Things I’d like to have known before I started university

It completely blows my mind to think that this time last year, I was about to start my first year at university. To anyone who is about to start and doesn’t quite believe people who say your first year will fly by – trust me, it will!

As I approach my second year, I have all the excitement I had before I started my first year, but without the nerves and trepidation. I felt so many mixed emotions before I started university, and I’d love it if I had a time machine so I could go back and tell myself a few things. Instead, I thought I’d get it out in a blog post – who knows, it may come in handy for anyone reading this who hasn’t yet started university.

My favourite ways to use coconut oil

I’ve been buying coconut oil for years and I think it’s a total miracle product. There are so many different ways you can use it, and one tub can last for months and months. I think it’s a fantastic beauty investment, so I wanted to highlight some of the ways you can use it to treat your body. Without further ado,  here are the things I use coconut oil for: 

Five hobbies that I’ve gotten into recently

In the past year or so, I’ve been quite keen on trying new hobbies and interests that I’ve never given consideration to. It’s been a really good experience for me, as now I have some really fun, relaxing ways to spend my free time – previously, I’d have just been aimlessly browsing the internet or watching TV (not that I don’t still do those things!).

I thought I’d write my 5 favourite new hobbies down into a blog post in case you may be looking for something new to try. I’d definitely recommend all of the below!

What to take to university – and what NOT to take!

So, you just got your results and you’re off to university. Now you’ve done the celebrating, it’s time to think about what you’d like to take. This can seem incredibly daunting – after all, this is probably the first time you’ve ever moved out! However, most people (including me) go in with an attitude as if they’re off to live on a desert island for three years and massively overpack. In this list, I’d like to tell you about some items you definitely should take to uni, and some items that you may be considering taking, but likely don’t need!

Self care: 5 things you should do today

As a psychology student and someone who has struggled with anxiety, I am very interested in mental health and how we can look after ourselves. I don’t think self care needs to be a massive, time-consuming commitment – I think it can be achieved by simply taking a few minutes out of each day to focus purely on your own well-being. Here, I will share 5 small lifestyle changes that help me feel happier, healthier and more positive. 

The day before you get your A-level results

This time two years ago, I was a bit of a wreck. I was anxiously awaiting my A-level results, so I could see whether I’d gotten into my first choice university. I distinctly remember the wait for my results being really grueling, but I adopted some coping mechanisms to try and make it as pain-free as possible. So without further ado, here are my tips for trying to relax the day before you get your results…

All Good Things and Imogen Rose: A Lush Gorilla Perfumes review

For my birthday, I received a £30 Lush voucher from my family, which I was delighted by as Lush is definitely one of my favourite stores. While I am captivated by the bright, beautiful colours and enchanting smells of the bath bombs and shampoo bars, I knew that I wanted perfume this time. I’ve had Vanillary for years, and I adore the sweet, comforting scent of it so I definitely knew that I liked their perfumes. However, while I’m used to ordering Lush products online, I was certain that I needed to smell the perfumes for myself, so a couple of weeks ago I went to their Manchester Arndale store!

2016/17 Premier League Football Predictions

At the start of every  season, I like to predict how I think the final Premier League table will look, as well as guess the winners of the various cup competitions.

This time, I’ve decided to post my predictions on here so everyone who reads this can laugh at how horribly wrong I will inevitably be.

Manchester City are my pick for the title, and the reason for that is simple: Pep Guardiola.

Much of the hype has surrounded Jose Mourinho and Paul Pogba on the other side of town, but for me, this might be just a season too soon for United.

Psychological thrillers: my top 5 reads

Since I started university, I’ve really gotten into reading again. After a long day on campus, I love to run a hot bubbly bath and read a good book in there. I particularly enjoy psychological thrillers as I love their tense, twisty stories. I’ve read several books over the past year or so, and many have been utterly magnificent. I wanted to share my favourites here to give you a chance to discover them too!

Sam Allardyce – Unfashionable, but a good fit for England

So here we are again; another major tournament, another embarrassing failure and another new face at the helm of English football. It’s an all too familiar pattern.

The England national job has become something of a poisoned chalice since Bobby Moore lifted the World Cup way back in 1966. Many have tried to repeat that feat and all have failed.

The latest man to take up the challenge is Sam Allardyce, and whilst he may not be the modern day Alf Ramsey, he is someone who might – just might – at least restore a modicum of respectability following the shambles of the Euros.

Allardyce might not be the most glamorous choice, nor was he a particularly overwhelming candidate for the role, but out of all the options, he’s perhaps the best fit.