made some of the choices that I did during that term, I wouldn't have met such an amazing group of girls who have helped me through to where we are now.

I also wouldn't have chosen to stay at university and experience this crazy second semester. It started on a high note when I was given a 2:1 for my first semester summative assessment, and that really boosted my confidence for the rest of the year. But one minute we were in Berlin, the next minute we're collaborating and presenting in front of an actual brand, and a couple of minutes later we're writing a proposal report for next year's dissertation! It's all complete madness, but it's been a good madness.

This semester has very turned my life around too. Unfortunately me and Harry did break up; it's all on good terms, yet still something I'd rather keep private. But I am now a single, independent gal and although I don't resent him in any way at all, I needed to do it. It's been good for me and I'm happy.

So, if you get anything from this post, please listen to your gut instinct because some of the maddest decisions are the best ones. 

I'm finally starting to see how your university years are the best years of your life, so maybe I started two years too early! I really don't want it to all be over this time next year, but for now I'm off to play love island drinking games with my girls, live my best life, and celebrate the end of a brilliant year!

Let's Look After Each Other

Let's have a chat.

Last Tuesday night I experienced something that at the time really panicked me, but reflecting it on it has got me thinking.

So I came back from a club and went to sleep as I usually would. End of story; or so I thought. I woke up not much later to two guys, one being a friend, the other a taxi driver, trying to carry a girl who was only semi conscious. They were handled both her physically and the situation like shit.

After helping them carry her slightly further along the corridor they just left me with her. The taxi driver was incredibly rude about the whole situation and both of them thought it was okay, or just gave no thought into the matter at all, to just leave her lying on her back, on the floor.

THANK GOD I was there. Whilst they were gone she started retching and if I wasn't there to roll her onto her side she probably would've choked to death on her sick.

But yeah, it got me thinking..

Did she go out with others as well as this one guy? If so, where the fuck were they? And why is there such a lack of knowledge about what to do if your friend does get themselves into that sort of danger? It made me realise that no one talks about these sorts of situations until you're retelling a story about the night before. There's no real discussion.

We're uni students, we do drink and we drink a lot, let's be honest. But just because the stereotype that we drink a lot is there, it doesn't apply to everyone and some people can't handle it.

I think what I'm trying to say is that we need to look after our friends. It might be their own fault but it could be their actual life at risk, so we need to know how to handle the situation.

All I ask is this:

• If you're starting to notice signs that they've drunk way too much, get them some water, and make sure that's all they drink for the rest of the night.
• ALWAYS make sure that they're on their side or sitting up, and not on their back.
• Stay with them. Even if they say they're okay it's always good to have someone there just incase.
• If you're struggling to carry them don't feel ashamed to ask for help.
• Take a pre-paid taxi, like Uber, because they're less likely to refuse to take you. 

Now go and have a bloody good night!! 

20 Things I've Learnt Before Turning 20

I am turning 20 on Thursday, can you believe it? On Thursday I will have been alive for TWO WHOLE DECADES. I'm not ready to become an adult, but I thought it seemed fitting to talk about the 20 things I've learnt as I've been growing up.

1. Stop worrying about 'what if'.

2. Take every opportunity.

3. Cherish your family while you have them. 

4. The world definitely does not revolve around guys. 

5. Hiding in your room is not going to solve your anxiety and depression.

6. You are more capable than you believe. 

7. You will always be jealous of what your body looked like a couple of years ago, so just love it!

8. You will never need all of that birthday money when you're a kid but you definitely need it when you're over 18 and you stop getting it! 

9. Always be the bigger person. 

10. Play Toto Africa after everything you achieve on the to-do list - productivity levels increase massively.

11. You're not the only one who isn't having the best time at uni. 

12. Remember why you wanted what you have.

13. Only trust yourself.

14. Do things for yourself, not because you think others want you to. 

15. Don't look back at all the bigger, bad things; remember all of the little good things.

16. School/uni work will seem like you're constantly knocking your head against the wall but before you know it it will have been and gone. 

17. "Phone, keys, money" whenever you go anywhere.  

18. Spend money on experiences and memories rather than tangible products. 

19. Spending money on a good hair cut does a world of good for your self esteem.

20. Everything happens for a reason. 

I don't think I've made all the best life choices over the last few years, and I overthink everything, but I'm content. There will always be something to stress over and I will always be working on making myself happier, but I consider myself lucky about where I am right now!

ASOS Summer Wishlist

With the warmer weather finally due to make an appearance, I thought it appropriate to share my summer ASOS wishlist. I don't know about you, but I feel like I've been wearing my puffer jacket and a dark, moody colour scheme for about 50 years and I'm over it. It's time to get some bright colours and fun playsuits in to my wardrobe.

Top Left / Stradivarius Linen Trousers / £19.99
Bottom Left / South Beach Round Straw Cross Body Bag / £25
Middle / Honey Punch High Waist Shorts in Check Co-Ord / £26
Top Right / Levi's Multi Colour Stripe Vintage Look T Shirt / £25
Bottom Right / ASOS DESIGN Washed Cotton Jacket / £30

At the top of my saved list are these Stradivarius linen trousers, which I saw on Kate Lavie's instagram. I've seen quite a few pairs of linen trousers on the high street recently so I'm definitely going to have to get myself a pair soon, because they're so easy to style with a basic tee and leather jacket, or even the pink ASOS DESIGN shacket that I've also got on this list. I'm in the market for a lightweight jacket now it's getting a bit warmer, and this colour is just everything so I might have to spend my birthday money on it in a couple of weeks.

I might also invest in a circular straw bag like this on when I'm not so poor! Last year we were going for larger, beach style straw bags, for quite a bohemian vibe; this year the more compact, circular straw bag is everywhere and I am all for it. It would style perfectly with a mini, summer, wrap dress and a pair of brown leather sandals.

Top Left / ASOS Jumpsuit in Broderie / £35
Bottom Left / Boohoo Polka Dot Flute Sleeve Playsuit / £20
Middle / ASOS DESIGN Jersey Minimal Playsuit With Pockets / £15
Top Right / Miss Selfridge Daisy Print Denim Playsuit / £35
Bottom Right / TOMS Alpargata Peach Mist Heritage Canvas Shoes / £38

This list is less of a saved list and more of a moodboard of my classic summer style. I am definitely a playsuit girl over dresses and I love a pair of TOMS, and also what the brand itself stands for.

Boohoo have only gone and done it with this bright yellow polka dot playsuit, which is also super affordable, and the ASOS DESIGN one is so laid back and great for those days when you don't want to make too much of an effort but you can still look stylish. I also fell in love with both the top items. Both are very girly and I instantly thought of my mum when I saw them because they would definitely get her approval. I've never really worn jumpsuits, but I really want to start wearing them this season because they would suit my playsuit-loving style, but give you a little bit more of a casual cover up.

I have no doubt in my mind that half of these items will never actually end up in my wardrobe with the student budget and all that but it's nice to dream right?! But ass I said, it is my birthday in a couple of weeks so they might be arriving in my postbox sooner than we think!