What's in my Uni Bag?

I really enjoyed doing my 'what's in my gym bag' and 'what's in my handbag' posts, and I hope you all enjoyed reading them! As with my gym bag, I try to stick to the essentials so that I don't have to carry too much around with me everyday. I have tried to remember where I got things from in case you're interested in them, but a lot of things I've had for a long time so I may no longer know or they might not be available anymore. If this is the case, I apologise! None of these products are advertised.

The Bag Itself:

I got this backpack from Amazon. It's a good size and it has a laptop pouch and anti theft zipped pocket to keep my keys and phone in. It's great for what I need.

My Laptop:

I am so in love with this laptop. It is the 2017 model of the MacBook Pro and it is brilliant (the one without the touch bar). Fast, effective, good memory space, good screen size (I have the smaller version) and good battery life. I use it every day for my work and can have the powerpoint slides up during lectures to make notes from at my own pace. I also keep it in a protective case but it isn't that interesting so I didn't include a photo.

My iPad:

I have the 2019 iPad mini (WiFi only), and since I bought this I often take it to uni instead of my laptop as it is lighter weight and I can still view slides on it. I can also make notes on it, read presentation scripts from it and use it to search the library catalogue for books I need. The case is from Amazon.

USB to USBC Convertor:

My laptop has only a USBC port, and I occasionally have to connect to USBs so these are very practical if not particularly interesting.

Memory Stick:

This is pretty self explanatory.

Notebooks:

I have one notebook for my module notes and another for my dissertation notes. They're both from Typo. Pretty and practical!

Pencil Case:

I got this on Not On The High Street, and it has mainly biros in but also pastel highlighters and gel pens for making certain notes stand out. I know, fascinating.

Lip Balm:

This is a life saver in winter as I always get dry lips. This specific one is the eos cinnamon one which is very moisturising and smells divine.

Headphones:

I like to drown out the background noise if I'm working at uni with these. These are just the ones that came with my phone.

I usually have my keys, cardholder, water bottle and phone in my bag as well but as I already spoke about those in my previous 'what's in my bag' posts I didn't mention them again! If you haven't already, you can check those out here and here.

Why I've Been Struggling to Settle Back in at Uni.

Two weeks ago I started my third year at university. Since I transferred last year, this was my first time not being a fresher. I thought this would make it easier to settle in but in fact I've actually been finding it really hard. There are several reasons why, and I thought I'd write about them to help me overcome them, and maybe comfort any of you who are feeling the same way!

Firstly, the work load is more immediate. While I normally wouldn't have any deadlines until week 6, my first essay this semester was due in week 2. This meant instead of having a couple of weeks for me to take it slow and start to get back into routine, I've had to get down to it pretty much immediately.

Secondly, there is a lot more pressure to do well. Third year is the one that holds the most weight, and I don't want to make any stupid mistakes. I know I'm capable of doing well, I just have to work hard to do it. This makes me stressed as I feel like I should be working whenever I take any time off, even though I know this isn't true.

Thirdly, I've been really homesick since I got back. I'm not sure why this is, maybe it's because I've spent a lot more time than usual with my mum this summer so I'm missing her more or maybe it's the lack of nerves emphasising this feeling but I can't be sure. I live with my boyfriend, so it's not even like I'm on my own! In the past, after a couple of weeks of homesickness I've start to feel better so I'm hoping that will happen again this year.

As well as this, my best uni friends are going through tough times in their personal lives. I worry about them a lot and I'm trying to be a good friend but I don't know how to help. I worry that I'm either forcing my support on them or not supporting them enough!

Finally, my flat this year is a new build and we've had various issues with administration and problems with the locks and things like that. There's nothing that will make you miss home like having to take a cold shower because there's no hot water...

The main reason for writing this post isn't for me to have a moan though! It's to make any of you who are facing similar problems at the moment. So here's what I've been doing to help settle down:

• Talk about it!! I've been sharing with my boyfriend and my friends how I've been feeling and they've been really great at comforting me and giving me advice on how to get myself out of a rut.
• Calling home. I don't miss my mum so much when I can have a good long chat on the phone.
• Create a set routine work-wise. If you have a preplanned rota for when to do what it makes it easier to force yourself to actually do it, plus you'll feel much more productive!
• Make manageable 'to do' lists. If you follow my Instagram (@klarablogs) you'll see I often share these on my stories! It helps me organise my week and I feel like I've achieved something  each time I complete one.
• Finally, make time for something fun at least once a week. Then you have things to look forward to, and it'll help you relax which actually makes you more productive in the long run.

All that being said, if you are feeling REALLY overwhelmed and these tips aren't helping there are TONNES of resources available. Don't suffer in silence! Contact your GP, your uni's student support services, charities such as Mind or Samaritans or if you feel like it DM me on instagram! I'm always happy to talk.

Budgeting Tips

As a student or anyone on a low wage job it can be difficult to afford such luxuries as rent and food, so it is important to budget your money effectively. It won't work unless you find a method that works for you, so I have included the pros and cons of each tip to make it easier for you to choose one. Let me know if you have any methods that work well for you!

Get a Budgeting Card (Such as a Monzo Card):

This is NOT an ad, I just love Monzo. It allows you to set budgets for each month including a total spend and categories such as groceries, meals out, utilities and shopping. I personally like it because I can transfer a small amount each week to stick to instead of having loads of money at the start of the month and none at the end. The only disadvantage to this method is that you have to pay to get over a certain amount of cash out each month, so if you like to use cash then this is not for you.

Use Cash:

Again this method is great for restricting your weekly spend, but it's is easy to lose cash, you end up with loose change and you can't shop online with it.

Make a Spreadsheet or Write Down Where you Spend Money:

This is good for showing you where your money goes, and therefore identifying where you need to cut down but not so much for restricting your outgoings in the first place. As you personally input the data, it can also be prone to mistakes.

Make a Savings Account:

This can be a good option if you have a student loan, so get most of your money in a lump sum. You can use your savings account to put aside the money you need for rent and bills etc, so you only spend what's left over after that. The problem with this is it may not help you put aside money for things like a food shop, which can vary in price.

Limit Food Shops:

This is more of a way to save money than budget it, but if you buy your food in one go and freeze what you don't need straight away then you won't be tempted to spend a little extra on snacks etc. that you don't need. Similarly, unsubscribe from email lists to avoid temptation, but do subscribe to student discount websites!

Use Prepaid Grocery Cards:

This can be especially good if your parents give you money for uni, as it removes the temptation to spend that money on other stuff.

Like I said, let me know if you have any other ways of budgeting, or saving, as I'm always looking to save money! I hope this post has been helpful to at least some of you.

Top Tips for Freshers

Due to transferring universities, I have now been a fresher twice. This means I've picked up a few tips on how to enjoy the experience as much as possible so I thought I'd share my top 10!

1. Don't be afraid to try something new. Join a society or a club that sounds fun, or join a gym, or start a part time job doing something you haven't done before. It can be a great way to make friends but also keep fit, make money or just relax when you've finished your uni work.
2. Don't feel pressured to do anything that makes you uncomfortable. While I'm all for stepping out of your comfort zone to try a new hobby, you shouldn't feel like you have to do anything you really don't want to. I don't drink much, and had been worried that I'd be pushed to at uni, but true friends are respectful of your wishes and will do other things with you.
3. Never walk home by yourself at night!!! I cannot stress this enough! It's so dangerous for men as well as women! Get a bus or a taxi or call a friend.
4. Try to cook properly and exercise regularly. It is so easy to gain weight in first year from all the alcohol and pot noodles and losing it is more difficult than keeping it off in the first place.
5. Budget, budget, budget! It may be a pain but it is honestly so worth it. I use an app called Monzo to keep track of my spending each week/month (not an ad, I just think they're brilliant).
6. Go to your lectures. This may sound either boring or obvious, but the temptation to sleep through a 9am is real and going to them will help you so much with exams/essays and also your work in second and third year.
7. Go to the Freshers Fair. So much free stuff! And a great chance to get information about uni life and societies you can join.
8. Personalise your room! Put up photos, posters, cards and fairy lights to make your room a happy place and hopefully ward off homesickness.
9. Call your family at least once a week. It'll make them happy, I promise.
10. Don't be afraid of speaking out! If you're unhappy or need financial help or just simply want help with an essay, your uni will have someone on hand to help you out.

Most of all, enjoy yourself! You only do uni once (usually) so make the most of it.

Why I Decided to Transfer Unis

I have recently received the amazing news that I have a confirmed place at Oxford Brookes University next year. I loved Bath Spa but for a few reasons I decided that it just was not the right place for me, so I wanted to take some time to talk about them.

• My boyfriend. I'd be lying if I didn't admit that he was a huge reason for making this decision. I was so unhappy being away from him, and keeping my weekends available for seeing him caused a lot of the other problems I had at uni. Being in the same city as him will make it easy to see him during the week, as well as on weekends without the same time commitment.

• I wanted more time for my friends. I visited my friend Midge in Southampton a couple of times, but I would ideally like to see more of her and make new friends too.

• I wanted more time to get a part time job! I'm a student! I'm poor! I need to buy things like books and food and train tickets and and and... the list goes on.

• As well as hopefully making some more money, I'll be able to save more. I have been quite good at putting money aside this year but I would like to be able to do it more! You never know when you'll need it.

Mostly though, I realised that the only thing holding me back from changing was that I was worried about what everyone would think. Who has time for that? My happiness is more important than people's opinions. I'm so so so excited for this next chapter in my life and can't wait to start!

My Top 10 Places in Bath

As I am a student at Bath Spa University, I have had the privilege of living in Bath for almost a year now, and it is a beautiful city. I have enjoyed many locations in the city, but these are some of my favourites.

• The Roman Baths. Of course. This is an obvious one, but they are just so beautiful. Also, as a Bath student I get free entry! The museum is really great and you get a free audioguide as well which as a history student I love. Definitely my favourite place in the city, especially in the sun.

• Mr B's Book Emporium. This independent bookshop is so so cute. They have many services to help you find new things to read, and there's a wide range of genres to look at too. Also, how cute is this display!?

• Southgate. Not only are there lots of great shops, but often there are gorgeous hanging displays, such as umbrellas, flowers or Christmas lights. This is the latest one!

• Pulteney Bridge. I'm told this was one of the locations where Les Mis was filmed, but regardless I think it's beautiful here. So peaceful and close to town too!

• The Christmas Market. I know this isn't technically a place in Bath, but it's definitely worth visiting. Such a range of stalls selling delicious food, handmade crafts and other beautiful items. Definitely a hit.

• The Fudge Kitchen. Delicious handmade fudge which you can sample for free, a display of the fudge making process and a loyalty card which earns you more free fudge! What's not to like?

• The Real Italian Pizza Co. An adorable secluded restaurant in central Bath, with amazing pizzas (handmade of course), a range of flavours and a hidden area of outdoor seating. My family's favourite. *Please note: This is not my image! All of the other photos on this post are though*.

• Guildhall Market. An adorable covered market with a mixture of different stalls, definitely worth visiting if you're ever in Bath!

• Green Park Station. Another covered market, with a mixture of permanent shops such as a cafe which does the best vegan hot chocolate ever, and a pizza bar which offers pizza and a pint for £10, and temporary market stalls on weekends. I don't have a photo of it, so here's another photo from Mr's B's (a collage wall of TinTin) instead.

• Newton St. Loe Farmshop and Café. Fresh produce from the attached farm, and huge hot chocolates and cakes that are to die for. All in a picturesque village just outside of Bath. Perfection.