My First Few Days Of College

The boot of the car was full to be brim on Sunday afternoon with bags and bags of my belongings.  Surprisingly enough I had slept well the night before and was now ready to just get in the car and go.  The journey up to the college flew by and on a few occasions we passed other cars in which the back seats were bulging with duvet covers and pillows: a true sign of a college kid!

Unfortunately I didn't get a place in on-campus accommodation so I'm now staying in Diggs.  At first I was a little unsure of how this would work out, living with a family I didn't know seemed a bit strange to me and I didn't know how well I was going to fit in.  I needn't have worried though because the family I am staying with are so lovely and they make me feel right at home!  Once my parents had left me behind and started the journey back home there was a discussion of dinner, the usual family thing.  What were we going to eat?  After much deliberation it was decided that we would just get takeaway.  I wasn't complaining at all and so we indulged in Apache pizza and a nice glass of wine.  (There were no children around at the time.)  It was a great way to be welcomed into the household.

The next morning I was a bag of nerves!  I had been relatively calm the night before but now it was starting to feel a bit real.  I had to force myself to eat breakfast and remember how to get going properly.

Step 1:  Eat breakfast.

Step 2:  Figure out what food you need to bring for lunch.

Step 3:  Figure out what you're going to wear and dress yourself.

Step 4:  Put on a bit of makeup to make yourself look someway decent and brush your teeth.

Step 5:  Leave the house and try to make your way to the campus without getting lost.

Once I arrived at campus everyone in my orientation group were already chatting away to eachother and I felt so lost and worried I wouldn't be able to mix with anyone.  When orientation went on throughout the day everyone conversed with eachother with the usual questions:  What's your name, where are you from, what are you studying etc. and I realised I was going to be ok.  Everyone was in the same boat and didn't know that many people either so I wasn't alone and I met a lot of genuinely nice people.  Making new friends was a lot easier than I thought it would be.

Overall orientation was overwhelming.  There were so many talks to go to and so much information to absorb.  I began to panic thinking that maybe college wouldn't be for me.  Had I made a huge mistake?  It wasn't a nice feeling but I think it's normal to feel that way.  I've only spent two days in college.  I need to give myself a chance but I'm now really looking forward to this semester.

Another worry of mine was going out at night.  Because I didn't really know that many people I didn't know whether to go to any of the night time events in fear of being on my own.  I ended up going to a Lock and Key night with a few girls I had met during orientation and we actually had a really good night.  If anyone else finds themselves in this sort of situation I would say to go to as many events as possible.  As I was told, you're only a first year once and you will definitely find people to hang around with and enjoy yourself with.

I'm going to finish up this post now because it's a lot longer than I thought it would be.  Stay tuned for more updates and until then...

I'll see ya when I see ya!

Questions I Get Asked Before I Leave For College

I'm counting down the days until I leave for college.  3 days to be exact.  I can't wait!  As the time gets nearer and nearer I get more excited but my parents get more nervous.  Lately they've been asking me a lot of questions making sure that I am fully prepared for college life and also to give themselves some piece of mind.  Here's a little taster of the questions I get asked!

1) Do you have everything you need?:  I reply the same way I did the last fifty times I've been asked this question.  I think I have everything but could you be more specific because at the same time I'm not sure.

2) Do you have enough clothes?:  A girl can never have enough clothes but I think I have enough to get by.

3) Do you have a decent pair of shoes?  You'll be doing a lot of walking:  What exactly do you mean by a decent pair of shoes?

4) What if it rains?  Then I'll bring an umbrella.

5) Do you have enough paracetamol, plasters etc.?:  Yes but you're probably going to pack a first aid kit for me anyway.

6) Is there a doctor on campus?:  Yes.

7) Is there an ATM nearby?:  Yes.

8) Do you have enough credit on your phone?:  Yes and I'll top up if I need to.

9) Do you know anyone else going to the same college?:  Not really, but then again college is for making new friends!

10) Do you know you're way around campus?:  I'll get to know my way around.  Don't worry, in a few weeks I'll know the campus like the back of my hand!

11) Do you know where the nearest supermarket is?:  Of course, I wouldn't go anywhere without knowing where Aldi/Lidl are.  They are a college students best friend.

12) You won't stay out late every night, will you?:  It's college.  I'm a fresher.  Nuff said!

13) How much food do you need to bring?:  Not much.  There's a supermarket nearby.

14) You won't buy food on campus everyday, will you?:  I don't think I will be able to afford that but that Starbucks will tempt me.

15) Do you have enough stationary?:  Yes and I'll get more if I need it.

16) Do you have enough towels and bed sheets?:  Yes.

17) Do you need anymore bags to carry all your belongings?:  I think at this stage I have more bags than belongings.

18) Do you know what time the buses run?:  Yes don't worry I won't miss the bus.

19) Do you have your registration sorted out?:  Yes, almost.

20) Are there any more fees to be paid?:  Not that I know of for the moment.

So there are 20 questions (whoa!) that I get asked regularly since I'm going to college soon.  I think I may have missed out on a few but you get the picture.  Households get so busy this time of year you'd swear the whole family were heading off to college.  With all the fuss my parents are making you'd think I was moving to Alaska and not just two hours up the road.  My mother even bought me an extendable swat to keep all the bugs away!

I hope you enjoyed this post and until then...

I'll see ya when I see ya!

How To Deal With Over-Protective Parents

Over-protective parents are something many of us have to deal with at some stage in our lives.  We are always told that they are only looking out for us but it comes to the stage when you just get annoyed and frustrated with them.  You need your parents to understand that you can look after yourself.  The obvious response it to storm off and slam every door behind you.  That doesn't really help the situation so I thought in todays post I would give you a few tips on how to deal with over-protective parents.

1) Use indoor voices and listen:

If we are finding it difficult to get our point across to our parents we think the louder we say it the more it will sink in.  This isn't the case.  Use your indoor voice when speaking and remember to also listen to your parents.  Take in both sides of the argument and then you can compromise.  It's easier said than done but just give it a try!

2) Be organised:

Parents can be over-protective if they think we can't look after ourselves so we need to prove to them that we can.  Try to keep your room clean so they can't nag you about being untidy.  If your heading off to college like me make a list of everything you'll need before you go so your parents won't constantly ask you if you need anything else.

3) Earn their trust:

If your parents let you go out at the weekend don't go crazy and come home late or ignore all their calls.  If your going to college for the first time don't go on a rampage now that you have newfound freedom.  Your parents will only worry more and trust you less.  Try to act responsible but enjoy yourself at the same time.

4) Reassure your parents:

My parents are always reminding me that they are only at the other end of the phone if I need them.  They are always reassuring me especially now that I'm heading off to college on my own.  They don't want me to feel nervous or worried, which I'm not, but I'm sure they are.  At times the tables have to be turned and it's up to the teenager to reassure the parents.  If your worried about something tell them but if your not and you feel perfectly fine tell them that too.  Let them know that you are ready to move on and that you know they are there for you if you need them.

5) Keep you parents in the loop:

You don't need to tell your parents every single detail of your life even though they might ask for it.  Let them know what your up to because they will only worry if kept in the dark.

I hope you found this post helpful and you now know how to deal with over-protective parents.  If you can think of any other tips let me know because I'm currently struggling in this department and until then...

I'll see ya when I see ya! 



Who I Am Now

During my time at school there were a few occasions when I had to write a letter to myself at the start of the year.  It could have been about future goals, what I wanted to achieve at the end of the year or even what I was thinking on that particular day.  Since I'm starting college I decided to do something similar in this post.  I want to write down a few random thoughts or things about myself the way I am now.  After a few months I'll do the same thing and compare the two so I can see what's changed in that period of time.

I think this is a very interesting exercise that you can do too.  You can write about the same things I do or you can make up your own questions.  Enjoy!

1) What song is in my head now?

Stole the show - Kyga.

2) What song have I been singing a lot lately?

Stole the show - Kyga.  (It's getting a bit ridiculous.)

3) What was the last CD I listened to?

In The Lonely Hour - Sam Smith.

4) What was the last film I watched?

Garage.

5) Favourite colour?

Rose Pink.

6) How do I feel right now?

Thoughtful.

7) Where am I?

In the kitchen at home.

8) What am I wearing?

A tracksuit bottoms and an old t-shirt.  (Flattering, I know.)

9) What kind of job do I want?

I honestly have no idea!

10) Last person I texted?

My best friend.

11) Three things I can't live without?

1. Books
2. Music
3. My Phone

12) My favourite book?

The Fault In Our Stars - John Green.

13) Currently reading?

City of Lost Souls - Cassandra Clare.  (The Mortal Instruments)

14) Last thing I ate?

Chicken and pasta.

15) An object to my right?

A chair.

16) What nail varnish am I wearing, if any?

Max Factor Glossfinity in the shade Candy Rose.

17) Something I'm looking forward to?

College.

18) Something I'm proud of?

My Leaving Cert results.

19) Something I'm scared of?

Spiders.

20) My plan for the rest of the day?

Relax at home.

So there are 20 random questions I have just answered about myself.  Feel free to answer any yourself in the comments.  I hope you enjoyed this post and until then...

I'll see ya when I see ya!



The Liebster Award

So it's a lovely sunny afternoon and I have been nominated for another blogger award!  I'm really excited to be nominated for the Liebster award as I have read many before and they seem like a lot of fun.  I would like to thank the lovely Emma from Heart Autumn for the nomination.  You should all definitely check out her blog!  This award is a great way of discovering starter blogs so enjoy!

The Rules:

• Thank the person who nominated you and leave a link to their blog.
• Include the Liebster sticker in your post.
• Nominate 10 bloggers who have less than 200 followers.
• Let them know they have been nominated by leaving a comment on one of their posts.
• Answer the 10 questions asked to you by the person who nominated you and leave 10 new questions for your nominees.

The Questions:

What is your number 1 wardrobe staple?

I would have to say my number one wardrobe staple are my black jeans.  They are the perfect fit, so comfy and they go with everything.

Leather jackets or denim jackets?

Leather.  I find them much comfier.

Favourite shows on Netflix?

I don't actually have a Netflix account.  I know, how am I living right now!?  If I did have Netflix I would watch Pretty Little Liars (even though social media ruined the biggest plot twist), and I would also watch The Vampire Diaries.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you choose?

I have always dreamed of living in France.  Preferably in the suburbs somewhere.  I would also like to go to Canada.

Instagram or Twitter?

Again, I don't have an Instagram account.  If I did I would probably choose Instagram over Twitter.  I much prefer looking at nice pictures than reading about peoples random thoughts.

Favourite Disney character and why?

Olaf from Frozen!  I don't even need to think about that one.  Olaf is the cutest Disney character of all time.  I would give him warm hugs all day!

What's the best gift you've ever received?

A Winnie the Pooh onsie that my brother got me for Christmas last year.  It's so snug and ridiculous!  I just love it!

What's your favourite make-up brand?

I would have to go with Rimmel.  I'm definitely not a make-up expert and Rimmel is just perfect for me now.

What's the last album you bought/downloaded/streamed?

In the Lonely Hour by Sam Smith and Hozier's self titled album.  I am obsessed with them both!

Summer or Winter?

This is a tough one.  I would have to go with Winter only because of Christmas and warm snug clothes.

I nominate:

• Grainne - GG
• Sydney - Doe Eyed Dreams
• Rachel - The Every Day Life Of Rachel
• Lauren - Musings Of A Flower Child
• Jordan - Daily Cup Of Jojo
• Roisin Grace - Roisin Grace
• Macy - Peonies and Passports

My Questions:

• Cats or dogs?
• Who inspires you the most?
• If you could meet one celebrity, who would it be and why?
• If you could only wear one colour for the rest of your life, what would it be?
• Who is your favourite actor/actress?
• What is your favourite app?
• What is your favourite place to eat out?
• What would be your ideal holiday?
• What's a hobby you would have liked to take up?
• What kind of blog post do you enjoy writing the most?

So there's my Liebster award all done and dusted.  I hope you enjoyed reading it as mush as I enjoyed writing it and until then...

I'll see ya when I see ya!





10 Reasons Why I Love Autumn

The weather recently has been very autumnal.  It's getting colder signalling that summer is well and truly coming to an end.  Although the beginning of autumn means the end of holidays and back to school there are also things to look forward to.  Autumn can be a beautiful season, you just need to look at it properly.  Not convinced?  Well don't fear because in this blog post I'm going to tell you 10 reasons why I love autumn and why I think you should love it too.  Enjoy!

1. Beautiful colours:  rich reds and oranges.
2. Woolly jumpers.
3. Hats and scarves.
4. Fluffy pyjamas.
5. Sitting by the fire again after months without it.
6. HALLOWEEN!
7. Crunchy leaves.  (Except for the common occurrence of rain which then results in a horrible pile of mush.)
8. No risk of getting burned by the sun.  (Not that it happens often anyway.)
9. Hot food.  Hot drinks.
10. Starting the countdown to Christmas BUT only after Halloween has passed!

So those are just 10 reasons why I love autumn.  What do you love about autumn?  Let me know and until then...

I'll see ya when I see ya!



Things To Look Forward To In College

Heading to college for the first time can be a daunting experience.  I should know because I'm currently in the process myself.  You no longer have your parents around all the time to help you.  You have to be independent and do things for yourself.  Although this is slightly scary there are also many things to look forward to and I thought I would share a few of those things with you in this post.  Enjoy!

1. Making new friends.
2. Clubs and Societies.
3. More independence.
4. Studying something you actually have an interest in.
5. Never having to look at another complicated maths equation ever again.  (Unless you're studying something that involves maths.)
6. No more teachers telling you what to do.
7. No parents telling you what to do.
8. No more annoying siblings annoying you all the time.
9. Moving away from home.
10. Not having to go to class every single day from 9-4.
11. No uniform.
12. Places to eat on campus.
13. Living in an urban area for a change.  (Shops everywhere!)
14. Feeling like a grown up when you go to the bank.
15. No more first years running up and down the hallways.
16. No more third years complaining about how their life is over because of the Junior Cert.
17. Not having to carry a tonne of books around everywhere.
18. Decorating your bedroom.
19. Grocery shopping.
20. Looking forward to seeing old friends when you come home.

I hope you enjoyed this post.  I'm sure there are plenty more things to look forward to in college but these are just a few I thought of.  If there is anything else let me know and until then...

I'll see ya when I see ya!