Are you finishing up a dissertation or a project writeup ready to hand in? Don’t forget these essential pointers!
If you’d like to download a copy, simply click on the image.
Good luck to everyone handing in over the next few weeks
Mike
Author Archives: mike
Prove It: Preparing for Exams
So, you’ve sat through many lectures, spent countless hours flicking through books and journals and written so many words you’ve have thought you could make a small book out of your essays. And now it’s time to take up your fabled pens and pencils once again, to sit at a small desk and pile out a few more answers in a couple of hours silence to prove it that you’re worthy of the degree you hope to get in the next couple of months or years.
This month’s posts are a guide to just that. You think you can come out of uni with that pretty fancy piece of paper? Prove it! This week we’re on Exams and the run up to them.
Introduction
Just like the ones you took in school and college (SATs, PATs, ACTs, A Levels etc) for some degree programs you’ll have to sit an exam in order to pass your modules. These exams rarely differ from their junior counterparts however the rules may work a little differently with the Exam board being the university themselves. Whilst I was lucky enough to only sit 4 exams in my first degreeand 3 more for my Masters (none of which were thankfully written), taking from the experience I had of preparing on top of that of my floor/housemates and friends as well as lessons learend.
Know Your Content
Studying alone is hard enough. Studying the wrong topics however just makes things harder for yourself and can waste a lot of valuable time. Check your handbooks and module outlines carefully to find out the structure of the exam. If in doubt, check with your lecturer or tutors of each respective module.
The Library is Still a Thing
Some people may not have yet set foot in their library (I managed to somehow avoid it for the whole first year), but it’s a promising place designed to help you get the answers you’ll need for your questions. It’s not just all books, there’s plenty of resources in your respecitive universities’ libraries, a lot of which can even be found online now. If your uni is signed up to journal websites, ask a librarian about Shibboleth or Athens access (if your university uses those services) or what journal sites your institution may be signed up to – that way you won’t even have to get out of bed to get reading!
If you don’t need any further books, but just a place you can relax in some quiet time, need a computer or just somewhere to stick your headphones in and not be distrubed, then check out your opening times and give it a try.
Come Together
When revising with people who are on the same course as you, it can help to study together. How you do it is whatever works for you all best. Some like to form a study group and sit in a meeting space (think of the show “Community”). Others prefer to get a little more technical (such as a Slack team, Facebook group or a Skype Conference Call) and some just plain creative. One interesting example was in my first year when a large majority of my block were studying Latin terminonlogy for the speicies and genus for a classification exam in Ecology and Marine Biology. In order for everyone to learn (and for people on other courses to get a free bit of trivia) people took to asking whilst passing in the hall or shouting across the corridor as an open question during our open door policy times on each floor – hoping to hear either a latin or English name in return. Whilst this sounds like it could get annoying, it did work and to this day I can still tell you what Turdus Merula and Crangon Crangon are in English (Common Blackbird and Common Shrimp respectively).
Don’t Go Crazy
Sounds like backwards thinking right? Well it’s a true fact that little and often can serve great benefit to the studying mind over spending hours at a time studying without a break. It’s also worth planning a few days off studying and switching topics now and again to keep your brain active and your view fresh.
And most importantly, if you feel like you’ve read the same page 3 times and nothing’s going in. Stop. Go out, have some fresh air, grab a drink and a bite to eat and come back to it another time. Failing to do so will only make you feel more frustrated and paranoid, attempt to try harder (though you’ll feel distracted as you’re trying to prove it to yourself rather than actually studying the content) and you’ll just end up in a vicious cycle – so take it easy and you’ll find you take on more than you’d expect.
Ask Your Tutor
If you’re struggling on a cerain topic, why not book a tutorial with your tutor? After all, their job is to teach you the content you need to obtain your degree, so a little extra help in the alotted times won’t hurt! If your current lecturer isn’t availalbe, see if somebody else in the department may be able to help. Knowledge afrer all is agnostic and designed to be shared among others (otherwise what would be the point of studying if you couldn’t have the knowlesge in the first place?)
It’s Just One Part
I’m not suggesting that exams should be taken lightly, but remember not all modules and exams are created equally. So prioritise your studies to your weaknesses, then by percentage weighting to ensure you’re supporting yourself properly, rather than overbearing on a subject you could pick up pretty well and leaving yourself at risk for the toughie. At the end of the day, your degree is probably made up of many modules, which in turn the exams are only a part of them, so don’t overstresss. Just take them on one at a time and don’t fret if one section appears harder than the other – just plan it accordingly and you’ll know what to spend more time on.
This is just a small selection of tips and I’m sure many people past and present throghout their years at uni will be able to shed further light on the best methods of getting ready for it all. If you have any of your own, please feel free to share them in the comments below and maybe help out a fellow student.
Mike
Achievement Guide: Middle Years
During the few months I’ve been writing on this blog I realise I’ve spoken a lot about your first year and final year as undergraduates, as well as a little towards postgrad and feel bad I’ve not really covered much on what to do in the middle of all of that.
So for the first in a small series of posts I’m focusing on you guys. Whilst this isn’t a bucket list per se (more of that in the future), here are the badges of honour or shame you can award to your housemates and friends of second year (and third if you’re on a four year course or any in-between number if you’re on a part time) for their various endeavours. Pictures to come!
Two Minutes to Midnight
This achievement is for anyone out there who makes a start on their assignment the night before. Now when I say that I don’t mean at 4pm. We’re talking a few hours before most children go to bed and are still going before all the adults join them. Bonus points to those that still pass.
The Butcher…
This one is for the chefs of student houses (despite the title, Veggie and Vegan Chefs are included!) The ones who cook you dinner once in a while and you feel like you’re in a restraunt. The one who fills up your accomodation with amazing smells, and occasionally drives you out when they set of the fire alarm!
…The Baker…
Like the butcher, the baker is the reason you rarely visit Krispy Kreme, Greggs or Country Style. From the smell of fresh bread to worktops filled with cookies and biscuits, these will be the people keep us smiling all the way to the dentist (where you can get some replacement knashers to fill it out with again).
…And the Candle Wick Breaker.
Slight variation on the phrase as unlike their counterparts these guys are the flame lovers of the house. Filling your place with the latest scent, providing a great alternative and back up plan to your electricity (when the fuse goes or you forget to pay the bill) and becoming the masters of romance and the nemesis of your accommodation officer.
The Fairly Odd Parents
These are the responsible leaders of many circles of friends. Sometimes of parental responsibility, some just born to look after. These are the guys that ensure you get your required food, bully you into doing your work, lend you a bit of cash when you spent a bit too much last Friday Night or had to pay out for those expensive bills. Make sure to remember to get them flowers and or beer and wine on your respective Mother’s and Father’s Days in your country!
Master of the House
Who needs to go out for a night on the tiles, when you can sip a cold one with the friend who’s furniture is made out of crates. Need a beer? He’s got it. Wine? In the kitchen. Top shelf? Look up. This achievement is not necessarily for encouragement to alcohol, merely one who can enable you should you need something to predrinks. On the plus side, you know one present to get them at Christmas.
The Lost Boy/Girl
Here’s to the ones that can still party and drink like a fresher and still make it to Lectures in some way shape or form. Realising that this year counts, they put in what effort they can but the idea of “growing up” and being responsible doesn’t seem like their prioirty right now. Fair play to them if they still want to live a little.
Have you got any accolades you’d give yourself or your peers? Are there any you disagree with? Feel free to leave me a comment down below. If you like the idea of these posts I’ll release some more this year for the other years of college and university.
Mike
Careers & Advice
Whilst most of us wished we could have been students forever, unfortunately for most the time will eventually come when you have to face the ‘real world’. But it doesn’t have to be all bad and if you’re still passionate about the degree you’re currently studying, or if you’re in you’re final year the one you’re about to complete, there’s a high chance you’ll be able to make use of it in your career after graduation. For those that aren’t sure where to go when summer rolls around, perhaps considering one of the following options may help.
Speak to a Careers Advisor
Most universities and colleges offer a Careers Advice service where you can get information and access to different literature and short seminars and workshops to provide you with information as well as booking an appointment with an advisor to discuss your ambitions and thoughts and gain advice and inspiration on where to aim for with the rest of your course. If you find yourself short on any required skills once you know where to go, many libraries and student support services also offer skills development classes allowing you to gain vital components you may need to buff up your final CV.
Check Out Your Prospects
If you’d rather do your research on the own, then the power of the internet may be able to help! Links in this article aren’t sponsored or affiliated and as always can be found the column on the right.
In the UK, the Prospects website offers excellent tools to allow you to see where your current skills could take you. It also works the other way allowing you to look at your dream job and to work out which qualifications and skills are required for them. Finally there’s a wealth of articles easily accessible on the site explaining everything on writing up your CV, to applying to university and further study for graduates, to tips on surviving your on the occasions you get shortlisted.
Over in the states, a similar knowledgebase can be found on the BigFuture website with tips on Building yourself a Support Network, to finding your perfect major for the career your wish to pursue (should you need to change). If you need something a little more refined, the aftercollege site provides a great service in connecting you directly with employers and other graduates, offering you tools to directly search for relevant roles based on what you’re studying.
Worldwide, Glassdoor provides both job listings and profiles on the companies that advertise, with reviews of employees who work(ed) there. Their blog also offers a helpful insight on companies that provide everything from overtime, to travel to cool office spaces as well as advice such as budgeting.
Get Networking
Speaking of Connections, for anyone out there that’s online, the LinkedIn social network is also a great tool more meeting other graduates, checking out a virtual CV/resume of they’re skills and talents, a place to swap and share endorsements and recommendation for your peers and for yourself in return as well to to follow the businesses you’re interested in and find potential jobs with them (you’ll even find posts from this blog on there should you connect with me!) What’s more, a growing number of recruitment sites are connecting to the LinkedIn network, allowing you to virtually fill out your aforementioned skills and experience and apply for jobs using your profile to fill in your application details.
Offline, a day at the fair may be able to help you meet important connections that can present you with opportunities for your career. Speak to your careers advisers to find out details on upcoming careers fairs as well as keeping an eye online for local opportunities.
If traditional books are more your thing, then don’t forget to check out your local library as well as your on-campus one. In there you can be advised on the best sections to look in for books and articles on career options and find out the right skills and abilities you’ll need to do the job (pun intended). If you’re library is big enough they may also have access to their own careers advisors or be able to put you in touch with a local service whom may be able to help.
If You Graduate Without Knowing (or an Interview)
If you’re still not sure or as successful as you hope, have no fear. Speaking from experience it took me a few months to secure the work I’m in now after graduating. Speak to your local social security or job seeker’s alliance to seek support in finding work best suited to your skills and aspirations. There’s a job out there for everyone, sometimes in a field you may not be expecting – but there’s only one way to find out.
Mike
Five Creative Pranks to DRIVE YOUR FRIENDS INSANE
With April fools day coming up in less than a week, I thought for this week to finish off and reveal to you a few interesting takes on fun and (if used in the right way) harmless pranks I’ve seen and experienced over the years that you can have fun with your friends with when you’re bored in your free times at uni.
Now with most pranks that have come out recently online and off they come with the obvious disclaimer to use your head to ensure that people aren’t hurt and can hopefully also see the funny side to your comedic work.
So without further ado, please enjoy the comedy favourites below with a certain twist on a number of them too!
If you’d like to download a copy to print, please click onto the picture to be taken to the file.
Mike
Making Copper When You’re Brass-ick
I’m willing to make a bet that a sizeable portion of students at the moment are pretty damn poor and are awaiting for loans to come in, living off the bank of mum/dad/other appropriate relative, guardian or friend or having just as much (if not more) going out than coming in. I know the feeling. It sucks. But believe it or not, you don’t need to be an alchemist or a miner to make some ‘wonga’ in these tough times – even if not by much you can still party on and (with some commitment) make some money to put some bread on the table.
Our Survey Says
More and more websites are popping up day to day like people in the street asking if we have a few minutes of our time to answer a few questions, often with the reward being the fuzzing feeling the companies hope we have at the end knowing that we’ve helped them gain insight to our opinions on something, or give us the hope we might win something in a prize draw (which very rarely happens). But what if you could get paid for it? Bodies like Swagbucks, Toluna, Ipsos (Mori) and YouGov have been around for yonks with their opinion to those that aren’t drooling over numbers being all that appealing. But when faced with a potential financial crisis can become a holy grail for a bit of time in the evenings where you’d be otherwise watching cat videos, playing FIFA, staring at Pintrest, totally ploughing through your reading list.
But it’s not just click click ka-ching I’m afraid with some surveys having a preliminary section to see if you qualify as one of their ideal responders. Check out each of the sites (non affiliated) to see what you prefer and if you’re up for it, sign up! Though be prepared if you’re not the most opinionated to check the email settings as if you’re not committed to do it every day or every other day, it can feel quite spammy over time getting notifications in.
Who Is The Mole?
Another research and assessment opportunity you can partake in is the role of a mystery shopper. To the uninitiated, the mystery shopper is a customer hired to work on the inside by visiting an outlet (either by it’s manager directly or at random by it’s parent/group) and follow a set of specific instructions secretly (often buy a certain set of items or request a particular service), pay for the goods using money either supplied by your employer or as an expense to be refunded later on and report back through a small survey often to describe the customer service you received, the quality of the place you visited and the quality of the products purchased. Depending on what you’re assigned to you can often keep the products too as well as get a pay-check for completing the task. Your responses are then fed back to the outlet for further improvements, all whilst never knowing the identity of their secret shopper.
Swag Radar
You’ve probably heard of this term before. If you’re not as fussed about getting the income in cash but in the products you’d normally need to buy with your depleted balance, then product reviews are a good way to get some cool products without having to pay much if anything at all.
Sites like Pinchme & Swaggable in the US, Producttesting.uk.com in the UK and Vipon or Toluna globally will allow you to partner with companies to try out new, improved or unreleased products, usually for free or for a hefty discount in return for you trying it out and returning a review with some constructive comments and/or criticism as required. It might be awesome, it might not be so glamorous, but at the end of the day you got it for very little and it might just save you a trip to the supermarket or gadget shop in the near future!
Uber Hauler
If you have a car or van, enough for a tank of petrol/gas and a free half a day on your hands, why not sell a bit of usage of your vehicle and the privilege of your driving for some money? Often hated by local taxi firms, follow in the footsteps of my inspiring friend Phil at University and start a small “fab cab” for your coursemates, with lifts to lectures, evening campus events or study groups and lifts to/from town for a night out for a cheap fee.
If driving people around isn’t your cup of tea, why not trade the humans for cargo and offer to do some couriering? Maybe you know a band that’s playing a gig in the next few days that’ll need their amps, instruments and PA system moving to the venue or perhaps a media project that requires a lot of audio visual equipment moving to a set on the other side of town. If you like the look of start-ups like Deliveroo and there’s a niche in your town, perhaps take people’s food orders at lunch or dinner time by text and offer to bring home their bacon one night in return for bringing a little financial bacon of your own home?
The possibilities are endless depending on the vehicles you have to hand, just make sure you don’t irritate any local businesses or do anything unlawful whilst you’re doing it and you’ll find a great job for your spare time!
Cleanin’ Out Your Closet (in a much, much nicer way)
The final method only involves a bit of manual labour and a bit more sacrifice. In our digital age, fewer people are finding use for the older technologies that haven’t quite made it into the timeless retro period such as CDs, cassettes and DVDs. With most of these either going back to their Vinyl roots or making their way onto the digital platforms, many people have found their music and film collections gathering dust in old cupboards, attics and spare bedrooms. If you have no use for these anymore, why not sell them on to somebody who may still have use for them or to a place that may be able to recycle/reuse them in some way? (FYI, many people have found optical disks a great deterrent for birds in allotments or as artwork in cafes and bars).
Sites like CeX & Music Magpie in the UK. Decluttr & F.Y.E in the USA, The Beat Goes On in Canada (but ship elsewhere too) & or SecondSpin globally, can all help you empty out what you don’t use anymore, value it and give you cash in return for your used media, meaning you have a little bit more towards though cheaper tracks in the future.
So go out there, reveal the mystery and take the services out for a test drive. Have you got any other suggestions you’ve found for saving a bit of money (besides getting a proper job?) Feel free to leave your review and comments down below. Your opinions are valuable and may help shape the future decisions of other readers.
Happy Saving!
Mike
3 Ways to Celebrate Pi Day
So, if you haven’t heard yet, today we celebrate the constant of Pi (3.141592…) thanks to those using the Middle-Endian date format of 3/14. Whilst many whom aren’t mathematically might wonder how to celebrate this numerical occasion, here’s 3 and a bit ways to enjoy the experience:
Invest in a Cheap Computer
For British folk, the name “Raspberry Pi” is a badge of pride being one of the most successful affordable computers that helped to pioneer hacking and coding for the younger age in the 21st century so far. Starting out with the intention of allowing schoolchildren access to a basic computer to learn programming skills on, the Pi has exploded in popularity and found uses in many projects from smart IoT inventions, to cheap media players, to web servers and basic everyday productivity machines ranging from as little as £4 for the “Zero” edition (Very often out of stock) to ~£35 GBP for a Model 3B (the latest version). So if you fancy learning a few new skills that might just help you with a job in the future, or you just want a cheap new thing to complete essays on or watch movies with, check out your favourite electronics shop for the Raspberry Pi range.
Pop Down to Your Local Chippy
(if you’re in the UK)
If you’re in the United Kingdom or a country with a nearby “Chip Shop” and failing that, your local bakery almost anywhere, enjoy your Pi day with a “Pie” for dinner.
For those with culinary talents, why not make one up with your favourite filling?
However you want to enjoy it, enjoy responsibly!
Get Pi(e) Eyed
As students, what do (many) of you do best? Drink. If you’re into creative cocktails or shots, why not try out some themed drinks? Links to the right as always.
I hope you enjoy the day whatever you choose to do!
Mike
Word Count (inclusive): 314
Emergencies: Are You Prepared?
Whilst it’s often rare that as a student you’ll will be responsible for the fallout of emergency situations, there be times when things happen that you will be ultimately thrown into taking action without warning. Are you prepared for the big situations that might happen to you on campus or in your accommodation?
It also pays to get to know the environment, social culture and important points of contact when you go travelling or on holiday, especially if you’re not used to the culture or climate of a place.
Here’s some thoughts to consider should things go south wherever you are.
When Someone Gets Hurt
This one is inevitable, be it yourself, somebody you know or someone you happen to pass by at the time, so this is the one to be most prepared for if you want to be a good Samaritan.
The most basic knowledge you should have is your local emergency or high importance numbers and which one to call depending on the situation. Some of the most popular ones are below:
- USA and parts of South America – 911 for everything. South American countries vary, but can be checked here.
- UK – 999 or 112 for emergency support, 111 for less urgent health or equiries when you’re not sure. 101 follows the same non urgent procedure for police reports and enquiries and depending on the landline or nearest mobile tower you’re calling from will connect you to your local station or constabulary. 911 also redirects to 999 when called from a mobile.
- Europe – 112 for general emergencies. Specific services vary by member state which can be checked here.
- Oceania – 999 or 112 for most places (it’s worth checking for certain countries). Australia is 000 on landlines and mobiles for emergency support with 112 optionally for mobiles too. For non urgent police enquiries there, you can report to 131 444.
- Asia – The numbers vary greatly depending on the country you’re visiting and the service you require. It’s reccomended for travellers to check here before you travel.
Another good preparation for this is to have some First Aid training. It sounds pretty basic, but you never know when this might come in handy. All it takes is an illness, an accident or a firm fist to put somebody out cold and if you’re well trained to get them in the recovery position and at worst breathing again then you might just save their life and help get them back on the path to recovery. If you’re interested in taking your training further, resucitation programs are available for working staff that may have a defibrillator on site or the potential to get one.
If you feel someone has been hurt due to a crime or through something out of the ordinary that should be investigated, it’s worth getting in touch with the police using one of the numbers above.
When There’s a Threat to Your Safety
Weather
Sadly, if it’s not people, animals or bacteria trying to get to you, it’s probably the elements. Those living on flood plains, coastlines and places known for extreme weather will no doubt have been breifed in educational institutions and places of work and will hopefully have a plan they will have discussed in their family home. The question is have you prepared for it in halls or in your student house or apartment building?
When you get towards Tornado, Monsoon/Hurricane/Typhoon season it’s worth checking your local weather site to check what to do should the worst strike and what you can do to prepare (eg: designate a safe space, get a weather radio, sort out documents etc.)
In most places where dodgy weather is known to strike you’ll also be likely to find one these. Find out what sound(s) it makes, when it’s tested (so you don’t panic over nothing) and what each sound means.
Other Sirens
In other areas, similar sirens are used to warn for other emergencies such as at Nuclear Power Stations, Demolition sites, Mental Health Hospitals or areas under conflict.
Sometimes its something as simple as a fire or gas alarm.
Again, same protocol as above, it’s worth checking when these are tested and what local action plans are available so you can make a plan of your own.
UK – Broadmoor Hospital Escape Sirens (NOTE: TURN YOUR VOLUME DOWN)
France – Civil Defence Sirens
US – Nuclear Sirens
Human Threats
Sometimes there aren’t noise makers available to warn us of threats. Sometimes it’s as subtle as somebody appearing where they shouldn’t be or suspiciously reaching down to their belt or into their coat for something that doesn’t resemble a pen or wallet.
On these cases you may have to enact some form of lockdown. These are popular in schools and some higher education institutions in the past few years following mass shootings and threats on campus. Whilst this shouldn’t be necessary at home, it’s worth seeing if your campus has a policy so you know what to do if a situation occurs when you’re on site. The examples below may appear a little cheesy, but they get the correct message across:
Conclusion
Whatever your situation, the more you know, the safer you’ll be I know a lot of it is boring stuff, but after being in a couple of situations myself where I genuinely wish I knew what I was doing, it really is valuable stuff, if not now then certainly in later life!
Mike
Flipping Good Pancakes: A few Ideas to Try
So there’s no doubt you’ve heard that Shrove Tuesday this year is today. If you celebrate the day by eating Pancakes, here’s a few ways to do it regardless of your diet or budget:
Can’t Cook or Won’t Cook?
If you’re like me and have a probability that fire and doom can happen whenever you use a oven, range or hob (choose as appropriate), why not try a ready mix? You may have to nip to a 24hr supermarket to get one in time tonight, but these bad boys will allow you to knock out several Pancakes in one sitting by simply adding a little milk and pouring straight into your frying pan/skillet.
Need Gluten Free?
Pancakes are sadly one of the many foods gluten intolerant people sadly have to give up after diagnosis. We, thanks to this really helpful and easy recipe you may be able to enjoy pancakes again!
Try It the ‘American’ Way
Jealous of the Americans having all the fun enjoying these for breakfast on a regular basis? Why not use today as an excuse to try these smaller Pancakes by following the steps in this great tutorial from Howcast. Great if you’re on a diet but still want to join in!
Get Creative With Your Toppings
Why should Sugar, Lemons, Bananas and Strawberries get all the limelight? Of you fancy trying out a world of different flavours, try frozen Blueberries whilst you cook your batter or get a little more adventurous and try a few alternative ingredients such as Chocolate (melted or spreadable), Pineapple, Different blends of Syrups etc. If it works on a Pizza or an omelette, I’m sure it wouldn’t be too bad on a pancake right?
Overloaded?
Considering many go nuts on this day in order to use up food like our ancestors would in order to prepare for fasting on Ash Wednesday, it’s quite easy unless you’re making a thick pancake to overload the poor thing with many toppings, causing them to drop off your fork as you eat them, like a pizza slice.
If you share this pain, then once your batter has formed well enough and you have flipped l, why not add your ingredients in the pan in the centre, fold over one half with your spatula and pour a little more butter on the end. Leave it to cook for a couple of minutes and BAM! you have a ‘Panzone’! Keeps your toppings in, meaning you can have more.
Why Not Watch a Vlog or Let’s Play As You Eat?
As you’re busy Snapchatting and posting your culinary creations to your Instagram Stories, why not follow along the story of two wonderful people whom happen to refer to their audience affectionately as “Pancakes”. This isn’t sponsored, I just thought it no better time than to share the love by recommending them as a watch whilst you dine. I’ve been watching Mike and Brittany’s daily posts for over a year now and never fail to be entertained by the antics of their pets Nora, Oscar and Jack as well as feel humbled by their kindness towards their friends and their friends’ kindness in return.
If you enjoy dogs, cats, cool stuff, games and adventures, or just interested in everyday life across in the USA, I couldn’t recommend them more. You can check out their stuff on the Press Record, Paw Record, BBPaws, Brittany Bear Paws and Zesty Plays channels on YouTube by using the links to the right.
However you choose to enjoy your food today, I hope they come out well and don’t turn into some new form of cement or get stuck on the ceiling (speaking from experience for both!)
Mike
7 Weird Things That Can Happen At Uni, But Are Totally Worth It
University is a life changing experience for many. For those that joined leaving college or 6th form (or shortly after a gap year of working/travelling), it’s a life changing experience of growing up, making friends, forming and changing relationships and working out what you want to do with your life and maybe changing your mind a couple of times.
But throughout all the drinking, partying, sex, drugs and rock and roll – weird stuff sometimes happen, be it you that did it or you were merely part of the experience of it. But when you look back at these things from a graduate perspective, you can still laugh about it and if you did it, you can say it was definitely worth whatever sanity or dignity it may or may not have cost.
Here are 7 things that happened to me between 2008 and 2014 during my time in Scarborough that could only ever be unique because it happened there and then…and it was worth it.
Unusual Dress Codes
At some point, you’ll be invited to a themed night out or houseparty – usually halloween, often others. But sometimes the themes can go off the beaten track and sometimes your particular costume may do too.
My experience of this involved joining several hall-mates that were part of the HUU Athletic Union (Scarbrough Ladies Football Team to be specific) and their theme night one week was based on ‘Pimps and Hoes’. This was fine as the dress was fairly simple. The girls would initially go as hoes and the boyfriends/plus ones/housemates of the team leaders as pimps (regardless of gender). But for some reason there was an imbalance of hoes due to people dropping out…so when I returned from an Easter break, I got the news I was changing sides if I wanted to come out. It took a lot of thinking about, but I was eventually talked into it with the promise the girls in our halls would sort out the clothing, makeup and such.
Needless to say it was a cold night for my legs, an itchy experience wearing makeup on sensitive skin and a lot of alcohol needed to be consumed to ensure that I remained pacified. But it was a decent night.
Needless to say though, I have some dignity left so there are no photos available for public viewing (some things are better left unseen).
Take Some Unintentionally Bad Photos
There are an incredible amount of terrible pictures of me as a student posted on the internet. Not as bad as some I imagine, but everyone during their time at uni will experience that one picture you just couldn’t re-create. And it’s usually a hilariously bad one.
This one occurred in my first year in one on one of the last nights at our old favourite rock club that sadly no longer exists (although I’ve heard it’s recent replacement is quite good too). In the midst of Rage Against the Machine’s initial reprisal of “Killing in the Name” we entered a great bonding session over headbanging. Unfortunately I happened to lift my head at the wrong moment and this happened:
Photo Credit: Ellie Casey
Yeah…
Also Capture Some Amazing Photos Too!
On the same night during a later song, my good friend Ellie Casey also caught this cracker at the perfect timing of my hair peaking in hight. Whilst I’ve seen better one such as horizontal dolphins, well timed pool jumps and crazy death eye looks, this one’s not bad for a once in a life time shot:
Photo Credit: Kat Tye
Strange Items Appear in Your House
Many people have woken up to something they don’t remember brining into their accommodation. Road furniture, other people’s ornaments, somebody you had a crush on lying in the bed next to you.
Of the many things myself and many people I knew in my undergraduate and postgraduate years (Traffic Cones & Road furniture, For Sale Sign, The world’s smallest – and crushed banana, Top of a concrete post etc), the spare wheel has got to be one of my more unexplained ones – especially since I vaguely remember wheeling it home, but with no explanation as to why I decided to, nor any memory of it appearing in my living room the next day.
Needless to say it became a good talking point for my house for the few months it lived in the back yard as well as something to play with during pre-drinks.
Random Days of Mass Energy
Most people aren’t adept at being able to work around the clock in their 20s (unless you were lucky enough to be born to work like a machine), but every now and then you manage to find the time to run on pure caffeine and adrenaline and yet escape without a scratch. This one my example and I didn’t feel all that terrible the following day:
Can’t say I’d be capable of doing that in one go again without consequence!
Making Unusual Statements
Everyone that’s been on social media has or will at some point create an unexplained message and post it online – usually when under the influence of something or deprived of sleep. On rare occasions it can even happen when you’re sober and in the heat of a moment. And then some, like one a dear friend of mine posted that frequently comes back to mind will never fail to make you smile – unfortunately he’s offline currently so I couldn’t obtain permission to display it here today, but I can tell you that owls, dragons, philosophy and family members all made it into the final cut!
Bursts of Information at Random Hours
If you’re an arts student I’m sure you’ve had this at some point. When you’re sat in a studio for hours or days on end staring at your respective equivalent of a blank canvas only to come away empty handed. Then at some point mid shower, loo session or at 4am, it strikes. One of two things then happen – either you’re very lucky and you then stay up all night or soaking yet or unclean trying to bring this idea to life, or you spend ages looking for your utensils of creation and manage to find them all, only for the idea to have gone away. If the latter happens to you, take my advice. ALWAYS have something on you. Even if it’s just a pen and paper or a voice recorder (most phones and tablets have these as apps now) with you to take note or jog your memory later. Doesn’t always work, but when a rare and unusual moment happens, it pays to capture it!
Have any of these happened to you? Has anything happened that’s not on this list? Feel free to let me know and discuss in the comments section down below.
Mike