Teen Tips: Surviving the Start of University

Hello everybody! I must apologize for my silence since July! It's been a busy time in my life. Since then I've moved out from my parents, started university and left my job! As this super crazy lifestyle has started to settle down I'm picking up my blog again and what better way to start off than with another chapter to Teen Tips!?

Going to university is an amazing decision. So is college, doing apprenticeships and taking a gap year but I could not imagine myself anywhere else apart from at university right now. I live in my universities accommodation too so I'm extremely lucky to have a 2 minute walk to lectures, an absolute blessing if I accidentally sleep in!!

University is an experience, for some people this may be a great experience and for others it may be a horrible one but for me personally, I'm loving it! Today I'm going to focus in on University priorities - lifestyle, work load and the dreaded issue NEW FRIENDS!

Before I continue I'd like to add that I'm in no way an expert on all things university all the advice comes from my own experiences!

(1) Freshers Week

It's only fair that I start this off with the biggest week of the year for most first year students! Freshers week is one of those really odd weeks where you attend 'classes' and then go out for a drink(s) afterwards to celebrate your newly found 'freedom'. If you're currently stressing out because you don't like going out drinking then do not fret! University unions plan other activities to meet people that don't involve alcohol!

It's true what the rumors say, "you make your friends on freshers week". On my very first day I sat next to 5 other girls and we've fast become really good friends. No matter how scared you are on your first day be comforted that you are not the only one and don't think about it - just talk to the person next to you. If you don't think it's important to make friends on your course (and trust me I've heard that a few times) then think about when its nearing exam time and you're needing someone to talk to about how stressed out you are about a certain class. Uni friends are good for just talking through how you're feeling about Chemistry and how you really enjoy Biology but don't understand a certain aspect.

(2) Getting lost

I remember my first day at high school I got lost so many times. University is so much bigger and if like me you've moved to a different city then you have to navigate your way around that as well.

Getting lost isn't a bad thing, in fact if you get lost you're more likely to find a shortcut! I got lost a lot on Freshers week and I also got lost around the city too but me and my flatmates went for walks every day and together we were able to locate places like Starbucks, Tesco, the train stations, subway stations, Sainsbury's, cheap off-licences, and shortcuts around which aren't 'dodgy'.

(3) Studying

Although you might be a first year you still need to do some studying!! Managing your workload is really important because if you don't learn how to do it in first year you will not cope by the end of fourth year.

Personally, I keep drinking nights to when I have the morning off the next day. Planning this way means I can keep on top of my studies without missing lectures and possibly failing or getting extremely low marks which could risk my place at university next year. 

My one piece of advice would be to timetable your week. Even just a general timetable with your classes and sports clubs/orchestras etc will help your organisation and allows for you to fit in time for relaxation

(4) Day to Day Life

Once Freshers Week is over you might want to settle into a regular pattern which is completely natural. If you're living with other people the best way to do this is prioritize yourself. If you don't then chances are you'll quickly become tired, fall behind uni work and feel rubbish. Don't feel guilty for leaving your flatmates an hour early to get a good nights sleep. If they don't sleep till late then that's their problem not yours! 

Cooking for yourself is also a common problem especially if you share a kitchen! Plan your meals out and then buy what you need. This saves money and hassle deciding what you fancy for dinner. It also means you know exactly what you need to prepare your meal so you can get in once a flatmate has finished!


That is it for this chapter of Teen Tips! I might expand on this topic once I've experienced more at university because it was definitely a worry for me before starting my course! I hope you've enjoyed catching up with me and look forward to seeing what will be happening soon! 

See you soon! x

British Music Festival Review - T in the Park!

T in the Park (also known as T) is in it's 22nd year and this year it's moving to Strathallan Castle in Perthshire. It was on the 10th July - 12th July 2015. It also happened to be my first year at the festival! 

 

Preparation
 

I got an early bird ticket to T last July and I already knew I would be camping at my friends house who's birthday was on the Saturday. We plus one other friend were travelling by CityLink every day to and from the grounds. 
 

I also prepared 3 outfits which covered all weathers (it is Scotland after all) and checked the weather forecast religiously. I bought clothes from Primark as if they got muddy I wouldn't be too upset. I think all my clothes cost me £40 for the whole 3 days!! 
 

The line up this year also looked really good! Names such as Sam Smith, Avicii, Hozier, Kodaline, Ella Eyre, Jessie J, George Ezra, The Script, Charli XCX, The View, James Bay, Noel Gallaghers' High Flying Birds and Paloma Faith were all going to be there. 
 

Before going to T I felt really excited that I was part of the hype for the festival but also a bit apprehensive that it was going to live up to the expectations of recent years. Watching T20 and T21 on television was amazing but I hoped the atmosphere that was shown on TV would be the same if not better in person.
 

Friday 10th July
 

I watched:

- Main Stage -
 

Sam Smith, Rudimental, Hozier
 

- Radio 1 Stage -
 

David Guetta, Sigma, Fuse ODG
 

- King Tuts Wah Wah Tent -
 

Jessie Ware, Hannah Wants
 

The first set I watched at T was the last half of Jessie Ware's. I'd never heard of her before but she was an absolutely incredible performer! She was gorgeous too and had an amazing voice! Hannah Wants was after that and likewise was a stunning singer.
 

I then started to watch a bit of The Wombats but I didn't really enjoy their songs so we quickly moved to Fuse ODG which was great! I'm not usually a fan of that style of music but this weekend completely changed that and alongside Sigma really got my weekend started. When Sigma played "Higher" and "Nobody to Love" the crowd went crazy it was such a good atmosphere!
 

I then went to see Hozier. All I can say is Wow. His voice sounds better on stage than it does on CD. My favourite song was 'Someone New' it blew me away! When he played 'Take Me To Church' I was overwhelmed how amazing he sounded! I'll definitely be buying a few more tunes of his!
 

After that was Rudimental and although I didn't think I knew any of their stuff a few pieces came up that I knew and sung along to. They were great performers and knew how to keep the crowd going.
 

Sam Smith. I love him. He was the highlight of Day 1 and I absolutely loved every second of his set. An incredible voice and a great song choice. If you just read some of the verses from his songs they make perfect sense and have such deep meanings which he explained briefly to us. I am now waiting for him to tour back up to Scotland to see him again. A very good performance.
 

To close my first day at T I went to see David Guetta. I really enjoyed his set and was dancing around with everyone else. A lot of people turned out to see Guetta and it was a real party atmosphere that deserved the main stage rather than Radio 1 stage.

Saturday 11th July

I watched:

- Main Stage -
 

Avicii, The Script, George Ezra, Jessie J
 

- Radio 1 Stage -
 

Alt-J, Charli XCX
 

To start my second day off we went to see Charli XCX. We were really close up to the front as well which was amazing!! I don't like to comment on women's figures but she's obviously worked really hard for her body and deserves a massive compliment! She is absolutely stunning! Her set was really good too and set me up for the day.
 

Next was Jessie J and likewise had an amazing set. She held the stage so well and kept the crowd entertained with her dancing and her funny comments. Straight after was George Ezra and he was a breath-taking singer. I couldn't believe he'd written so many songs! Would definitely like to see both of them again soon.
 

I feel that The Script are honestly the most dedicated to their fans. I mean why else would they go into the audience and take photos with people mid song. I'd forgotten about most of the songs they had sung and it was great to relive them. A fantastic set for a fantastic band.
 

Avicii was last on for Saturday night. He was another party-starter. I loved his stage set too with all the LED boards and polytechnics in sync with the beat of the music. I great end to Day 2.
 

Sunday 12th July

I watched:

- Main Stage -
 

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Paloma Faith, James Bay
 

- King Tuts Wah Wah Tent -
 

Above & Beyond, Clean Bandit
 

For my final day we started with James Bay. He was really good and when he sang "Hold Back The River" the crowd singing blew me away. He had a really good set but I felt the atmosphere was somewhat lacking.

Next act of the day was Paloma Faith. WOW! Her personality really shone through and I really wish she had a longer set. She came across as a really likeable person and sung amazingly too. I'm definitely looking out for a tour ticket soon!

After Paloma's jaw-dropping show we headed to Clean Bandit! I loved Clean Bandit already because let's be honest who else can get orchestral instruments into the charts? They blew me away and I'm looking for a gig of theirs because they were another act who were so much better live than on iTunes.

Once Clean Bandit finished it was a quick food stop then back to Above and Beyond. They were the only band I disliked as there club music didn't really make me feel like dance. Nevertheless there were plenty of people enjoying themselves - each to their own I suppose

We made it back to see the end of Noel Gallagher's set and sung along to 'Don't Look Back in Anger'. A great song to end my first T!


For anyone wondering whether they should go or not I recommend you do. Not only do you see so many singers in one place over one weekend but you meet so many new people! Everyone at music festivals are super friendly and so chilled out it's refreshing to speak to them!

I hope you've enjoyed my review and I'll see you next time!

Teen Tips: Prom Planning!

It's prom season! In Scotland we have prom as well but it's not on the same scale as it is in America. Having said that it is still essential to plan every detail and I am here to help!

Step 1: Make a List

It's quite easy to forget something so have a list on your phone of everything you need. If you remember you've not put something down then add it! My list included a dress, flat shoes (I'm 6 foot 4 so I wanted to look reasonable height in photos), hair ideas, nail ideas, make up ideas (I was doing them all myself), jewellery, bag, and a disposable camera. My school ran a bus to transport everyone to this really fancy hotel so I didn't need to worry about that but for your prom you might have to add that to your list.

Item 1: Dress

It's really important that you feel comfortable in your dress. If you don't feel comfortable then you won't enjoy yourself as much. I made sure that I went dress shopping first thing in the morning after breakfast. That way my measurements included a full stomach so I didn't have to starve myself on prom day.

Another point to add is that you don't have to be 'skinny' for prom. I refused to go on a prom diet just to fit a dress. I chose a dress that fitted me as I was and not what I hoped to be!

Item 2: Shoes

If you're in the same position as me and don't want to look too tall in photos then wear flat shoes!! There is no shame in wearing a cute pair of sandals because by the end of the night most girls high heels will be off anyway!!

However if you are tall and want to wear heels then go for it! It's only for one night and you'll get loads of complements on how long your legs look!

Item 3: Hair Ideas

The dreaded issue of hair! For this I'm going to come up with a few ideas for short, medium, long hair because that usually covers the majority of hair styles. I have long, thick hair so I'm having waterfall braids around the side of my head and curling the ends.

Short Hair: For shorter hair a classic side up-do is perfect! You can pleat the front of your hair into it or you can scrape it back and decorate it with flower pins or little diamante pins.

Medium Length Hair: Curls are always popular! You can go for beach waves or you can waterfall braid. Your hair is very versatile as it can fit into a classic up-do too.

Long Hair: Long curls are always an option but so is straightening! You can use some of your hair from the front to give your hair some height and if you are worried about the size of your forehead this will also help. Long hair can be pleated all the way around your head as well.

Item 4: Nail Ideas

For your nails I advise to keep them simple. Glitter polishes and accent nails are as far as I'd go to make them fancy. Depending on the colour of your dress will depend on the colour of your nail polish and if you do want accent nails then a silver glitter polish is brilliant!

Item 5: Make-Up Ideas

For make up you need to watch make-up tutorials on YouTube. Find a Youtuber with similar eye colour to you and watch how they put the make-up on. Try it a few times at home before prom and try recreate your hairstyle at the same time then put your dress on - see if you suit it and if you like it!

Item 6: Jewellery

Plain and simple jewellery will complement your dress. Pandora rings were very popular amongst my year group and if you had one then you wore it! Small chain necklaces with a small pendant works really well if you want to fill the space between your face and your dress. Just don't overdo it!

Item 7: Bag

When I say bag I mean clutch and this is really difficult to find because it needs to match your dress and your jewellery. If you're having no luck then glitter clutches are a safe option.

Item 8: Camera

No matter what - you need a camera! Capture the last night of your high school life and buy an album and stick them all in! Then when you have a family and they ask you about your prom you can show them all your photos!


Most of all, enjoy prom and enjoy the prom build-up! It will most likely be the last night with everyone from school so make the most of the time!

Teen Tips: Exam Guide

Like them or loathe them exams are one of the most stressful issues that a teenager will face. Exams affect people in many different ways so it's important to have a calm and relaxed attitude when discussing this topic. I will be talking you through my guide on dealing with exams and the added stress that comes with it. If you would like to read my post on Coping With Stress it is in the label 'Teen Tips'. Check it out!

The pressure of exams can affect people differently and many friends fall out during these times because they don't understand why the other isn't as nervous and doesn't need to study as much.

1) Stay Calm
As crazy as exams can be the most important rule anyone can have is to stay calm and keep focused. There is no point worrying about something which you cannot change as you are wasting energy that could be used during the exam.

2) It's Okay To Study More Than Others And Admit It
"I've not studied" is a common lie and do not be fooled by it! Having said that, some people can study very little and still come away with a high A whereas others can study lots and only achieve an average C. Me and my best friend are a prime example! She studies as little as possible but still has the highest grades in our year whereas I have to study quite a lot to actually understand and remember it to achieve B's and C's.

3) Use Different Methods To Revise
Some people are kinetic learners whilst others can sit in front of a textbook and memorise it. However you learn can be completely different to everyone else you know but that's okay! Sometimes using colourful mindmaps instead of black and white lists can make it so much easier to learn and vice versa!

4) Use Your Time Effectively
One of the worst things to do when studying is procrastinating. To do well you need to put the work in beforehand. If you struggle to keep focused then I'd recommend setting small goals such as doing a chapter of Biology then getting to watch Netflix or finishing a past paper then getting to bake cupcakes.

5) Start Early
My mum always makes me get up like it's a schoolday when I'm off studying. That way I'm still in the habit of school hours. It also means I get to relax in the evening. On weekends I will wake up an hour or so later than normal and then get ready and study then so I have the afternoon to myself. It makes my life easier and happier - two essentials during busy times!

6) Plan Your Studies
Study Plans!!! 8 columns and 4 rows. Along the top row leave the first one blank then write the days of the week. Down the first column leave the first box blank and write Morning, Afternoon, Evening. Then cross out the slots where you have plans like work or going out with friends. Then fill the rest in with subjects. Don't be overambitious - doing Chemistry all day is tough on your brain and you won't learn as much. Aim for 3 different large chunks of different subjects or 6 little bites of different subjects.

7) Be Open-Minded
It is quite common to fall out with friends when you are stressed and disagree on something. If your friend isn't studying and you are then you might feel annoyed that she's wasting her time but don't confront her. It's not your responsibility and as much as you want her to do well if she isn't putting effort in then she'll have to learn the hard way.

8)Eat Well, Sleep Lots
You can't learn if you are (i) Hungry or (ii) Tired. It's worth taking an extra slice of toast or an extra 30 mins in bed if it will help your studying. Just make up the time out of your relaxation slots. Make sure you eat healthily too so your brain has plenty of energy to store the golden nuggets of information to get you 100%!

I understand many of you will be taking exams in the next coming months so I wish you the very best of luck and remember to put the effort in!!