Northern Girl, Meet World

I did have every intention to have my blog up and running properly.  I planned on writing posts at least weekly and setting time aside each week to actually make this 'a thing'...evidently this didn't happen. So, I thought I ought to explain myself.

It is fair to say that I got very much distracted by life. I was swept into the excitement of having a newfound independence of living on my own in a brand new town.  I've met so many amazing people, who I now have the pleasure of calling my best friends and who have accompanied me on many (mis)adventures. And of course there is the workload that can only be expected to go alongside a degree.

My amazing flat mates and future housemates

The best group of girls I have ever met

Armoury/Student Christmas Social

My wonderful family wreaking havoc in Cheltenham

Looking back, I have had an amazing 6 months and have grown so much as a person. and when I think of the person I was before uni, its almost unrecognisable. I am gutted that my first year has been cut short but that is out of my hands and let me tell you I absolutely can not wait to be back in Cheltenham.

Since September, I've had two jobs (and hated both) which taught me that I definitely can't think of anything worse than having an office or retail job as my long term career. I realised my ex boyfriend was in fact not the person I am meant to spend the rest of my life with. I have had a long journey in finding and discovering faith. I have recently turned veggie, which I thought would be the last thing to ever happen. I'm trying to teach myself how to cook, albeit not very successfully. I've had some lovely surprise visits from my family. I joined a gym which turns out to be so much more than just a place to workout but an amazing family community. My flatmates and I even signed a contract for a house for next year so I feel very adulty.  And I have made some very questionable decisions, but more on that later.

I honestly think I am the happiest I have ever been am very excited to see what happens next in my life. I'll be sure to (try) keep you updated.

- Sophie x

The countdown is on for my big move to university! In two weeks I'll have the car packed up and be travelling down the M6 to Cheltenham. I haven't half had a faff trying to get all my stuff together for move in (who knew it would be so hard to choose a frying pan?)

I know I'm not the only one so I thought it would be useful to share with you the list I made of the things I am taking to university with me. The list is by no means exhaustive and is likely to vary for everyone. (please note I did not buy everything new but for things I did buy I will try to leave the links below)

Bedroom

• Pillows and Mattress Protector (https://www.groupon.co.uk/deals/silentnight-topper-pillows-6 - I was strongly advised to get a mattress topper to add an extra layer between youself and the mattress)
• Single Duvet (https://www.groupon.co.uk/deals/silentnight-anti-allergy-duvet-12 - I got the 7.5 tog quilt because I get quite warm through night)
• Bedding Set - (https://direct.asda.com/george/home/bedding/duvet-covers/green-tropical-leaf-print-easy-care-duvet-set/GEM706092,default,pd.html?cgid=D26M04G04C02 - I got this one from George at Asda, I know I want a yellow and green colour theme in my room so it fit quite well)
• Fitted Bed Sheet - (https://direct.asda.com/george/home/bedding/sheets-pillowcases/mustard-fitted-sheet/GEM596718,default,pd.html?cgid=D26M04G04C22 - I like fitted sheets but of course that's just personal preference)
• Extra Pillow Case - (https://direct.asda.com/george/home/bedding/sheets-pillowcases/mustard-yellow-easy-care-pillowcase-pair/050594368,default,pd.html?cgid=D26M04G04C22 - this is just because I like to sleep on two pillows)
• Bed Throw - (https://direct.asda.com/george/home-gardens/blankets-throws/george-home-supersoft-honey-plush-throw/050019524,default,pd.html - I just like my home comforts)
• Decorative Bed Cushions - (1. https://direct.asda.com/george/home-gardens/blankets-throws/george-home-supersoft-honey-plush-throw/050019524,default,pd.html 2. https://direct.asda.com/george/home-gardens/blankets-throws/george-home-supersoft-honey-plush-throw/050019524,default,pd.html )
• Desk Mirror - (https://direct.asda.com/george/home/bathroom-accessories/copper-marble-base-mirror/050549402,default,pd.html)
• Raskog Cart - (https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/raskog-trolley-white-20382932/ - I'll be taking mine from home which I use for stationary storage)
• Coat Hangers (most university halls do not provide these so its best to take your own)
• Laundry Basket (I have a spare one at home so will just be taking that)
• Laundry Bags (to carry washing to and from the laundry rooms)
• Clothes Maiden ( I got one that you can hang over your radiator similar to this - https://www.amazon.co.uk/JVL-Folding-Clothes-Radiator-Plastic/dp/B003BPPA8S/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=over+radiator+clothes+maiden&qid=1567092690&s=gateway&sr=8-3)
• Vacuum Bags - (Really useful to get your clothes to and from university without taking up too much room)
• Suitcase - (will come in handy when travelling to and from home during term time)
• Touches of Home (I've packed some fairy lights and photos of friends and family to make my room feel more at home)

Bathroom

• 2x Bath Towels (I got mine from Primark but these are similar - https://direct.asda.com/Mustard-Super-Soft-Cotton-Towel-Range/SET3784,default,pd.html?cgid=D26M07G07C09)
• 2x Hand Towels (Again, I got the matching ones to my bath towels at Primark)
• Bath Mat (I will just be using a spare hand towel as they're easier to clean)
• Dressing Gown (I literally cannot live without mine)
• Toothbrush Holder - (https://direct.asda.com/george/home/bathroom-accessories/leopard-print-tumbler/050710060,default,pd.html)
• Shampoo & Conditioner
• Shower gel or Soap
• Toothbrush & Toothpaste
• Toilet Roll (you'll have a nightmare if you forget this!)
• Hair Dryer
• Hair Straighteners
• Flannels or Face Cloths
• Hairbrush and Comb 
• Makeup
• Skincare Routine (mine consists of just a face wash and moisturiser)
• Tweezers
• Razors
• Sanitary Products
• Contraception (if applicable)
• Plasters and Painkillers (will be a saviour during Fresher's Fortnight)
• Personal prescriptions

Kitchen

• Cutlery Set (https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/mopsig-16-piece-cutlery-set-00343003/)
• Crockery Set (my parents recently bought a new set of plates and stuff so I'm just taking the old set)
• Glasses (wine glass, tumbler, gin glass, whatever you fancy)
• Mugs (we literally have a cupboard full so I had no need 
• Cooking Utensils (I got this fab set on Groupon with everything I'd ever need and probably more - https://www.groupon.co.uk/deals/cooking-utensils-set)
• Knife Set (https://www.groupon.co.uk/deals/berlinger-haus-titanium-knives)
• Baking Tray
• Frying Pan
• 2x Saucepan (you might manage with just the one though)
• Chopping Board
• Measuring Jug
• Colander
• Scissors
• Cheese Grater
• Basic Foodstuffs (some things to get you by for your first couple of days before you get a chance to go shopping like instant noodles and coffee...all of the coffee)
• Alcohol (only if you fancy though, I'll be taking a bottle or two of vodka for pre-drinks to at least try to save some money during freshers)

Documents

• ID Document (a valid passport, driving licence or something along those lines)
• Acceptance Letter from the Uni (I'm just going to be taking anything have received from my Uni with me)
• Passport Photos (I don't know why, but apparently we need them)
• Bank Card (that's just a given though, right?)
• Student Discount Cards/Apps (got to save those pennies)
• Scholarship/Bursary Letters
• Copies of Personal Prescriptions

Electronics/Devices

• Laptop
• Kindle (Easier than taking all your favourite books with you)
• Extension Cable (will be so useful but never daisy chain multiple extension cords)
• USB Stick and/or Hard Drive 
• Earphones/Headphones (sometimes I need my peace and quiet)
• Portable Speaker
• All your Chargers
• Mobile Phone (surely that's a given)

Clothes

This is where I'm struggling the most so I'm not going to go into this one too much because honestly, take whatever clothes you like. I would advise to take some smarter clothes for more formal events or interviews and also take some fancy dress (although you could get that there) for freshers week/fortnight.

Stationary

I am one of those people that love stationary, it just makes me happy so this might be considered extensive.

• Writing Pens (I love the Muji gel pens - https://www.amazon.co.uk/MUJI-0-5mm-Gel-Ink-Stationery/dp/B00PXZHB8Q/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=muji+black+gel+pens&qid=1567155057&s=gateway&sr=8-1)
• Coloured Pens (I have so many coloured pens its unreal, my favourites are the Faber Castell Pitt Artist Pens - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000UEH9BO/ref=twister_B018I58MIU?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 and Papermate Flairs https://www.whsmith.co.uk/products/papermate-flair-special-edition-felt-tip-pens-medium-nib-assorted-ink-/3026980060510.html)
• Pencils
• Highlighters (I have the full set of Zebra Mildliners)
• Ruler
• Pencil Case (I don't go anywhere without mine - https://www.kipling.com/uk-en/new-in-c10525/100-pens-84a14e-k0940546y00-999.html)
• Planner (I love my yellow Kikki K which doesn't appear to be available anymore but you can get similar on their website)
• Ring Binders
• A4 Lined and Plain Paper
• Graph Paper
• Calculator
• Notebooks
• Post-It Notes

Course Specific Items (Animal Biology)

• Walking Boots
• Waterproof Pants and Jacket
• Rucksack/Daysack
• Binoculars
• Field/Wildlife Guides
• Water Bottle/ Platypus System
• Textbooks

As I've said this might not apply to everyone but at the moment, this is where I've got to and have decided I'm taking. I'll update if I need to with anything else I can think of. Let me know below if you think I've missed anything.

- Sophie x

I'm Sophie, a Northern girl through and through and by northern I don't mean Manchester, Newcastle or Liverpool. I mean the True North, I mean Cumbria. To honest, if I lived any further North I'd be Scottish.


Don't get me wrong, I live in a beautiful area not far from the Lake District so adventure is right on my doorstop in the 'outdoorsy' sense...but when comparing that to the big wide world its fair to say that we're pretty sheltered up here and I've always wanted to see more.

My Corner of the World

So in September I'll be packing my bags and moving exactly 234 miles away to start university at the University of Gloucestershire in Cheltenham which I know won't have the lavish city lifestyle of our grand capital but it's a city nonetheless and still a huge move. I plan on studying Animal Biology and hope my education and eventually my career will lead me to every corner of the world to make a difference.


And that's what this is, somewhere I can dump all my thoughts about everything really and hopefully if anybody ends up reading this you can learn from my (no doubt many) mistakes and celebrate with me on my successes


I have no idea what I'm doing I must admit so there will be lots of lows and hopefully even more highs so lets just see where it gets us.

 - Sophie x