And so the year of Fresher draws to a close. I really want to pass on the things I learnt this year but don't want to give away too much because the best way to find things out, generally, is first hand. I'll try and keep this post fairly short - it has been a very eventful year!
Things to put on your 'to do' list:
- Fab n Fresh at Joe's Bar (Saturdays)
- Lunch at Joe's Bar (try the chips or a pizza, for sure)
- Quiz at Bar One (Sundays if they'll replace Mike with someone decent - when he was away, his replacements just didn't get up to his level)
- Gatecrasher (Fridays are indie nights)
- Mechu
- Jam House (Thursdays are student nights, any other night and they'll only let in 21+s)
- o2 (Fridays are indie nights)
- Custard Factory (This is a club, not a factory full of custard... though it was the old Birds Factory, hence name)
- Shopping at the Bull Ring (I always visit Selfridges)
- Any student performance (usually in the Deb Hall in the Guild, any night of the week, look out for posters and Facebook events)
- Join a society and actually get involved... if not, start your own
- Get involved in the Guild Elections, even if that just means reading the campaigns and listening to the candidates
- Walk to the centre (from Maple Bank/Elgar Court it takes about 30 minutes leisurely pace, it's actually quicker than walking to the train station, buying a ticket, waiting for the train and getting out of New Street... it's also a journey through the posh bit of Edgbaston)
- Browse or buy from the fresh fruit and vegetable market on campus
- Go to one of the theatres
- IMAX for 3D films
- Visit Stratford-upon-Avon for a quiet day out
- Alton Towers (not far away at all - cheap tickets can be found on the right websites... try eBay, too)
-Visit the German Market at Christmas
- Go to a comedy club - Jongleurs and Glee Club are in the centre and always have fresh and familiar talent
Things to do in Freshers Week:
- Order an NUS extra card (I ordered mine in a room in the Guild. You can do it on your own at home but you need a webcam or good enough picture) and USE IT! I found out a Christmas that Superdrug accept NUS extra cards and buy from them regularly. The whole list of companies is on the website and I'm sure a few more will be added come September. Not all shops accept just you Uni ID card, though technically they should. Meh, it's only a fiver!
- Get to know your flatmates. I spent most of my first couple of weeks here just chilling in the kitchen with my flatmates and our random visitors.
- Pick up your Freshers Fest package and attend as many events as you can manage
- Freshers Fair (Don't miss this! I'll be there on Thursday at least, supporting the Northern Society)
- Sports Fair (if you want to join any university teams, for competition or fun, this is the place to be)
- Jobs/Volunteering Fair
- Sort out your folders/paper stash
- Put money on your ID card for printing and photocopying at any of the libraries (I put £5 on at the beginning of the year and am only just getting down to a few pennies)
- Get familiar with WebCT, you'll be using it most days
- If you're hanging out with new people, and are getting along with them really well, get their number and make a note about their halls or flat number
On a night out:
- Put away £10 for the taxi back and make sure you have change if you're sharing with friends. Most taxis do £1.50 per person if you've got 6 or more people.
- Remember your ID for entry and don't lose it!
- Keep with your friends. There's nothing quite like losing your group for a night dampener. (That said, when I lost mine on the first Monday, I met my boyfriend... then eventually found my friends again. It's not all bad!) Do make sure you know the mobile numbers of the people you're with, though, just in case.
And finally, a brief checklist for moving into halls:
*Kitchen
- Pans, plates, cutlery
- Toaster and kettle
- Cleaning stuff (yep, you'll have to clean up! - you'll be given a mop, broom, hoover and dustpan and brush)
- Food! Stock up on tins, you won't want to carry those back when you're shopping unless you know someone with a car
*Bedroom
- Sheets and other bedding
- Lamp, mirror
- Makeup, clothes, sprays
- Hairdryer and other such electricals
- Clothes and jewellery (dress/suit for Freshers Ball, dresses/shirts for nights out, thicker clothes for the looming winter)
*Bathroom
- Shampoo, conditioner etc
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash
- Cleaning stuff
*Others
- Spare change for laundry (at the moment it's £2.20 per wash - I usually do two: whites and darks - and £1 for the dryer - I put my stuff together for this) and a laundry bin/basket/whatever
- ID
- Student loan/grant/money in the bank
- A keyring. One of my flatmates lost her keys twice in the same week. It costs £20 for one key replacement. If you want it replaced again they have to change the lock. Get a keyring and you're less likely to lose your keys. Preferably one that can clip onto your jeans, or one that has a bottle opener - both useful for different reasons. At Freshers Fair there will be a few free keyrings. Mine's from there - it's an RSC one with a bottle opener. I also got one from TC but it's a mini tennis ball so it often doesn't fit in my narrow going out bags.
Good luck to all potential freshers. If there any questions, do ask me. I'm free now until freshers week so I have plenty of time to send detailed answers. See you at Freshers Fair!
Sunday 27 June 2010
Monday 21 June 2010
Week 8: Birthday Week at Home and Check Lists
Considering I went home this week because my birthday was on Saturday 19th, this post won't necessarily apply to a lot of you. In any case, it was an awesome week and the weekend was even better. My Mum bought me an afternoon at a spa including a head, back and shoulders massage which was amazing. I could definitely get used to regular massages. I went out for dinner on my birthday, with my boyfriend and family, which was lovely. I do recommend beef in black bean sauce! Before my birthday, I went shopping for a dress for the evening. I found a beautiful one in Matalan for £22 which impressed the family at dinner. I did get quite angry at H&M, Topshop and New Look for not having anything I liked in my size. Birmingham's far better for shopping than Doncaster, for sure.
Something that may apply is this: car boot sales! On Sunday I managed to go to a car boot sale at the Keepmoat Stadium (Doncaster Rovers FC, for anyone who wants to know) where I spotted a few things that would be a welcome addition to my new kitchen in my second year house. I'm quite fickle, though, so I didn't indulge in a few bargains. And I was informed that a second hand one (a few people were selling new products) would be half the price. I may ask my Mum to pick me up a blender or something, though, when she goes again. The car boot sales here are hard to get to if you don't have a car because there aren't any within walking distance of halls or the centre. There are a few charity shops in Harborne, which is near, but I haven't visited them yet. The reason why I mentioned car boot sales and charity shops is because as a student you'll be leaving home for (probably) the first time. That means you'll need to stock up the kitchen, bathroom and your own room with equipment. On Facebook freshers groups there are check lists so if you're going to Uni in September they are definitely worth a look in. And don't forget spare change for laundry. I might well post an extra farewell for this year next week and include a check list for anyone who wants to know.
A running theme of my blog posts seem to be the state of the kitchen in my flat. One thing I urge all freshers to do is get an understanding with your flatmates early on about cleanliness. If you're living in halls, there are inspections to look forward to. On The Vale they come once a term (that's three times in the year you'll be living there). If you fail, you might get a second chance to tidy up and a re-inspection will be scheduled for a few days after. If you pass, you're going to make it far easier to live there. Fail twice and the manager gets involved and fines may be issued for a clean up and general lack of respect for the accommodation. I'm having issues with my flat being in a state at the moment because with exams being over (and results are now available) a few of my flatmates have decided not to pay attention to their flat anymore. Thankfully my concerns were heard by the Vale reception and I've been exempt from any charges or tellings off. I do still have to tidy up the flat before I move out because I'm the last one left. I've still got a week and a half left, or thereabouts.
So, next week I'll put up a check list and that'll be it for my blogging this year. Let's hope my boss wants me to do this for second year, I quite enjoyed it!
Something that may apply is this: car boot sales! On Sunday I managed to go to a car boot sale at the Keepmoat Stadium (Doncaster Rovers FC, for anyone who wants to know) where I spotted a few things that would be a welcome addition to my new kitchen in my second year house. I'm quite fickle, though, so I didn't indulge in a few bargains. And I was informed that a second hand one (a few people were selling new products) would be half the price. I may ask my Mum to pick me up a blender or something, though, when she goes again. The car boot sales here are hard to get to if you don't have a car because there aren't any within walking distance of halls or the centre. There are a few charity shops in Harborne, which is near, but I haven't visited them yet. The reason why I mentioned car boot sales and charity shops is because as a student you'll be leaving home for (probably) the first time. That means you'll need to stock up the kitchen, bathroom and your own room with equipment. On Facebook freshers groups there are check lists so if you're going to Uni in September they are definitely worth a look in. And don't forget spare change for laundry. I might well post an extra farewell for this year next week and include a check list for anyone who wants to know.
A running theme of my blog posts seem to be the state of the kitchen in my flat. One thing I urge all freshers to do is get an understanding with your flatmates early on about cleanliness. If you're living in halls, there are inspections to look forward to. On The Vale they come once a term (that's three times in the year you'll be living there). If you fail, you might get a second chance to tidy up and a re-inspection will be scheduled for a few days after. If you pass, you're going to make it far easier to live there. Fail twice and the manager gets involved and fines may be issued for a clean up and general lack of respect for the accommodation. I'm having issues with my flat being in a state at the moment because with exams being over (and results are now available) a few of my flatmates have decided not to pay attention to their flat anymore. Thankfully my concerns were heard by the Vale reception and I've been exempt from any charges or tellings off. I do still have to tidy up the flat before I move out because I'm the last one left. I've still got a week and a half left, or thereabouts.
So, next week I'll put up a check list and that'll be it for my blogging this year. Let's hope my boss wants me to do this for second year, I quite enjoyed it!
Tuesday 15 June 2010
Week 7: Experiencing Fab n Fresh
Saturday was definitely the highlight this week. It was my friend's birthday so she planned a musical-themed night out at Fab n Fresh, the weekly Guild event. Basically, Joe's Bar cranks up the volume and dims the lights for a night of dancing and general awesome times. I can not believe that that was the first time I'd been. It's just a walk away from halls so there's no need for saving a tenner for the taxi there and back and entry is only £4 with your student ID card.
In other news, the Northern Society have now planned their events for term one. Wahey! We had to send off a grant application so the Guild can partially fund the transport for two of our events as well as help us out with promotion expenditure. The deadline for that is this coming Friday but for it to be checked, with time for ammendments, Monday was the deadline. Because we'd been so busy over the weekend with personal ventures, we managed to get the email sent to the office at about half past midnight and got a reply thankfully this morning. All is good! We were even commended on how clear our descriptions were.
I'm at home this week, in Doncaster, so whilst I can report on all the goings on they won't be applicable to everyone. Might still be an interesting read.
In other news, the Northern Society have now planned their events for term one. Wahey! We had to send off a grant application so the Guild can partially fund the transport for two of our events as well as help us out with promotion expenditure. The deadline for that is this coming Friday but for it to be checked, with time for ammendments, Monday was the deadline. Because we'd been so busy over the weekend with personal ventures, we managed to get the email sent to the office at about half past midnight and got a reply thankfully this morning. All is good! We were even commended on how clear our descriptions were.
I'm at home this week, in Doncaster, so whilst I can report on all the goings on they won't be applicable to everyone. Might still be an interesting read.
Monday 7 June 2010
Week 6: Glee Club and Other Things To Do
Wednesday was pretty awesome. My boyfriend took control of my day and told me to meet him at the train station because he'd planned a few things. Good times indeed! The first part of the day was spent in Lickey Hills which is the forest in Barnt Green, about 15/20 minutes away from the university campus (£2.20 return with a railcard). It's a bit of a trek for people who don't like walking but for people who do it's an absolute goldmine. Add in a bit of adventure by going off track a bit (but sticking to a track nonetheless) and you've got a winner. We spent a long time just rambling around and exploring the forest. Definitely my style. Then when we were waiting for the train we messed around with the ticket machine and changed it to French. Fun times.
The next stop was Joe's Bar for a rest and a drink. And chips. Joe's really do awesome chips.
Then I was advised to go back to TC and dress up a little bit. Not too much but with some effort. I put a smart-ish dress on and met him where he wanted me to go. He still kept the mystery location a secret, though I had been guessing the whole day (and I didn't manage it!). We turned up at the Arcadian (took the bus so he didn't have to reveal the location by telling a taxi driver) and it was still a secret. Then he revealed in the best way ever: "Turn around." When I turned around I saw posters for Jon Richardson's UK Tour. One of the tour dates was Wednesday night at the Glee Club. Yes thanks! Jon Richardson is my favourite lesser known comedian, if not my favourite overall. Apparently this had been planned for a while so don't go thinking you can emulate this spontaneously. Just be good at keeping secrets.
Glee Club is a small comedy club with a massive reputation. If you've played at Glee, you're on your way to massive success. The set was absolutely hilarious, as expected, and the audience were on par. Afterwards, we waited near the stage door and I got to meet the man himself along with Fordie, his friend and frequent radio guest (J R used to present a weekly show on 6 Music). That was a very good night.
On Thursday we went to see the cricket at Edgbaston. That's something you need to do if you're going to be a University of Birmingham student. We found a voucher in Redbrick, the university newspaper, that granted £5 entry (as opposed to £25) so we happily used that and went to see Warwickshire Beats v Northampton Steelbacks. Needless to say Warwickshire (who we were backing, naturally) won comfortably, amongst chants of "We love you, Maddy, we do!" by a bunch of Tennis Courts boys who had obviously taken advantage of the deal, also, and made a day of it. Good times! Beautiful weather, too.
The next stop was Joe's Bar for a rest and a drink. And chips. Joe's really do awesome chips.
Then I was advised to go back to TC and dress up a little bit. Not too much but with some effort. I put a smart-ish dress on and met him where he wanted me to go. He still kept the mystery location a secret, though I had been guessing the whole day (and I didn't manage it!). We turned up at the Arcadian (took the bus so he didn't have to reveal the location by telling a taxi driver) and it was still a secret. Then he revealed in the best way ever: "Turn around." When I turned around I saw posters for Jon Richardson's UK Tour. One of the tour dates was Wednesday night at the Glee Club. Yes thanks! Jon Richardson is my favourite lesser known comedian, if not my favourite overall. Apparently this had been planned for a while so don't go thinking you can emulate this spontaneously. Just be good at keeping secrets.
Glee Club is a small comedy club with a massive reputation. If you've played at Glee, you're on your way to massive success. The set was absolutely hilarious, as expected, and the audience were on par. Afterwards, we waited near the stage door and I got to meet the man himself along with Fordie, his friend and frequent radio guest (J R used to present a weekly show on 6 Music). That was a very good night.
On Thursday we went to see the cricket at Edgbaston. That's something you need to do if you're going to be a University of Birmingham student. We found a voucher in Redbrick, the university newspaper, that granted £5 entry (as opposed to £25) so we happily used that and went to see Warwickshire Beats v Northampton Steelbacks. Needless to say Warwickshire (who we were backing, naturally) won comfortably, amongst chants of "We love you, Maddy, we do!" by a bunch of Tennis Courts boys who had obviously taken advantage of the deal, also, and made a day of it. Good times! Beautiful weather, too.
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Name: Vici Royle