Summer in London

I've recently finished university and have moved back home, which is all well and good for the unlimited free food, but all my friends live miles away so last weekend I went to London to visit my friend Elliott. Luckily for us it was extremely warm so we headed to Hampstead Heath (as well as a million other Londoners apparently). We had a picnic and caught up with each others lives, Elliott has a new job and is killing it so I was more than happy to listen to his exciting life rather than describe how many chocolate digestives I seem to eat on a daily basis now I am unemployed, (I am actively trying to change this, someone please hire me). We also decided to have a dip in the bathing ponds at the park, which was very refreshing/slightly terrifying as you can't feel the bottom of the pond and we both realised we are not strong swimmers at all, but at least we gave it a go! On Sunday we had a wander around Brick Lane/Shoreditch, visited around 345134 markets and then went for a roast dinner (a rule of life). I wish every weekend was like this!

Nicola 

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University

My university experience has been everything I expected x a million. After moving to Birmingham 3 years ago, not knowing a single soul, I am now coming out the other side with a head full of memories, 2 best friends and lots of nostalgic tears. For me university was always where I wanted to go and it was the best decision I've ever made in my short life, so if you want to go and have the opportunity to go, then do it. Here are some other tips I wish somebody would have told me / things I have learnt -

1. Go to every freshers event. You might think you can't hack 2 nights out in a row, but trust me you can. You only get one freshers week (2nd/3rd years don't count), make the most of it.

2. You will get caught up in this new crazy adventure and your people at home will be so happy you are happy, but don't forget to check in with them.

3. Say yes to every opportunity.

4. Some friendships won't last past your university years and that's okay, just cherish the good times.

5. Appreciate every single minute but especially first year when everything is new, exciting and carefree.

Leaving Birmingham and all the memories and people with it, is quite terrifying and overwhelming but I'm excited for the future and Birmingham, I'm sure I will see you again.

Nicola 

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