Hello there!

What happened to those posts I said I'd write during exam period? They definitely did (not) get written because I underestimated entirely how much work I had to do and how little time I had to do it. However, after spending the past 2 months in the library all day every day, I have finally given in all of my coursework and completed all of my exams. It's absolutely crazy to think that I have finished 4 years of hard work and I'll come out with a Masters degree in Chemistry! (Fingers crossed - nothing is confirmed yet!)

So, this is just a short post to say hello and announce that I am going to come back to blogging! I have so much I want to write up so keep your eye crossed for those!

It feels so good to be back!

LIFESTYLE // Instagram Update

Hello there!

What can I say? I've had a mad few weeks. Between interviews, writing up my Masters project, gigs, birthdays and socials it feels good to finally start my Easter break. Sure, it actually started on Monday and I have spent all week at my desk in the dark looking at spectra. Now almost 12,000 words are written and I've reached a crazy 63 pages so feel that I can take a couple of days off and read a book or two without too guilty. 

LIFESTYLE // University desk tour

Hey there!

There's nothing better than a pretty desk to get you motivated to do some work - am I right? I have really tried to make the most of my desk this year. However, this is more easily said than done considering that blu-tack is not allowed in my house - #rentalpains. This meant the next best thing had to be buying the largest cork board I could find thanks to Rymans. A few hours later (imagine a movie-style montage) and my desk was complete!

STUDY // New Semester Goals

Hey there!

My last year at university has officially started. How?! Whilst I have been freaking out a little bit recently, I have decided that some things are going to change this year. I know, I'm probably not the first or last person to say this but I really do mean it. There's so much I want to do and I always make excuses but you don't know how much you can get done until you do it. It's tough having 4 months off but, hopefully, once I sit in my first lecture I'll be bright eyed and bushy tailed for the entire year!

STUDY // Thoughts of a final year student

Hello!

My final year of university is fast approaching and, of course, I cannot stop thinking about it. I like to write lists and so I thought I'd right a list. Soon enough my lists will be of deadlines and to bin the dodgy milk and that's something I'm not looking forward to. Either way, if you are starting to feel this way, let me know!

STUDY // What my year abroad taught me

Hello there! 

Can you believe that I have been back from Canada for about 2 months now. Where has the time gone? I really, really wish I knew. I have been working, I've been seeing friends, I have been house hunting (I FINALLY have one and it sounds perfect!) and, of course, blogging! Still, with results being posted (although mine still aren't...grrrrrr) I thought it would be nice to do a little post on a few things I learned during my year abroad. 

LIFESTYLE // Spring Formal

Hello there!
It has been a very hectic few weeks socially. I have had 3 (count 'em - 3!) formals! One included Erlenmeyer flasks (which are conical - come on!) The second took place on a boat (I know right) whereas the last one was just on campus but still was absolutely brilliant.

Being a student, I did not have much money to spend on lots of dresses. I just bought the one from ASOS and had it shipped to Canada but at least I think I got my fair share of wear from it! I thought I'd share some of the photos from my final formal (probably ever!) and just encourage as many of you as possible to take advantage of organized events whilst you are at university. It has really made me realize just how many friends I have made this past year and how I much I will miss them when we all go our separate ways. It may seem a little pricer than a night in a club with your close friends but I'd say it is definitely worth it!

LIFESTYLE // Room Makeover Phase 1

Hello my lovelies!
I finally moved back to Van and my blank white walls were taunting me. It's hard enough having bedding you don't like but blank walls too? It's too much. I went on an impulse and printed lots of photos in my local Staples store (which is cheaper than other photo places if you want 5 x 7 only!) and this is the result so far. I have a lot of Instagram photos waiting to be printed so expect Phase 2 to follow soon!

STUDY // Pre-Semester 2 thoughts

Hey there!
For those of us at university, semester 2 has just begun. I'm sure we all feel like it means you get a fresh new start and can take control of your own learning. The Winter break is soon to be a long lost memory but that's okay because you just really miss learning right?

So, to celebrate, I thought I'd compile a list of thoughts that may accompany the start of Semester 2.

STUDY // Semester 1 is over

Hello there!
Yes, I know it has been a little while since I have last posted. I have sat at my laptop thinking 'I want to blog but I have finals' and yes - finals happened and were a thing. I have half of my marks back and  they aren't too bad considering I had a grand total of about 4 days to prepare for a full semester's worth of work. I still cannot get over that. I know if I was given the three months I'd usually have to prepare for finals I'd ace them but instead I had three days so I am super impressed to get 84% overall for Materials (if anyone needs a materials chemist just look this way!)

Anyway, I thought I'd just do a post showing a timeline of my first semester here at UBC. It has been the craziest past three months and I cannot believe I am flying home for Christmas on Monday. It's going to be so nice to go home and see everyone and see my cat in her Santa suit and at all of the cheddar cheese in the world because Canadian cheese is bloody awful (#realtalks).

So here we go!

STUDY // Study tips from a British student in Canada

Hello there!

I have been studying at UBC for over a month now and I have given in so many assessments that it is now time for mid-terms. I know, just five weeks in and I am already freaking out over a test that is going towards 15% of my grade.

I have had to change the way I have been studying significantly in just this first month. It is crazy how the different schools structure each course and although I expected it, I didn't think it would be that different. That's for sure.

STUDY // Tips for surviving university

Hello there!

For many of you, the dreaded A Level results day will be fast approaching.  I remember that day like it was yesterday (seriously) and remembered how lost I felt before I started university. I recently read a brilliant post by Sarah at The BlossomCart who has just graduated uni with a first (go her!) and agree with every single point she has made. However, there are a few points I want to add so I thought I’d do a little post (well not so little but anyway). Make sure you check out Sarah’s post too – I’m not going to write her points here (apart from the ones that are REALLY important) and I’m sure you don’t want to miss a tip!