Home Away From Home || Studio Flat Tour

I'm all moved in! Unpacked, reorganised (several times already), cleaned and very happy with everything. It's small but extra cosy and has everything I need - what's there to complain about? Okay maybe it's more money than I wanted to pay but it's not breaking the bank, just yet. I've been spending a lot of time here before university starts and the library becomes my second home; I'm making the most of lie-ins, binge watching Netflix and stuffing my face with good food. 

What They Don't Tell You About University

This is based on my experiences and people I know. Obviously it may not always be the same for every university as they vary a lot but often the university experiences you hear about are quite similar in some aspects.

How to Survive Second Year of University

The stress is over on moving to a new city, you're used to the university life now. The only difference is more work, more relaxed atmosphere, and more independence.

Tackling University, a Job and Blogging

I properly started blogging weekly when I moved to China. Before that, it was once in a blue moon so I didn't really count it as 'blogging'. Once I had moved to China, I had university everyday for at least 4 hours, I started a teaching job which I did twice a week for 2 hours each time (plus an hour for travelling to the apartment) and I 'attempted' to blog weekly. As well as having all of these to do weekly, I also had my social life which, being in a new city and a massive city like Shanghai, was very hectic as there is so much to see and do.

Tips to Surviving First Year of University

The first year of university can be quite daunting. Having a new start in a new city with new people, it's all so different. Here are a few tips that came in handy on my first year of university.

Everyone is in the same boat. What you are experiencing, everyone else is too. The anxiety you feel as you drive up to your new accommodation for the year, the nerves kicking in as you go and meet your new flatmates; it's new for everyone so don't be afraid that you are in this alone.

University Room Tour - China Edition

So I have been living in my dorm room for 4 weeks now and I think it's time to give a tour of my room. Don't get too excited as it isn't the most glamorous of rooms and I also haven't decorated much as it is still early days so in a few months it will definitely look prettier.

40 Minutes Late to our Reservation

After a good three days being bed bound after a horrible illness I caught, I was eager to get out into the fresh (well Shanghai fresh) air and get a nice dinner along the Bund. Me and two friends booked a reservation at a restaurant called Lost Heaven. If you ever get to China, you need to visit this restaurant, the food is so nice.

Obviously Aneta, my flatmate, was running slightly late (she always is), which made us late for our reservation. When I say "slightly late", we were 40 minutes late... We got the metro to East Nanjing Road and then walked from there to the restaurant as it is nearly impossible to catch a taxi around that area on a Saturday night. So after a good 20 minute walk in about 27 degrees we made it to the restaurant. We went from a clean team to sweaty Betty's...lovely. The walk was worth it for the views I guess.

LIVING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD!

GOOOOD MORNING! Guess who finally got internet after a good few days? It was quite nice to have a break from it all but glad to be back in the social-networking world. Been in China 1 week now and I am actually loving it. That sounds surprising but it is for me as I had a vision of the first week feeling homesick, confused and a bit under the weather about the whole "moving abroad" process...I'm the complete opposite though. I have met so many friendly faces (including my crazy flatmate Aneta who I've already planned to travel with), walked around campus a fair amount and settled in to my new home on campus. 

My dorm is average, bit on the small side but I won’t be spending much time in it anyway…all you need is a bed and desk right? Having a balcony is a definite bonus! Did I mention that I’m on the 5th floor and the Chinese like us to struggle and don’t have lifts in many small buildings. Apparently buildings 8 floors and below are listed as “small buildings”, which if you see Shanghai you would agree. One thing I know by the end of this year is I’ll be mega fit, climbing 10 flights of stairs at least 4 times a day…

We ventured off to Lauren’s flat, as she’s living off Campus, and ended up getting caught in the rain storm which we were not expecting. No umbrellas or waterproofs on us; we got soaked through! 

The views from the buildings on campus are pretty insane. We are pretty close to the Bund which is where all the beautiful skyscrapers are, including the second tallest building in the world, the Shanghai Tower.

I went out on Wednesday night with all my friends after seeing my friends in Shanghai, the Percivals, after 4 years, who treated me to a lovely dinner and birthday presents. 

We went to a club called Fusion where my friends surprised me with a birthday cake and endless alcohol, I was not complaining. 

Yesterday was the first proper day where I was able to get out of campus and properly explore around the area and get the metro to other places. Obviously I chose to go to Nanjing East Road (南京东路) which is where the Bund is situated. Just opposite of the metro station is the 4 Floor Forever 21, how could I not take a trip into there? 

I found a cafe for lunch and got a sandwich and juice. Just my luck, I managed to spill all the juice over me half way through my lunch. Even worse, this juice was thick and lumpy so the aftermath was not good. I went back into Forever 21, bought an outfit and changed into it right away. 

I made my way over to The Bund which was packed with locals and a few foreigners and admired the beautiful view. Sadly, the pictures are not the best as I only had my phone with me and it was starting to get dark so it looks dull. 

I also made it to one of the upper market malls, where I definitely did not fit in as I looked like a tramp with a dress and trainers on, no make up, and sweaty hair...not the best look I must admit. 

I am glad to have settled in though. I didn't have time to get over jet lag as I had to be up early everyday. I am so tired still but fighting my way through it! 

 

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