Reflection

Reflection 

Sitting down to write this post, I realise how much of a crazy year this has been.
This year, I turned eighteen, finished my A Levels and started university! 

In January, I got the chance to go to the BFI Library with college. This was really exciting for me, as I am still a film enthusiast. Although I wish I had chosen a different topic, I do not regret making full use of the resources.
Spending the day in London with some of my friends wasn't too bad either. 

In February, I turned eighteen. I had been looking forwards to my eighteenth, although I refused (still do) to admit that I am an adult.
The highlight was definitely visiting Leavesden Studios for the Harry Potter Studio Tour. I remember the excitement I felt visiting the tour, sitting in the car and seeing the studios for the first time. I still feel that rush of excitement when I go back. 

In March, I went to London for the first time alone. I ended up with a date, which did not end well. I am not going to divulge into the matter further. It did make a hilarious piece of writing for my portfolio. 

In April, I went to see 5 Seconds of Summer with Chloe. This time we stayed in a hotel and we were both very grown up about it. I actually managed to check us in and check us out without having a breakdown about talking to a stranger.
It was also great to see Layla afterwards.
The deja vu feeling was weird and difficult to explain. Perhaps I will explain it in a future post.

Most of what I remember from May and June was revision and exams. I was definitely glad when they were over. All I could think was, NO MORE EXAMS!

July and the majority of August were a well deserved break.
In July, it was a family holiday. My last one before university and I loved every minute of it. I always love playing games on family holidays. We never really play them much at home. 

In August, I traveled down to my grandparents with a small suitcase and no laptop. Even though I suffered withdrawals from my laptop, and was in bed for a day with a migraine, I had such a fantastic time.
I loved visiting places I used to visit with them when I was younger. My favourite is always Portland Bill. Now I am reminiscing on the year, I am starting to remember when I came up with the term 'rocknic.' I don't know how old I was, or what I was wearing, or eating, but I remember where I was sat and saying it. To this day, the term still stands.

Results Day was one of the most emotional days I had experienced. I had my usual Results Day coffee and had actually eaten. I covered Results Day in one of my first posts.
That day did teach me I was a lot more resilient than I first thought. Now I have completed my first semester, I am glad at where I ended up. 

Moving out (which I also covered in another post), in September was one of the toughest, yet most rewarding things I have done.
The lessons I learnt in the first week, though tough, I have carried throughout the semester and I am still learning. 

The rest of the year, I think I have covered in previous blog posts. I will cover Harry Potter World during 2017, most likely around my birthday!

I feel like I have survived the semester through laughing. I have a fantastic group of friends in Derby, I still talk to my friends from Basingstoke (even with a couple of them at university) and I still talk to and see family. 

I am in a great place in my life, and I hope 2017 brings me more joy, and more lessons to learn. 

And I will continue to document it on here. 

Thoughts

Thoughts

Tonight, as I sit and watch X Factor, I think back to this time last year. 

I had conditional offers from four universities - Greenwich, Liverpool John Moores, DeMont Fort and Edge Hill. I had decided on Greenwich and started to befriend people who would be in the same accommodation as I had chosen. 

I had also finished my practical Drama performance. Although I knew I was sharing classes with my peers for the rest of the year, I was scared doing theory work wouldn't be the same atmosphere as it was with practical - I am pleased to say this was not the case. 

In 2015, if you had told me I was going to be at Derby University studying Creative and Professional Writing, I would have been skeptical; but would not have blown off the idea. 

However, if you had added I would have made friends with really incredible, funny, creative people, that's where I would not have believed.
Though I was dead set on Greenwich, I am so glad Clearing resulted in me attending Derby University. 

The friends I've made and the improvement in writing I've seen, has really made me believe I made the right choice.
The first semester ends in a couple of weeks. I would not have been able to get through it without laughing with my friends. 

I write this because at present I have an idea for a story (which my friends will know all about the characters) and it covers some themes I haven't really explored within my stories before.
I put this idea down to being around like minded people and being friends with the people I am friends with. 

I'm going to leave this vague and unedited because when I look back on this post, I want to be able to fill in the blanks and see if they are still the same.

-Emma-

Giddy Mood

Giddy Mood

All week I've been in a giddy mood. It's the sort of giddy that you're aware of, but can't explain. 

On Monday night, I took cold and flu medicine. I think that's what started this giddy mood. I should have taken the paracetamol and codeine for my back then and cold and flu in the morning. So much caffeine!  

The caffeine meant I was up until about midnight. So much for an early night.

On Tuesday, my giddy mood started about seven o'clock. I had taken paracetamol and ibroprufen which kicked in during my lecture. It wasn't until after the lecture the giddiness started. 

I don't know what caused it, but it stayed for about four hours. 

On Wednesday, despite being indoors all day, I was still giddy. 

I never expected coursework to make me giddy like that. Yet it started about seven o'clock again. And lasted for four hours, again!

On Thursday, my giddy mood started a lot earlier. I think it might have started in the lecture.
This time, I think I was watching YouTube videos, but I was still laughing and giddy and in a completely different headspace.

On Friday, my giddy mood was there from about two o'clock. And it stayed the enitre day.

The same with Saturday.

Even today, by one o'clock, I'm back in this giddy mood!

I am not drunk or on illegal drugs. 

If I was drunk, I would be emotional. 

I'm hoping this isn't the Christmas Spirit entering me because it's still somewhat too early for Christmas. 

At least I'm not sad during my days. 

-Emma-

Friends and Family

Friends and Family

It's been difficult to find the right words to explain how I felt going home to see my friends and family.

I loathe train journeys. They're filled with germs and I always end up in the tightest space. I still prefer them over coach journeys.
At least I can read my book on the train and not feel like I'm going to throw up.

The train journey wasn't too bad.
The coffee I bought wasn't that great, but caffeine was required, so I didn't have much of a choice.

The changeover at Reading gave me twenty minutes to rest. Having been from Reading Station to Basingstoke numerous times over the past seven years, I know which platform I need to be on to catch the right train.

Stepping out of Basingstoke Train Station, I took in a deep breath and sighed.
I never thought there would be anyone who smiled upon arriving in Basingstoke. I was wrong. I was that person.
I missed the Pokestops...the things I used to see and take for granted; the colours and the smells coming from the vendors selling food.

Even walking around Festival Place, I missed the familiarity of the town.
I only noted one different shop from previous years; the Halloween shop.
I smiled walking past the Christmas shop. I have fond memories of Costa Wednesdays at Christmas; walking around the shop and singing along to Buble.
We'll have to do that again next time we spend time together.

I even got to spend half an hour in the library. Usually, I'd be writing a page or two of my latest story. This time, I just continued to read my book.

I first saw Mum. I waited for her to finish work before going off to meet my friends at McDonald's - better luck with that when I next go home.

It was incredible to hug Mum. I missed her hugs so much!
Managing to download the past month and a half into twenty five minutes was an incredible feat in itself.
I even managed to give my brother a little hug!

Off to see friends. Despite the planning, only three friends turned up. We'll try again next month.
It was nice to just let go.
My humour really shone through and I was around people I was truly comfortable with. I love my uni friends, but having a lot of inside jokes with my friends back home, I was truly happy to go back to them.

Seeing Dad was brilliant!
I missed the hugs and missed the verbal download. It isn't the same talking down the phone as it is talking face to face.

CHICKEN FRIDAY!
I missed it so much!
I was fed properly (again)!

Saturday morning, I was more than happy to wake up early and head into town.
Surprisingly, I still remembered the bus times.

I have to be early for everything.
I hate being late, I hate the stress that comes with being late.

I definitely missed Rixxy.
Do you have that friend, who you just bounce off of? It doesn't matter if it's jokes or ideas, you just know that to other people you sound crazy.
Rixxy is that friend.
Cue laughter, food and planning ahead.

Then, with Rixxy, I got to see Chloe and her boyfriend.
Best two hours of my life.
It just felt like a group of friends hanging out.
Two hours of non stop laughter.

I still had energy in the tank to see Grandad.
He looked happy to see me. One of the cats had forgotten who I was; the other curled up and fell asleep on me for twenty minutes.
At least I was only writing on my phone and not a notebook.

Sunday was packed.
I made an effort to dress formally for my brothers Tae Kwon Do grading.

Seeing people I've known for years was awesome.
I missed all of them so much; despite most of my friends having gone off to do their own thing since we trained together.
I was so proud of Kieran for passing his midterm; but more proud of the person who I class as my closest friend at the academy. Well done on getting your Kickboxing black belt!

It was wonderful to see Grandma and Grandad!

I realise this entire post is me using different synonyms of incredible to describe seeing friends and family.

Of course, I can't forget spending the week with my family up in Derby, and seeing my Aunt and cousins.
It's always a pleasure to see them. I adore spending the weekend with my Aunt.

I don't feel I've adequately put into words what it was like seeing my friends and family, but it's the best I can express right now.

-Emma-

Missing Friends

Missing Friends

Date Posted: 07/10/2016

As I sit on the train to spend the weekend with my Aunt and cousins, I think forwards to the next time I will get to see my friends.

It got me thinking about distance. Despite being 150 miles from home and most of my friends, our friendship is still strong.
Although we don't talk as much as we used to, I know I can still talk to any of them and it would be like it was before I moved.

I adore my new friends, but when I'm in a reflective mood, I think back to my friends at home.
If you asked me to say my favourite thing about each of my friends from home, I would be unable to answer. It would be the same if you asked me to pick one thing I miss about them.

I have a favourite memory with each of my friends. Every time I'm down, I think of that.
I'm also very certain I've experienced deja vu with them.

I know I'm especially missing my friends when I dream of them.
They're always things we would usually do, such as playing Cards Against Humanity in the college canteen, eating McDonald's, having coffee or going to concerts.

This is different from promising to stay friends with people from secondary school. That was mostly empty promises. I did stay in contact with few, but that number has shrunk since finishing college. These friends, most of them I made in college and they made college incredible. I promised myself I would stay in contact. These are the people I want in my future, the people who understand me and like me, for me.

At Christmas, I wrote little messages of what these people meant to me. Each one was unique and personal to the person receiving the card.
I'm so glad I wrote them. This year, seeing them will be more meaningful than the words.

I do want to try and write a couple of lines about each of my friends that I am truly missing.
Chloe, I am so proud of you and the person you've become in the past few months. 💕
Eleanor, every time I have Costa, I think of all our Costa Wednesdays together. I hope you're enjoying uni! 💕
Karl, Keep making music. I'm still supporting you no matter how far away I am.
Seamus, It's still crazy that we became friends because of Cards Against Humanity. Always keep working on your drawings.
Ben, It feels strange to not be teasing you. But I honestly do miss the short jokes. I hope you're enjoying uni and please don't grow any taller. 😂
Becky, Thank you for all the concert memories. Even though we're not as close as we used to be, I'm so glad we're still friends. 💕
Layla, You're incredible! Seriously, I admire how you're being yourself, even when times are tough. I miss talking 5SOS with you. 💕
Stockdale, There's truly no escaping each other. There's always a meme or a post we find to tag each other in. And I love that we keep it up. Let's never stop doing that.
Rixxy, Well we have gone through a lot in the short time we've known each other. I still remember the day we met, but by far you are the friend I can count on to cheer me up, no matter how down I get.

I'm sure I'll change this post if I think of more friends I miss.
I love and miss you all like crazy. 💕

-Emma-

Bad Day

Bad Day

Date Published: 02/10/2016

Date Happened: 02/10/2016

Lets forget about the headache for a minute. That probably isn't helping my mood, but it's not the sole cause of it today. 

Printing. Printing is part of my bad mood. I do like my housemate, but sometimes she can irritate me, especially with the amount of printing she does, it's absurd. 

I have a print limit, thanks to HP Instant Ink. We've only had it in a week. I've printed 10 pages, maximum. She's printed 45 pages! 45!

As I type this, she comes in and tells me she's bought a Printer. Well, she came in without knocking. Another pet peeve of mine. Still, it's the best news I've heard all day.

Editing. I don't mind editing someone's work. I fully believe it helps them grow as a writer, by learning how to do things themselves.

But as I edit, I always wonder; Will they actually take on board my advice?

I've edited before, on a much larger scale than an assignment, and out of those that I've helped, only one has taken on my advice. ONE! And it infuriates me. I have much better things to be doing than editing someone else's work, who really doesn't care about the work and energy it actually takes.

As I grow as an Author and learn how to give constructive feedback, I wonder is it all really worth it?

Like I said, I do like editing. I like it even more when someone listens to my advice and works with it. It makes me feel like I've done something useful with my time. 

Going back to my housemate, she'll call up the stairs but her voice will get quieter. What is the point of calling for me, if you don't yell the full sentence?

I'm not psychic.I don't have super hearing. If I don't hear, then I have to move and that takes effort. Especially when I'm in a bad mood.

There is something that has made this day bearable. I have been binge watching The Flash for the past couple of days. I've never been one for Superhero films or TV Shows. If I like one, I will watch it.

Usually, it's Superman. However, as Tom Felton is in Season Three of The Flash, Star Power convinced me to watch the first two Seasons. I have been watching on and off through Season Two, but I haven't sat through the first Season.

I have sold my soul to The Flash. Which is apparent, as I have searched up fanfiction. I have fallen victim to Barry Allen and co. And I have no regrets. 

I enjoy binge watching, although this was nowhere near the scale of binge watching Supernatural. Which, I very almost did before Season 11 was aired. 

So yes, selling my soul to yet another fandom, made this day bearable. 

I suppose there are other factors that could contribute to my bad mood. And I know these reasons are petty. 

But I needed to write.

I needed to keep calm and blog on.

-Emma-

My First Week - Lectures

My First Week - Lectures

Date Published: 24/09/2016

Date Events Happened: 19/09/2016,20/09/2016,22/09/2016.

Having your first lecture at 5pm is difficult, especially finding out the coffee shops are shut when you're craving coffee. 

Have you ever tried to fit around 50 students comfortably, in a room meant for 30, at most? We were not comfortable. Even though it was only for twenty minutes (I think), there was hardly any space to move. It was uncomfortably hot and claustrophobic. 

Seeing the guys from Verbal Discharge was great, especially as they spoke about what to do and what not to do in a semi serious discussion. I'm just waiting until Monday to hear about the Student Mentor program. 

Once the class split into two groups, I could breathe clearly again. I didn't feel as claustrophobic.

But I was bored going through the module handbook. I know we had to go through it, but there were so many words. Words, Words, Words. 

I craved a break and that was when I found out the coffee shops were shut. The only place that served coffee that was open, was Subway. So I bought a Subway coffee. Thinking I'll have to arrive early on Monday, so I can buy myself a large cappuccino in the coffee shop before the lecture starts. 

But once our break was over, that was when we got to write. It was just off of a picture, but I went straight to Gods and Goddesses. It wasn't wrong to do, it was just where my muse took me.

We even got to finish early, although the bus didn't leave until an hour after we finished, which sucked as we were all tired. 

Tuesday had nicer lecture times and there was enough space in the class, although the desks were a little small.
We went over the module handbook, then went off to do a free write and research a story. I chose the Birth of Athena, and there are different variations to compare the other to. 

After listening to Cinderella, it was the end of the lecture, where I decided I was going to wait around and do Tae Kwon Do, until I felt sick and decided to rest.

Thursday, my final lecture of the week. Never go into town and buy stuff before a lecture. I'll happily walk down the stairs, but not up to the eighth floor. With any luck, we'll get a better room. Like Monday, the room was made for 25 students and we had to cram 41 in there. Very claustrophobic, to the point Simon took a picture to prove we couldn't fit in this room. 

So our lecture was cut short after reading the module handbook and one task, so Simon could embark on the quest to find a different room for next week. 

All in all, it's been a very easy, albeit claustrophobic week of lectures. I know the work is only going to get tougher from here.

-Emma-

Induction Week - Day Five

Induction Week - Day Five

Date Published: 20/09/2016

Date Event Happened: 16/09/2016

I wish they'd told us Thursday, during the lunch we were supposed to meet at QUAD at 2, instead of the university. I hadn't checked my emails, so I didn't know about this change until two days later. 

I wasn't the only one though. It was nice to spend time with Stacey and Imogen.

After waiting around at the university for an hour, only to find out they had gone (at this point, we didn't know about the change in location), Stacey, Imogen and I walked into town. 

Stopping off at Sir Peter Hilton, Imogen decided to head back to Nunnery. This left Stacey and I to head back to town.
I didn't have to cook dinner that night. Like on the day we met, we had McDonald's, taking advantage of the offer on the back of our bus ticket. 

Nothing much really happened after that. Friday was the laziest day of Induction Week. 

I wish I could update you more on that.

The lectures will be part of a weekly post, so I'll next update Saturday.

-Emma-

Induction Week - Day Four

Induction Week - Day Four

Date Published: 19/09/2016

Date Event Happened: 15/09/2016

Thursday was the least busy day. It was very relaxed with a lunch in the North Tower (I really want to rename these towers after the Hogwarts ones, but I don't think there's enough to do it!).

I left with Sam, Marek and a few other classmates. We stopped off at the library and a few other places around the university, before Marek and I walked to town.

I could have sworn we walked exactly the same way we did on Wednesday. We didn't. We missed the shortcut. I, being a little bit stubborn, refused to admit it, thinking the shortcut was further on down the route.
Marek was right about the location of the shortcut, which I begrudgingly admitted. It was a pretty silly disagreement though and one we both got over once we were in the city centre. 

It wasn't until later that night, I was out at the MayPole. I stopped off at the newly opened Fish and Chip shop for dinner, but still ended up at the MayPole half an hour before doors opened. Even though I knew Alexander was coming, he still scared me when he arrived. 

Verbal Discharge was hilarious. I didn't even care that it overran by an hour, I had not laughed so hard in a long time.
I'll leave the link to the website, where you can listen to the edited down version of the podcast, here: http://blog.verbaldischarge.co.uk/wp/ 

It was fantastic to see live, so I think I'm definitely going to go to the Nottigham Comedy Festival to see them live again. 

It was also great to speak to them afterwards. James recognised me from Twisted Tongues, so I resisted the urge to joke; "Yep, I'm the baked bean girl." It may have caused a laugh, but I didn't need unnecessary embarrassment. 

This time I had my keys, so Nilben didn't have to let me in just after eleven o'clock. Needless to say, I was shattered, but glad Alexander and Charlie (I think that was her name) walked me back before heading to the next Freshers event.

Friday's will come tomorrow. 

-Emma- 

Induction Week - Day Three

Induction Week - Day Three

Date Posted: 18/09/2016

Date Event Happened: 14/09/2016

There's only one word to describe Wednesday... HOT. 

Not in the way the food is hot, it was worse than that.
Not in the way you look at a hot guy or girl and think; Damn they're hot. 

It was uncomfortably hot. To the point, I regretted not shaving. 
I was wearing a low cut short to mid-length black dress and a thin black cardigan to hide the fact I hadn't shaved my underarms. 

At the university, there was a group of us arriving before we departed at two. If I'm correct, I can now name the other seven classmates that were in this group. Ro, Mary, Alexander, Samuel, Marek, Imogen and Jenny. 

I am so glad I bought a 750ml bottle of water before departing the university. 

The walk was okay. I spoke with Marek, Samuel and Ro, whilst drinking copious amounts from my bottle of water every couple of minutes.
We hit the school rush, so went down a shortcut (which there is a story about tomorrow), and I was so glad for a few minutes of shade. The sweat was pouring off me in bucketloads. I can't comment on whether my friends were feeling the same. 

When we arrived at QUAD, I was so relieved to head inside. I had finished my bottle of water so I needed to get it filled.
But we still had half an hour to wait once we had our tickets.
Sam, Ro, Marek and I sat outside, finding a table in the shade. It was only for twenty minutes and for most of it, we were on our phones. 

Inside the cinema, it was somewhat cool. I definitely find chairs in arthouse cinemas a lot nicer and comfier than chairs in multiplex cinemas.
The Seventh Seal was different. I tried looking at it from the perspective of a film student, rather than just a spectator. Turns out I'm wasn't very engaged with the film at all, as I couldn't identify the climax/turning point of the film. 

The air was still uncomfortably hot after we left QUAD. After a quick trip to Tesco with Marek, where I picked up some more Pot Noodle and Baked Beans, as well as milk and bread because I had neglected to do so up until that moment. 

Then it was back home, where I tried to make myself as cool as possible. 

That's Day Three pretty much covered. 
Until tomorrow!

-Emma-

Induction Week - Day Two

Induction Week - Day Two

Date Posted: 17/09/2016

Date Event Happened: 13/09/2016

After enrollment, you don't have to attend anything else on Induction Week. I wanted to attend though, to spend time with my coursemates and try to make new friends. 

I succeeded in doing both. 

I looked at the UniBus App (which sucks) and ended up waiting half an hour for the bus, because I went with the app. I haven't used it since. 

Since I was early, I went to the coffee shop. Not the Starbucks, but one of the university coffee ones. A small cappuccino was exactly what I needed. It was only £1.50, Fairtrade and actually tasted pretty good. 

On the bus, it was then Stacey and I realised we probably should have put some sunscreen on. Luckily, Imogen was on hand to lend us some.
Which led to conversations about characters and NanoWriMo. 

The coach ride to Keddleston Hall led us down country roads, which was entertaining when we had to reverse twice. The first for the tractor, the second for the other coach leaving the Hall. 

Keddleston Hall was beautiful. The history of the estate, not so nice, but on a sunny day, with the trees and acres of land at the back of the hall, it was incredible. Nonetheless, I was glad when we went indoors, as it was a little airier. The history indoors was exciting to me, especially when I saw the statue of Isis, the Egyptian Goddess of Marriage, Fertility, Motherhood, Magic and Medicine. I did also enjoy the picture of Bacchus (God of Wine) abducting Ariadne, by the great Neapolitan Baroque painter Luca Giordano. 

Classical Mythology formed a large part of Lord Scarsdale's picture collection.
If I could take anything from the Hall, it would be either one of these. 

After our indoor tour, everyone met up for the long walk. I started out the walk with the girls (there were six of us in total, four girls and two boys), but about a quarter of the way round, walked with the boys. 

Sam, Marek and I had conversations about Pokemon, Films, messed around on felled logs that formed a path and I spoke about hating squelchy mud. Those were just a few of our conversations. By the end of the walk though, we were all tired and sweaty. But I feel like we bonded over that.

Back at the university, I decided to walk home, via Nunnery Court and Princess Alice Court. The latter was to find the pub I would be going out to that night, for Twisted Tongues. 

This is where I almost missed out. I lost to a tin of baked beans and cut my finger. I will spare the details, but we did do a quick dash up to A&E - I am alive. They only plastered it. 

So I jumped on a bus and got off as close to the May Pole as possible. I arrived just in time. Imogen was excited to see me. I think Sam and Marek were as well. 

Twisted Tongues was interesting, but easily one of the funniest nights I've had. At first, it seemed like Mary was going to be the only Fresher going up and performing a poem. In the end, there were four of us; Mary, Rory, Sam and myself. 

Some of the poems were serious, but most were funny. I performed one about the car accident almost four years ago and the one about losing to a tin of baked beans.

Me on stage at the May Pole. The lights were bright.

It Won

It Won.

I was bested by the thing I should defeat,

The stream I see, is the shame I feel,

The disappointment that is real.

I know I'm not the first

And I'm definitely won't be the last,

But for today, 

This blue plaster on my middle finger, 

(I promise I'm not flipping you off)

Is a constant reminder,

That the tin of baked beans won.

That was the jokey, baked bean poem I performed. I needed something jokey to end up. 

I arrived home at 11, safe and sound. 

I'll leave you with this joke, that I found highly entertaining at the Twisted Tongues event. 

Men are pigs. So are women. Women are pigs with vaginas. 

-Emma-

Induction Week - Day One

Induction Week - Day One

Date Posted: 16/09/2016

Date Event Happened: 12/09/2016

It's inevitable. The first day at any new place is filled with awkward small talk and an explosion of questions running through your mind. 

My new friends and I, over the course of Induction Week discussed some of the questions we had in our mind, just in normal conversation, so I've compiled my favourites into a list:

1) Will I make friends?

2) Are they cooler than me?

3) How do they act about their writing?

I made the mistake of looking at my phone during the first session of the day. Around me, my future coursemates talked with one another, whilst I stayed silent, at the front of my class, looking at my phone.

It wasn't until the end of the session, I spoke to a coursemate. I admit, I forgot her name about thirty seconds after she told me it. There's no pressure to learn everyone's names on the first day!

It was only after the library tour, did I speak to another classmate. It was only only six words; "I didn't catch any of that," and I didn't even get their name. But there was no pressure to talk. It was like none of us knew what to say. 

Queues, I've found, are always the best place to engage in a conversation. Though for the most part, I stayed quiet, I did talk about getting the email up with my student number, so I would be ready to enroll in person. 

Enrollment was fairly straightforward. Tell the person doing your enrollment your Student ID, check your details, get your picture taken, collect your ID, loathe your picture for the next three years. 

I stood with a few coursemates and followed them out of the library, since I knew I needed to engage in some sort of conversation. 

I began talking with a girl called Stacey. I don't think we stopped talking for the next two hours. If we did, we didn't stop for very long. There's something therapeutic about getting lost on the way to town on the first day, catching Pokemon, having dark humour and eating McDonald's when you're trying to get to know someone. 

First day nerves had been the worst, but I didn't have anything to worry about. Even though I knew we were all in the same boat, we're all friendly people who enjoy the same subject. And that's always a great start in making friends. 

If I could repeat Monday, I would just approach people. I wouldn't categorise myself as the quiet geek on their phone, but I'd get involved. Still, at the time of writing this, I have made friends with coursemates. 

Tuesday was definitely the day I made the most friends. 

-Emma-

My First Week

My First Week

Date Posted: 15/09/2016

Date(s) Event Happened: 05/09/2016 - 11/09/2016

Being alone was a strange adjustment. Although, I wasn't really alone.

I left off yesterday's post mentioning a broken lock. The top of the door and the bottom of the door would open, but the middle hadn't. Years of wear and tear on the lock had left it broken. 

On Monday, I was sick with a migraine, but the door had to be sorted. At least temporarily. Most of my day was spent with the TV on, my landlords downstairs sorting out the door. I still didn't have internet, so BBC News, The Wright Stuff and Quiz Shows seemed like the way to go. 

We had a potential housemate visit Monday night, so like a good student, I kept my door open. Sadly, she didn't take the room.

On Tuesday, I felt well enough to go into town. I was careful with how much I spent. I didn't have an unlimited amount of money, but I bought myself more Migraleve. That was the incentive for going into town.
Back at the house, I watched Quiz Shows and BBC News, whilst the door was being sorted out. 

At 6:30, my housemate, Nilben arrived. There was an awkward greeting time, to which it took twice as long to read the book I had started. I wasn't a fan of the interruption. 

On Wednesday, Niblen and I went to Dunelm and the City Centre, so Nilben could buy things for her room. I ended up coming back with a printer, so I didn't have to pay for printing at uni. I had my coffee fix of the day, which was needed. 

I think that night, I just had baked beans and sausages. It beat the pot noodle.
Our internet also arrived on Wednesday, a day before it was supposed to. I wasn't complaining. I set it up that morning, when Nilben was at the shops. 

On Thursday, I fell ill with another migraine. I think I overdid it on Wednesday. I had Netflix though, so I watched Labyrinth, Footloose (the 2011 version) and Over the Hedge, before turning over to my quiz shows.
It was a lazy day, with a lazy meal of noodles. 

On Friday, Nilben and I went back into the city centre, to pick up more sheets. I think I just had noodles for dinner (like a typical student).

On Saturday, we had rain. I had to go out to Aldi, because I wanted more noodles. So, I grabbed my hoodie and walked to Aldi. I got myself lost though. There were two paths, one up, one down. I went up instead of down. But I managed to find my way to Aldi (thanks Google Maps!). 

It was noodles for dinner. 

On Sunday, I met up with Karl, Alex and Seamus. We went to Alton Towers, although they arrived quite a bit later than the time I arrived at our meeting place (Aldi). I went for a walk, thinking the other Premier Store had takeaway coffee. They didn't. But I picked up some drinks and breakfast. They still weren't there, so I went into the Hospital to pick up a coffee. I was still sat there another hour waiting, but it didn't matter. 

Once they arrived, I got the chance to warm up. 

It was a fantastic day out. I really missed the inside jokes we had and having missed Thorpe Park for being ill, it was great to spend time at a theme park. Karl and Alex got Seamus and I on three rollercoasters; Thirteen, Rita and Galatica. 

I think the best rides were the water ones. I had a picture of our first go on the rapids, where we got midly soaked.
We went on the pirate ship ride (which I have forgotten the name of) and got drenched. I actually think drenched is putting it mildly. We looked like drowned rats. Karl's brilliant idea was to go back on the rapids. 

I don't think I've laughed so hard at things that have been said on the rapids. 

Leaving them was tough. I'd had such a great day and until my student finance came in, I wouldn't have been able to give them a certain date of when I would next see them. It was still great memories.

Then Induction Week started the day after. 

See you there.

-Emma-

Moving Day

Moving Day

Date Posted: 14/09/2016

Date Event Happened: 01/09/2016 - 04/09/2016

Moving Day was a day I had been both dreading and looking forwards to. I was excited to move and experience life as a student, but I was also dreading leaving my friends and family behind.

On Thursday, I met up with one of my best friends Eleanor for Costa. This was our last, what we dubbed "Costa Wednesday" before we went off to university. I think this is why coffee has been my coping mechanism for my nerves. Eleanor and I just sit, have tea/coffee/cold drink and talk. It's been that way since we started college. 

After Costa, a recent adjustment we added to it, we went to Waterstones. We walked the entire ground floor, picking up books, reading the blurbs and admiring the covers. It was a really nice hour in there. 

Once home on Thursday, I found a card from my Aunt. My cousin wrote her name and I always find it adorable. It was a really nice gesture. 

On Friday, I met up with my college friends. I knew I was going to miss Eleanor and Chloe, but I'd seen these friends every day during term time and we have a myriad of inside jokes, so I felt like I was going to miss them the most. I miss all of them equally, I'm not favouring my friends. 

We did what we always seemed to do on a Friday. We met up for McDonald's. I was early, due to bus times and cheaper fares. Karl was also early. Layla was on time, whilst Ben and Liam were late. Sadly Seamus and Liam didn't come, but I don't resent them for it. I still miss them. 

We had a lot of inside jokes, including one about Taylor Swift. But if I told you, it wouldn't be an inside joke any more, so I'll leave you guessing. 

Saturday was the day I left Basingstoke to start life as a student in Derby. There were a lot of tears, with emotions running high. It was great to see Chloe, as we've been best friends since what feels like our first day at secondary school. Seven years is a long time to know each other. That probably sparked the friendship tears, as she was the last friend I would see before I left. 

I may have cried more, if I'd seen my neighbours, who I've known fifteen years (that's insane!). The three eldest were my best friends from about the age of four to twelve. Then secondary school kicked in and we drifted apart. The fond memories are there and without them, I doubt I'd be the geek I am now.

Saying bye to Dad was difficult. He'd recently had major surgery and was unable to come with us, due to being tired etc. There were tears and heartfelt conversations, including the quote; "You have to let them fly the nest." It was something along those lines, I was very emotional. 

We left Basingstoke around ten o'clock, arriving in Derby just before one. There, I met my landlords, looked around the house, signed the contract etc. 

We didn't find the TV aerial until the Sunday morning, so Mum and Kieran stayed the night up in Derby.

Silence. I found on Sunday morning silence was a curse. It was so obvious and my thoughts consumed me.
I think in that moment, I related to the lyrics of Car Radio by Twenty One Pilots. 

I have these thoughts so often I ought,

To replace that slot with what I once bought,

'Cause somebody stole my car radio,

And now I just sit in silence.

I do know what the song means and it's nothing deep and meaningful at all. But the lyrics are so poetic, that I can't help but think about a deeper meaning to them. Everyone interprets the lyrics differently, but at that moment, I felt like I resonated with the lyrics. 

We managed to sort everything that we didn't sort on the Sunday, except for the door lock. The door lock gave up on us. Which ensued a stressful few hours.
Mum and Kieran had to leave during the time Dennis and Ann (my landlords), were putting temporary locks on the door. I'll discuss the door lock story in the next blog post, which will be about my first week. 

Saying goodbye to Mum and Kieran was tough. I would no longer have the brother to bug me about not playing Pokemon Go or telling he could go on the Playstation in my presence, I mean.
The tears started before Mum left. It was the hardest thing, because I do a lot of things outside the house with Mum and lot inside the house with Dad. 

Although it would only be for two days, I would be alone in the house, in a new place, a week before starting university. 

I'll do a post about my first week in Derby tomorrow. 

-Emma-

Clearing

Clearing

Date Published: 13/09/2016

Date of Event: 18/08/2016 - 19/08/2016

No amount of preparation was enough to set me up to hear that word. 

CLEARING!

My college teachers spent so much time helping us prepare for getting into our firm and insurance choice, that finding out about clearing was pretty much independent.

I enjoyed my college experience. I studied hard, but always found time to talk and mess around with my group of friends. I won't be forgetting them, that's for sure. 

When Results Day arrived, I was a bundle of nerves. Coffee couldn't calm me down and I find it's my coping mechanism. This is likely due to the tradition of Costa Wednesday, I had with one of my best friends. We would talk about anything and everything and these days, my nerves seemed to shrink. 

My heart sunk as I opened my results. I hadn't scored enough UCAS points to get into my firm or insurance university the way I planned. I'm not going to divulge into my results.
I did know what I had to do. 

With tears blurring my vision and a talk with one of my teachers, Mum and I headed home. I was straight on the phone to my firm choice's clearing line. They turned me away.
It was heartbreaking. I'd spent my entire year working towards attending that particular university and with the words,"We can't accept you," everything felt like it was yanked from underneath me.
It was the same with my insurance choice.
I'd worked hard to get there, then it was yanked from underneath me. 

There were two things I could have done.

1) Give up and try again next year. 

2) Look on UCAS at other universities and courses on clearing and call them up.

I went with the latter. 

I drew up a list of universities that had the course I wanted to do, be it Foundation or BA Hons. 

I narrowed it down to two, due to thinking I would apply for the Foundation Course.

I called them up. This time, I got somewhere. 

The woman on the phone was very friendly. She asked for my GCSE results, my AS Level Results and my A Level Results. I had enough points to get onto the BA Hons course!

I was sent a provisional offer, which I entered into UCAS. All I had to do was wait for them to confirm.

My family and I went out for dinner that night. It wasn't quite for the celebratory reason of getting into my firm or insurance, but it was still a celebration of completing my college education. I had to have something to cling onto, so I didn't remember that day,as [at the time as] the worst day of my life.

On the morning of the 19th August, I checked my phone three times. There was nothing, but I decided to book myself onto the Clearing Open Day, which was that day. There was a rush to get food, drink, money and bags together, so we could make the train on time. 

Just as we were about to leave, I felt the urge to check my phone one last time. 

I saw it, and I cheered. 

I had been accepted into university! Texts were sent on the train, where we could signal. 

Within twenty four hours, everything had changed. To put it in my thoughts as I was there, it was like I'd gone from the worst day of my life, to the best day of my life. 

Now I have started university (which I will cover Moving Day and my First Day in my next two blog posts), Clearing isn't as terrifying as you think. It may not be the most favourable of outcomes, but if you get on it straight away, you'll find the outcome comes a lot quicker than it does it you put it off.

Before, I sign off, I'm going to leave three things I've learnt from Clearing. 

1) It's not the end of the world. There is a course and a university out there even if it doesn't seem like it when you open you results.

2) YOU call the Clearing helplines. This is one that I, along with many student blog sites can't stress enough. They want to speak to YOU, not to your parents. This is YOUR education, not your parents. It also says a lot about you as a person, though I'll let you discover that for yourself. 

3) ALWAYS check UCAS. I know this seems obvious, but I checked Clearing all through August, so I knew what to search when the time came. 

That's all I have to say about Clearing in this post. I'll do another one in August 2017, to see how my views on Clearing have changed.

-Emma-