College Expectations!

Guess who is back blogging?!?

Hi Dolls and Gents, 

It's been quite a long time since I blogged - I've just been very busy and to be honest, I found the whole blogging thing tough, I was beginning to question myself and comparing my work to others - BUT I realised how wrong I was to do that, I really enjoy writing and if one of my pieces helps or is enjoyed by someone (E.g Mum), then that's all that matters! I write purely for joy and love! 💗

Summer of waiting for the lovely LC results and not to forget the CAO results can be a daunting one - we've all been there friends. Not knowing what is in store for us is ever so scary but kinda exciting - it's going to be a new chapter for you wherever it may lead you, whether it be college, working or travelling, life is just filled with endless opportunities for us all. One piece of advice I would give is, Don't be scared - just embrace life whatever it may throw at you!

My journey took me to The Big Smoke - Dublin City University or as the UCD ones likes to say D--C ---Useless ( Not anyway offended....), it was and still is the biggest change I had to date. Being a little citizen from Glen Village (population: 20 people, 10 dogs and 1 cat) it was a big adjustment moving to Dublin - going solo, not having Mum's laundry and cooking service at my hand. Here are a few college expectations for those who may need it come September! 

1. Campus Accommodation = ShoeBox Goals. 
I was extremely fortunate to receive campus accomodation in my first year - good old Larkfield. Larkfield was accommodation purely for first year students. You had your own room, which was tiny, a shared bathroom and kitchen with another housemate. Moving out was tricky- having to cook, clean and budget was a challenge. My roommate Debbie and I had a good bond which is always a good thing to have when sharing a place, however, we both found space extremely difficult, one person could only fit in the kitchen so finding the space and time to cook was tough as anyone who knows me is aware of how much I love my food. Also, the bathroom space was just terrible and sharing a bathroom is never easy. As mentioned, Larkfield was filled with first years - every night was filled with noisy drunk students and a smell of Domino's pizza and Jack Slats in the corridors. However, I did meet some lovely people being there and Pre-drinks were always warm and cosy as rooms that could only fit about 3 people max were jammed with 20 people if not more and filled with good fun and laughs. Campus accommodation is extremely helpful for first years settling in but do not expect it to be anyway glamourous and cosy like home! Here is a link to a previous blog post on how I made my room that little bit like home!( https://country2college.blogspot.ie/2017/02/college-room-how-to-make-it-feel-right.html )   

2. College TimeTables = Free Time! (Arts Students Only) 
I study Media with Arts - my major is Media and minor is English. With DCU now joining with Pats - it means I'm between campuses, I study Media is Glasnevin and English in Pats. I love it, I get a feel for the two campuses and have the chance to meet new people! My timetable however was filled with endless gaps and hours off. At first I loved this idea, as I meant I got to explore and relax, however come semester two, it began it get rather boring and I would begin wasting my time on Netflix when I should've been studying. When you are an Arts student you will have lots and lots of things to read and research in your own time. Now, I'm not saying you have to study all the time in your free time - gosh no, it's college for goodness sake. But it would be a good idea to study for maybe an hour as from experience, especially with English you can fall behind pretty quickly in your reading leaving you feeling rather confused in lectures and seminars!

3. You will never be happy with your first assignment result - Don't be too Hard on Yourself: 
Getting your first assignment title is never easy, and it is so scary when your lectures rant about the dangers plagiarism and referencing. It's your first time and no matter how prepared and perfect you think your assignment is - it's not in the eyes of your lecturers. You will make endless mistakes as you still are in secondary mode but believe me you will improve big time and laugh/ cringe at your first assignment. Don't be disheartened and if you ever need help or tips for on it - feel free to message me or anyone at third level, we know the struggle starting off. 

4. Don't start missing Lectures or Depending on Online Notes: 
You're away from home, nobody is there to keep an eye on you and O'Connell Street with it endless shops are just a 10 min bus journey.... DON'T DO IT. Now, I was a wee goody two shoes, I'm not gonna lie, but I have friends who miss college lectures so much that they began to feel left behind, stressed and burned out towards exam time. Yes, they passed their exams but they have forgotten all the information now that they will need for their career.  You don't get half as much information from the Online Slides, unless your lecture is very lazy and boring! One tip to remember - This isn't like the Leaving Cert when you think 'I don't need that in life anyway' - you chose this course to get a job at the end of it - you will need all the info you can get, plus you will have your free-time too. Don't waste it!

5.  Friends don't come your way - Clubs and Socs: 
One thing I regret is not joining clubs and socs as I tended to shy away from it which lead me to having few friends and being completely isolated. Friends just don't come your way, you have to make the effort to talk to everyone. If you are in a lecture hall and sitting beside someone you don't know, talk to them about the course! Here are a few starting convo topics:   1. What course you studying?
              2. Where are you from?
              3. What  clubs and socs are you thinking of joining? 
Joining clubs and socs is one thing I wish I had done, as seeing my course friends being so popular and having other friends made me lonely and a tad bit jealous, which was all my own fault for not pushing myself to socialise more. 

6.  Just Eat Will become your new Friend - And Enemy. 
Simple note - no matter how hungry you are don't do it. The only gains you earn from it is extra weight, bad skin and a bond with the delivery man. Haha, however, it is quite the nice treat so do treat yourself from time to time 👍

7.  You will be Homesick - But it passes: 
At the start of college I was an emotional wreck - and I still do be little bit homesick when i'm away but it passes. It is a big change being away from home but try and get out more, meet with friends and just stop dwelling on it. You are at college to benefit yourself and make your parents proud. You've got this! 

8.  Have fun: 
Despite it all, college is for memories so make it count! The Leaving Cert was a rotten year, let's move on from it and have fun! If you can manage the LC, you can manage anything!

I hope this helps anyone and thank you for reading!

Lots of Love,
Niamh
Xxx

Wisdom Wednesday: Let's Normalize Mental Health:

Hi All, 

Welcome to another Wisdom Wednesday, this topic means a lot to me. If you are anyone who is feeling somewhat down for a long time now, please know you are not alone and talk to someone, releasing all that tension and negativity out of your body will be such a relief - Trust me! 

What is mental Health?: 

So, according to the Oxford Dictionary Mental Health is defined as: 

A person’s condition with regard to their psychological and emotional well-being. Psychological and emotional well-being I like to believe are two factors that shape who we are, without these factors we are simply robots. We all would be trained to be the exact same,being trained to simply eat and sleep. Mental health affects how we act, think and feel. If this is damaged then it needs to be taken seriously, this is people's lives and the stigma we have, especially us young people about mental health needs to change. It's crazy to believe that some people would give more sympathy to someone with a cold rather than someone suffering with a mental health issues. Let's change this! 

People who write about Mental Health only look for Attention??????????

Hate this theory young people come up with! I believe those who are willing to share their stories about their Mental Health issues are warriors. It takes a serious amount of guts to share a personal story, emotions and basically put their lives out there! These Warriors want to help others from preventing it to happen to anyone else, to get others to seek help before it progresses, to raise awareness and normalizes the issue. Mental Health is just like any other sickness so why should there be a stigma towards it? So, next time you see a post about Mental Health why not give it a share rather than an eye roll? 

It can happen anyone! 

You don't have to be crying in the middle of the street to be recognised as having mental health issues. Mental Health is a danger because unlike other illnesses, the symptoms can be disguised -  It can be disguised very easily in fact. For all you know, you're bestie who may be the joker of the group could be really struggling! It's really important to be open about mental health and always text your friends to ask how they are etc, because mental health can be very isolating, a simple text from a pal can do someone the world of good. Always be open minded about Mental Health. 

The Mental Health Issue Doesn't Define You- 

Instead of saying I'm depressed, say I have depression, instead of saying I'm bipolar, say I have bipolar. Don't equate yourself to your illness, that is where the stigma begins. A little tip, you wouldn't say I'm 24 hour bug or I'm Cold and Flu. Why should Mental Health be any different? 

Don't Worry About Others: 

The stigma can affect many people with Mental Health Issues. They may feel like they are a burden or they are just feeling silly or stupid, they may feel that they don't deserve to express themselves due to the stigma surrounding Mental Health. You know what I say? People that are negative towards Mental Health are the ones with issues. If you don't feel well emotionally, you have every right to seek help and talk about it! The longer you leave it, the worse your feelings will get! 

***SPEAK, STAND UP, SUPPORT AND SHARE***: 

Come onnnn Ireland and fellow friends, let's break the stigma! If you see anything Mental Health related speak about it to others, stand up and support the issues. We are guilty of having too many friends we may or may not know on Facebook, however, sharing something or speaking about Mental Health may reach one person on your newsfeed and help them, you never know who may be suffering. We need to create a friendly and supporting space for people who may feel low. 

I would like to dedicate this blog to those who have shared their stories about Mental Health online- You are the real Warriors and Thank You!! 

It's never too late to speak up about Mental Health! 

Take Care, 

Niamh! 

X 

Woman Power Wednesday: My Momma!

Dolls and Gents, 

How are we all? I hope you all enjoyed my Wednesday Wisdom post last week about gaining your confidence back. Wednesday Wisdom will resume next week as I like schedule the series every two weeks, giving the heavy stuff a breather! In between Wednesday Wisdom I will post a new series Woman Power Wednesday, writing about all the influential women in this world. Who better to start of the series than my beautiful mother Geraldine. Here are a few reasons why this lady is ever so important to me! 

She has beauty inside and out! 
You are looking at the lady who on her wedding day only wore a 'wee bit of blue shadow and her favourite pale lipstick' as she told us, yet she still looks as flawless as ever. Mum has the kindest soul, her personality beams through her smile! Any problem big or small, mum is always the one to reassure everyone and help us in our time of need. Mum is forever putting others before herself, which makes her such a kind and caring person. She is a beautiful person in the inside which shines outside. An all around sound babe of a doll! 

Her ambition: 
Mum works endless day in and day out, the woman never takes a day off. Mum works  so hard for her family and also spends so much effort on her new photography project! With over 1204 followers on instagram, mum captures everyday whether it be rain, sleet or snow, the lovely views Donegal has to offer. She has built a great following and I admire her hard work and determination she has. Mum is one of the many inspirations for this blog! Follow her insta @ https://www.instagram.com/geraledine.shields/
  

Style Queen: 
Mum is the ultimate style queen in our house. Marie, my sister and I are forever sneaking into mum's walk in wardrobe, yes she is the only lady in the house with a walk in wardrobe, and stealing her clothes. Mum knows what's in and what's out, she is definitely my style icon! 

 Her love for her Best Friend: 
My dad and Mum are the complete opposite. Dad is loud and mum is very quiet yet the two have such a strong love for one another and bring out the best in eachother. I love waking up and hearing the two talking and laughing in the morning while having their cups of tea. Their love for one another is really something else! 

 Animal Lover: 
Mum loves her animals more than she loves her children, haha! Jokes aside, mum has such a strong love for animals and this really shows her compassionate side, which I love about her! 

 My Best Friend: 
Despite just being my mother, my mum as cliche as it sounds, really is my best friend. I tell my mum everything from nights out, work, college, relationships, friendships, the woman knows everything about me. I adore going on trips with her to the shops, or going on walks, or simply just sitting in the kitchen talking endlessly with our Herbal teas and rice cakes. I miss mum so much when I go to college and text her non stop! She is amazing, so kind and so caring. 

Mother by blood, best friend by choice! 
Lots of love Momma G
Xxx 

 

Wednesday Wisdom: How to gain back Confidence!

                                                                                                                                          Wisdom Wednesday numero Uno: 



Dolls and Gents welcome back :)  So so so excited to be back in the blogging world, as Ross once said: 

....... But we're back on track !

How to Gain Confidence Back: 

Sometimes in life we tend to lose a sense of who we are, it can be down to various reasons, however, at the time it can feel like we will never return to the person we once were, but believe you can and you will. Here are a few tips to get your confidence back! 

1. Cut out negative thoughts: 

Easier said than done I know, but we are our own worst critics. Without thinking we can constantly put ourselves down with thoughts 'I can't do that', 'I'm too stupid' , 'I hate this body part' and so on. A negative input is a negative output. A simple technique is to write down all negative thoughts and rip the page up, or every negative thought you have to do a sit up! Constantly think good thoughts and you will find yourself in a much more happy and healthy place! 

quotesgram.com

2.Compliment yourself: 

Us Irish folk have such a bad habit not taking compliments but you know what there is no better person to compliment you but yourself. Compliment yourself at the start and the end of every day. At the start of the day, say how you will make today a good day and at the end of the day, say what you did well, what you liked about yourself or a certain skill you gained in that day. Don't rely on others to shape you as a person, you and only you can do that! 

Take risks: 

Being stuck in the same rut all day everyday it can get tiring and boring, leading us to lack confidence and stick to being inside the box rather than outside. It can be something simple like cutting your hair, taking up an afternoon class, going to a festival, a holiday adventure or even a day adventure. These simple things will help you gain your inner strength back as there is nothing worse than hiding away, not showing the world your beautiful self! 

Exercise: 

The simple task of exercising can be a lifesaver to those with self confidence issues. The benefits of exercise is endless! Exercise helps reduce stress and releases happy chemicals 😊 Regarding self confidence, if you are like myself and are EXTREMELY self conscious,exercise is perfect. Regardless of your weight, height,appearance, etc,exercise for me personally gives me great self worth and self love. I do hate going to the gym at the start and tend to shout endlessly at the trainer (Apologies), but feel great afterwards! Exercise improves your confidence and your your physical health- it's a win-win! 

Smiling  and Laughing: 

Smiling and Laughing help release endorphins that reduce stress and produce positive vibes! So stick on your favourite comedy or meet up with a loved one and LOL and smile til your heart's content!  You will be feeling confident in no time! 

Stop Comparing and Be Yourself: 

Young people today are constantly comparing themselves to others and also 'Branding' themselves on social media. It's important to know that everyone in this world is different and unique and that's what makes the world the beautiful place that it is. Stop trying to be others and be yourself. You will feel so much happier not pretending to be someone you're not! Always remember - You are an amazing person! 

Hope this helped anyway possible, my next Wednesday Wisdom will be discussing reducing anxiety and stress! 

See you for Surprise Friday and thank you so much for reading.

Love Always, 

Niamh

x

Treat Yo-self Day!

After a hussle and bussle kinda day, all we want is some TLC time. It is important as I always say to look after yourself, here are a few ways I like to unwind after a hectic day!

Cupán tae 

Every Irish person's solution to any problem no matter how big or small is a nice big cup of tea. Personally I'm not the biggest tea drinker but I do love Herbal Teas. My favourite at the minute is Twinings Garden Mint, it is heaven in a cup. Mint teas are my favourite as they are ideal for helping you relax and sleep well. 

Reading Time: 

Being the little geek that I am, I love spending my free time in a book! I adore Dramas now from studying them on my course. Samuel Beckett is my ultimate favourite writer, although this content may be a little gloomy, his writing skills are something else. Reading for me is perfect to just escape the textbooks and diverge into a new chapter of a new world! 

 Did I mention I like Candles???

You all are probably sick and tired of hearing me say the words candles and fairy lights but I am obsessed with them. Honestly can't praise them enough! Your environment is crucial in order to relax, candles just help set a relaxing and calming environment and leaves you feeling de-stressed in no time. I love my Fig and Wild Pear candle and Salted Caramel scented candles, the smells is just gorgeous. Both candles purchased in Pennys! 

Have a Day Out: 

Put the study timetable away for just one day and have a day out with yourself or a few loved ones. My favourite place on earth is Dunfanaghy. Dad, a few weeks back took Mum and I to the pier and we all sat together listening to the waves whilst tucking into big ice-creams! It was a perfect day and a memory I will hold dearly. Don't waste your days stuck to a desk! 

Meditation and NO technology: 

I have written a blog post titled Myself and Meditation which I will link below for DCU Her Campus. Taking only 10 minutes from your day and just having some well earned You Time, you will feel the benefits. Put aside all technology, us young people tend to be on our phones non stop, it isn't healthy for our minds, the instagram stories can wait!  The one App I love is Relaxation Melodies. Listening to the sounds of waves, birds, winds, really help me relax! The app allows you to pick whatever sounds you like. Within seconds your troubles/stress will have vanished! 

There are many other ways to relax but these are my favourite and most used ways. Remember to always find some time for yourself during the exam season! 

Hope you all are keeping well.

Much Love, 

Niamh.

x

Her Campus Blog Post On Meditation: 

http://www.hercampus.com/school/dcu/myself-and-meditation 

How I study:

Hi dolls and gents, 

Apologies for the lack of content, it has been a busy few college weeks.I'm officially finished first year of college, crazy how times flies! Exam season and Leaving Cert is soon approaching, it is understandable how our heads can get all muddled up. Here a few tips I have to make studying that little more doable. 

*Note - These are things I find helpful however if you are different and comfortable with other methods, do you! 💖*

1. Timetable: 

A study timetable is what everyone needs during the academic year. Timetables will help you keep focused and organised. They are extremely motivating. Aim for reasonable time spacing within your timetables and allow for breaks, including time spacing will keep you in check so you don't do overboard. Timetables are a great guilt tripper having it glaring back at you if you are having a slack day. 

                                         www.mummyalarm.co.uk

2.  Candles and Fairy lights: 

I love being relaxed and cosy when I study. Scented candles and fairy lights are my go to surrounding essentials. It helps eliminate the stress and keep me focused. Many people can't study with music or any sounds whatsoever, I however am the complete opposite. I cannot study in silence, I sometimes either listen to inspiring Ted Talks or even as hipy as this may seem, listen to sounds of the ocean on Spotify. It relaxes me what can I say? 

3. Exam Papers: 

In order to get into the exam mode, I study and look at previous exam papers. By doing this, it helps me get focused and ready for the exam ahead. I learn about time management, what questions come up more frequently than others and what topics I need to focus on. 

                                               www.chronicle.co.uk

4. Mind Maps: 

Clear and condense notes is what I live for. I can't bear the idea of looking at a page filled with too many facts, quotes and summaries, it can be very overwhelming. Mind Maps on coloured paper are my favourite things. It is also an excuse to be a little creative - what more could you want?

 

                                              www.mindmeister.com

5. Breaks: 

The most important thing of all is to take breaks. Throughout my Leaving Cert I studied constantly to the point where not only did it affect my results, it damaged my health. Stress and tiredness is like black and navy, massive NO. You should not feel any guilt having a break. A happy healthy you can conquer the world! 

                                                              http://www.friendshipcircle.org

My First College Year Experience: Loves and Regrets

Hi dolls and gents, 

I am still in shock typing this coming to the realisation that my first year of college is soon going to be over. Where did the time go? It only seems like yesterday that Dad took me up to Dublin and gave me the whole pep talk about starting my brand new chapter. What a chapter it has been, I have grown as person and grown a love for DCU. There is so much of the year that I loved and I also have a few regrets. Here are my loves and regrets of Fresher life - Enjoy x

Loves 💖

💖 New friends -  Like every first year my biggest fear was that I wouldn't make any friends, I was so wrong. From the very first week I was blessed to meet these lovely people (Nollaig, Ciara and Luke missing). We automatically clicked as a group, I will have such fond memories of everyone cramming into my shoebox room and just talking and laughing for hours on end. Never worry about not making friends, everyone is in the same position and you will meet people, if I can find a lovely bunch, you certainly can. I do believe in the saying your college friends will be your friends for life. 

💖Her Campus/DCU 

Her Campus DCU is a website dedicated to female student writers, who get to write about their passions. I am lucky enough to be apart of Her Campus DCU ,I absolutely adore it. To get the chance to write alongside such talented writers is amazing. I am delighted to say that Her Campus will be an official society in September, if you are thinking of joining DCU and have a passion for writing, you will love this society. 

https://www.facebook.com/HerCampusDCU

💖  Less Stress

What I love about college is that there is no stress anymore, no 7 subjects, no Leaving Cert. It's just studying the course you picked and the subjects you love. I guess having stressed so much all last year, I loved de-stressing and most importantly finding myself again in collehe. The Leaving Cert for me personally was very soul damaging but DCU saved me. 

Regrets: 👎

👎Not getting involved in many clubs and socs: 

Definitely something I regret. Clubs and Socs are a great way to get involved and most importantly make friends. I felt too scared to get involved and partly was lazy but seeing how people achieve in clubs and socs and grow so much experience from it. It is definitely something I want to change for 2nd year. DCU have a great variety of clubs and societies. 

       https://www.her.ie

👎Anxiety 

I let my anxiety get the better of me from time to time and tend to stay in my room after college to focus on college work. I didn't go out much due to worry but it's something I need to stop! Push yourselves and great things will come your way. 

I don't have much regrets as DCU has been and will continue to be a great place. So much great things has happened in this one spot in the town that is Glasnevin! I can't wait for more 💖💖

Take Care and Talk Soon, 

Niamh.