MissIsGoode: July 2013

The Charcoal Challenge

By Unknown - 11:22

2 Comments

Freshers' End | Kimmy - Keele University

By Unknown - 15:28

Kimmy is 20, originally from France living on campus at Keele University studying a Dual Honours degree in Media, Communications, Culture and Music.

Photo courtesy of Kimmy

What's the best thing about your university?

The amazing Union, there's lots of job opportunities and it's so practical how everything on campus is at reach.

What's the worst?

It's not as close to London as I thought...(initially I thought it was 20 minutes away and I didn't realise how far it really was until I booked my flight to Gatwick when coming to Keele for the first time).

Have you enjoyed your first year?

LOVED IT! Apart from the weather, there's too much rain for my liking. However it is quite amusing to see the country come to a halt for a couple of centimetres of snow (hehe sorry!).

What's your course like?

I like the course, and found it relatively easy, however I know that second and third year will be more challenging. What I loved most is that I was able to do so many different things in my spare time, while still attending my lectures and getting a decent grade.

What's the best memory you've had of your first year?

There are so many good memories, but I'm going to have to go with one week in particular. There was the 48 hour broadcast with KUBE Radio - two days of chaos between the radio's yearly festival, the KUBE challenge where I did crazy things I never thought I'd do (all for the sake of charity of course) and the time either spent in the studio or the Union. The rest of my week resulted in lots of partying and quality time with friends. A week I will never forget.

How would you describe your freshers week?

C-R-A-Z-Y! An advice to any fresher, refresher - get a freshers pass. It's the best way to meet people when you've just arrived in a different country and don't know anyone.

What's the best and worst things about living on campus?

The best thing is you literally have everything at reach, from your shopping to your social life. The worst thing I would say is that I have only left campus approximately fifteen times this year, which was only to go home or to Morrison's, so I definitely want to make a point of getting to know the area better next year.

Has university disappointed you or would you say it met/exceeded your expectations?

To be honest I wasn't sure what to expect at the beginning, it is such a massive change from sixth form. In terms of my course it's met my expectations, however when it comes to societies it really exceeded my expectations! I never thought there would be so much to do at uni and so much to get involved with! When finishing my A levels I never thought of playing hockey again, however I was drawn into it as soon as I arrived.

What's your best money saving tip?

Set your priorities. 80% social life. 10% phone bill. 10% food. Okay...maybe I should rewrite my priorities for next year.

What's your best way to de-stress?

Go for a run, do some sport or have a pint!

What advice would you give to freshers next year?

GET INVOLVED! Whether you are an introvert, nerd, sporty of anything you WILL find a society (or societies) that you will love and spend most of your spare time with.

Just for fun:

What drinking game would you pass onto the freshers of 2013/14?

Ring of fire all the way. Adapt the rules to the people in your block, it will make it funnier.

Any embarrassing moments?

I couldn't possibly comment, you'd have to private message me!

What's your best hangover cure?

Just power through, 2 litres of water, a cup of coffee of go to the library to finish your work. As the saying goes - work hard, party hard!

Anything else you'd like to add?

Just enjoy your first year as much as possible. Get involved as much as possible as your university load after that will get bigger (from what I've heard). Get a part time job as well to pay for your nights out, money goes flying out the window before you know it, but most of all, ENJOY!

If you'd like to know anything more about Kimmy's course, email me - missisgoode@gmail.com - and I'll put you in contact with Kimmy. If you'd like to know anything more about Keele University, feel free to get in contact with Kimmy or even little old me!

MissIsGoode

5 Comments

Freshers End

Freshers' End | Vicky - Plymouth University

By Unknown - 18:37

Vicky (second right), is 19, from Cornwall and living on campus at Plymouth University, studying a foundation year in Extended Science, progressing onto a degree in Conservation Biology.

Photo courtesy of Vicky

What's the best thing about your uni?

The best thing is definitely the 24 hour library.

What's the worst thing about your uni?

I'll have to be honest and say the accommodation.

Have you enjoyed your first year at uni?

I've thoroughly enjoyed it!

What's your course like?

Well, my course was moderately difficult, but sometimes could also be a bit boring.

What's the best memory of your first year?

Meeting a lot of new people and making some really good friends.

How would you describe your freshers week?

I'd describe it as a week of amazing nights out followed by painful days in bed, wishing I wasn't alive.

What's the best and worst things about living on campus?

The best thing about living on campus is that you're really close to the uni, so everything is easy and quick to get to, including your lectures. The worst this is definitely the noise restrictions.

Has university disappointed you, or would you say it met/exceeded your expectations?

University has been better than I expected it to be and also not as scary as I expected to be honest.

What's your best money saving tip?

It's easy to just buy stuff as and when you need it, but you can save A LOT by sticking to a weekly/bi-weekly shop.

How do you de-stress?

Spending time with your mates is always a good way to get rid of stress, and living in Plymouth, I find there's a lot of beautiful places to go for a walk.

What advice would you give to the freshers of 2013/14?

Budget your money term by term so you don't end up with no money before your next loan date, because honestly, it really sucks when that happens.

Just for fun:

What drinking game would you pass onto the freshers of 2013/14?

Ring of fire is always a winner!

Any embarrassing moments?

Oh, too many...passing out on my kitchen floor was pretty amusing though.

Best hangover cure?

Definitely a Wetherspoons breakfast!

Anything else you'd like to add?

Uni is really great, and everybody who can go, or wants to go, should definitely go!

If you'd like to know anything more about Plymouth University or Vicky's course email me - missisgoode@gmail.com - and I'll put you in contact with Vicky.

MissIsGoode

3 Comments

Personal

Opening Up

By Unknown - 14:01

I recently went back to look through my old posts and it got me thinking about how my attitude's developed throughout university. I've had my drunken escapades, and my studious moments, but all in all, I don't think I've quite put across who I really am. Don't get me wrong - I don't even know 100% who I am yet, but I can definitely open up a bit more to my lovely readers.

So here's ten delightfully honest facts about me:

1. I'm no party animal

Whether you look back through this blog, or have known me personally since the start of university, you'll assume I love to party, and yes I do, but I'm honestly not the alcohol induced party goer I came across as at the start of university, and I certainly wasn't like that beforehand. Freshers' week can easily absorb you in a party lifestyle, something I hadn't really had before, so I became one of the mental ones who went out three times a week and wouldn't miss a decent night out - or even a rubbish one. I'm actually incredibly docile and I love to lounge around in my PJ's, watching films, I love going on walks and traipsing through the countryside on my own little adventures (this is starting to sound like a dating ad already). Basically, I like a simple life not a party life.

2. I'm a mixture of Gretchin Weiners, Regina George and Cady Herring.

A lot of people tend to confide in me, which I always find flattering. I hold a lot of secrets, honest truths, and often even rumours and gossip. It's been the same since school, I was always in the know, but never desperate to be. Whilst I am extremely trustworthy sometimes gossip can get the better of me.

'That's why her hair's so big, it's full of secrets'

People have told me that if our group of friends were Mean Girls, I'd be Regina George. I'm initially offended, but in fact, I can be a total bitch if people get on the wrong side of me, unfortunately.

But ultimately, I'm a 'home schooled jungle freak' - no I wasn't home schooled nor was I brought up in a jungle, but in the past I've done stupid things for friendship or popularity. I've also had moments where I've followed the crowd rather than stayed true to myself. I prefer to avoid confrontation, but I'll admit to my mistakes and always make up for them.

3. I don't have much fashion sense

Most days, I tend to just grab anything and whack it together - but I do this several times until I'm satisfied with something that as soon as I leave the house I'll regret wearing. There's rarely a day where I don't regret my outfit decision. I have an average amount of clothes, not a lot that really match together. A lot of my clothes are a few years out of date, and I've never kept up with what's 'in'. Whilst I love to look good, I don't always tend to.

4. I believe in the supernatural

On my Mum's side some of the family are quite spiritual, but it's never been forced upon us. My Mum has always been open about her beliefs and my beliefs tend to be more so paranoia then anything else. One of my favourite TV shows, Supernatural, doesn't exactly help calm my nerves about what else is out there, oh if only the Winchesters could save me. Or climb into bed with me. Just Dean. C'mon, hop in.

It also contributes to my fears of living alone and of the dark. I'm a big wimp really.

5. I'm my own biggest critic

But I don't tend to voice it. In my head I'm forever disappointed in myself. When I haven't worked hard enough at uni I'm filled with regret but vocally say, 'well I've learnt my lesson'. Whilst I don't believe it's right to regret things, and should simply learn, for the short 19 years I've lived I'm still kicking myself for the things I apologised and made up for ten years ago. I don't kick myself enough in my opinion, so in my second year, I plan to put everything I've got into my studies.

6. I'm a combination of super lazy and super obsessive

Basically, if I don't exercise, I can laze around day after day, but if I start exercising and get into a proper routine, it becomes an obsessive one. As I'm not overweight, it's not necessarily a good thing, and I don't tend to eat a lot when I'm not at university either, so it can be my health's downfall. I've always struggled to find a happy medium and many people I know are just like me and they've also headed towards going too far. I can't find the right healthy diet combined with the appropriate exercise, but I'm sure I'll get there.

7. My main goal in life is to travel and push myself beyond my limits

I'm terrified of heights - but I intend to go sky diving. I'm terrified of being in new places alone - but I desperately want to teach in Thailand next year. I'm scared of deep water - but I will go diving, and get myself comfortable with the sea.

'The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself'

And I'm a big believer in that. I do fear things, but I don't want to allow that fear to stop me. I'd be disappointed in myself if I didn't do everything I wanted to in life and settled for anything too simple and dull. Whilst I do like the simple life, my idea of a simple life is seeing as many countries as possible and never stop. That's simple and perfect in my world.

8. I love money

I've always considered the beauty of a minimalistic lifestyle. It sounds so peaceful, but in all honesty, I love money far too much. I guess I am a bit materialistic too, but I don't have big brands in my wardrobe, on my feet or anywhere in my house. I'd prefer to have money to spend on amazing holidays, trips around the country and world and simply be able to experience the most amazing things the world has to offer. Rather than spend a few hundred on clothes, I'd go somewhere amazing.

9. I'm terrified of getting a divorce

I've never experienced a divorce and I'm not married yet myself (and don't plan to be for a good ten years). I'm fortunate enough to have parents that have been happily married for 25 years. I understand divorces are sometimes necessary in life sometimes but I've always hoped that when I get married, I won't get a divorce. I can't predict what will happen of course, but I hope I find the right person that I can grow old with.

10. I'm not a quit-er, but I always have excuses

It's very rare for me to get up and quit something without good reason - drums I felt I outgrew (I in fact just started going to so many parties amongst doing my GCSE's I never found the time to drum - boom, excuse no. 1). With Karate, my club closed down and I didn't know of any other's that did my style in the area (excuse no. 2). I get to (or back to) everything eventually, but sometimes I have a long list of excuses of why something can't be done at that very minute, and it's always frustrated me. It's a habit I desperately need to break.

And breath. 10 totally honestly facts about myself.

Opening up is easy (I lie, this took me 5 days to write), what ten honest interesting facts would you share?

MissIsGoode