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

Over the year I've managed to disappoint myself and surprise myself. I've come out overall with four 2:2's and four 2:1's! I only managed to fail one thing - which was class participation in one of my modules, but thankfully I still passed the module overall!

My highest mark throughout the whole year was 74 and this was in the first semester on a risky presentation! And my lowest was as said above, the fail at 20. But overall, I've done myself proud and I'm progressing into my second year with an intention to work much harder and most definitely improve on the results I got this year.

Photo from google search

This is relevant right now as I'm watching Harry Potter. What better way to celebrate?

Over the year I've written 14 essays, done one exam and 4 class presentations. I know next year it's going to get much much harder! Thank God for the summer break.

Congratulations to all my friends who passed, and everyone else who has got their results! To anyone else that hasn't yet, good luck!

MissIsGoode

What's the best thing about your uni?

Definitely the people and the area. It's a great atmosphere with an amazing nightlife. We also have a beach here too.

What's the worst?

The cost. I'm nearly always broke, so to cover the expenses is quite a difficult task.

Have you enjoyed your first year?

I've loved it!

What's your course like?

I've opted for mainly theoretical electives so the workload is quite heavy but I find the subject really interesting and quite good fun.

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

Honestly, I can't remember my best memory - which is probably a good thing considering. However, to pin point a few things I'd say: freshers week and The Great Escape Festival.

How would you describe your freshers week?

Freshers was such good fun. There was hardly any work that had to be completed, I was constantly meeting new people, who I now consider to be some of my best friends.

What's the best thing about living off campus?

The independence.

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

University has certainly exceeded my expectations. I was relatively nervous beforehand but looking back now, I've loved nearly every minute of it.

What's your best money saving tip?

I'm probably not the best person to ask...however, my plan for next year is to budget before the semester begins.

How do you de-stress?

Well, I live in an area where there is always something happening, so it's not hard to find something to do. Personally, I play my guitar. Living off campus gives you that sort of space.

What advice would you give to freshers next year?

Just have fun. Don't worry or stress over things. Think ahead when it comes down to it though.

Just for fun:

What drinking game would you recommend to the freshers next year?

The classics. Ring of fire, Roxanne etc...

Any embarrassing moments?

Too many.

What's your best hangover cure?

Coffee and spinach and ricotta tortellini.

If you'd like to know anything more about the University of Brighton or Dan's course, contact me - missisgoode@gmail.com - and I'll put you in contact with Dan.

MissIsGoode

What's the best thing about your uni?

The large and varied city of Manchester.

What's the worst?

Definitely the lack of contact time with lecturers.

Have you enjoyed your first year?

Yeah, it went better than I expected - nicer people and the like.

What's your course like?

The lectures are really interesting, as well as the modules, but the readings and the essay topics are fairly hard.

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

Shared times with newly-made friends, and living with new people.

How would you describe your freshers week?

A whirlwind of activity - exhausting, exciting and extremely worth it.

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

Well, Fallowfield is one of the best student villages in the UK and there's always lots going on night and day, with lots of places to go. However, the worst is the fact that some of the areas around it are a bit dodgy at night.

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

It exceeded my expectations socially, but not academically.

What's your best money saving tip?

Buy in advance, take advantage of deals, avoid eating out and pre-drink!

What's your best way to de-stress?

Listen to some good music (spotify free is your friend), and talk to your friends - they're probably stressed as well!

What advice would you give to freshers next year?

Stock up on Berocca and money for freshers - it'll be worth it.

Just for fun:

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

Drink on the bus - it's dangerous but fun!

Any embarrassing moments?

Too many drunken times to mention, we all have them.

What's your best hangover cure?

Berocca, fast food, and lots of water.

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

MissIsGoode

During my first year of university I met a lovely man named Matt and for the time we dated his camera was never left behind. I've had people ponder why this post is still on the blog despite the fact we're no longer together, but I don't believe in deleting every trace of my past and I have good memories with Matt. Both him and myself are now in different relationship and I love seeing all the new work he's doing with his current girlfriend, who actually is a model!

When we were together, he once sent me this comical article called '41 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Date a Photographer' and here was my spin on it written at the time we were together...

It's a pretty good laugh, and both of us could point out all the dating a photographer crimes he so repetitively committed, and it made me think, what would I say to someone who asked me what it's like dating a photographer?

The Cons

1. Whilst he'll always tell you how beautiful you are, he'll be inclined to catch it

There's few romantic moments when dating a photographer, you can be looking affectionately into one and other's eyes, love filling the air, but then he'll grab his camera, and BOOM moment ruined. 

2. He'll catch your most hideous photos

Because he's never camera-less, he gets to catch those awful moments when you've finally crawled out of bed at 6 in the evening (leave it out, I'm a lazy student) and drags you for a walk to catch 'The Golden Hour' (a pee-your-pants time of the day for photographers). I've never seen such hideous (and, also, such stunning) photos of myself, but fortunately for me, as he's a good photographer, they go no further then his hard drive (because they don't make the cut - thank GOD).

3. You'll be second best

In the nicest way possible, it's true. I once asked my boyfriend what he'd do if I were in a burning building with his iPhone, camera and wallet. He said quite honestly that he'd try to save all four of his precious things, but I'd come last. In my head, this is all a hilarious joke...I like to think it is in his too!

4. He'll always be peering at your magazine's

I just want to read the gossip, but he'll sit beside me and talk about lighting and angles, what he'd do differently, what the photographer did wrong, what they did right...etc etc etc 

5. Don't doubt it for a moment, because girl, you've just become a model

This is perhaps many girls dreams, your own photographer following you around full time, but not mine. The first time I met him, he said he'd love to photograph me (I think this may have been a pick up line similar to Sebastian's from Cruel Intentions). And, on the first date, that's exactly what he did - we were walking back from the bar and he had me posing in the middle of the road. And from the moment go, I've become his subject. If I'm not having a photograph taken, I'm assisting him on one. 

6. Once he's on the computer editing, it's hard to pry him off

Unless dinner's ready, or Family Guy's on...or a good film, and perhaps something cheeky...but other than that, his iMac gets all the attention. 

The Pros

1. Because he always tells you how beautiful you are, he'll be inclined to catch it

That's the romantic part, he's a photographer, and catches beauty, and he wants me to be the fabulous face he photographs (among all the other beauties he also photographs, but that's not the point). When I once asked why he's always taking pictures of me, he replied 'Because you're beautiful, and I want to catch that in a photograph'. I can't argue with that can I?

2. He'll catch your most beautiful photos

3. He won't miss a moment

I always love having photographs from any event, and whilst my Nikon Coolpix does the job, he takes some amazing photos. Even walks with the dogs are captured so beautifully. 

4. He compliments your food in the best way

MissIsGoode