Top Tips to Help you Prepare for your Year Abroad

It is very nerve-racking taking a step into the big wide world by yourself and moving away from your family and friends. Well, this is what I'm doing this year and I can tell you it has not been easy to get to this stage. I arrived in China on 27th August and I could not be happier that I am now here, after all the hectic organising over the last few months. There is still a lot to sort out over here as China is very complicated with visas etc, but I can finally relax after registering and officially becoming a student at Fudan University.

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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NEW FOREST ADVENTURES

Ever think of going out for the day, having a lovely walk or drive through a forest surrounded by wildlife and nature? New Forest is the perfect place for this.

Me and my sister, Lauren, wanted to take a trip together before going our separate ways once again. New Forest seemed the perfect option as it's not too far away, about an hour and a half, and there is plenty to do; pubs, little villages, walking, exploring...

After getting lost and going round circles for quite a while, we managed to park up and venture down to the river. We walked all along the river and eventually found that we would have to cross it at some stage. Lauren attempted to cross numerous times but ended up nearly falling in. 

Eventually we found one place which seemed the most practical and reasonable way; basically a way which would less likely make us fall in. Clearly, I misjudged it as I was very close to falling in. And no, I was not wearing the most practical shoes for this..

We did, eventually, have to walk across the river which was extremely cold but also refreshing as it was very hot on this day.

This was also a good chance to take out my camera and get some nice shots of the landscapes and wildlife. I didn't get the best of shots as the horses can be quite unpredictable so I did not want to be going too near them, especially if they were in a big group.

I love seeing all the horses running wild, across this beautiful part of England. The whole day was just so relaxing and fun to explore around without having to care about time or money.

Have you been to the New Forest before? 

 

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2016 SO FAR...

How has this year gone so fast already?! It's been a pretty good year actually. Of course there have been ups and downs but definitely been a good year and I reckon it will get a lot better towards the end of it! Thought I'd give you a life update of what my year has been like, considering I've only just started blogging properly. I know my blog is dedicated to travelling and a bit of photography but I follow so many lifestyle bloggers and I enjoy reading them all so much, surely it can't be that hard right? Hopefully I'll have a stab at it and see whether it suits me or not..

JANUARY - EXAM RESULTS AND CELEBRATIONS
Starting the New Year off partying it up in Cardiff, I was so grateful to welcome the year with my favourite people. Unfortunately I didn't have much time at home after New Years before heading back to university, but I was excited to see all my housemates and catch up with them after a few weeks off. It was my friend Alex's birthday in early January so we had a night out in Manchester to look forward to. We went to 2 clubs, both of which had great vibes, one which was video game themed! The rest of January was quite busy with work (when is it not?) as I had a few exams and presentations to prepare for. I managed to make a surprise trip home for my Grandma's 80th birthday and it's fair to say she was quite shocked to see me.

FEBRUARY - TRAVEL PLANNING 
February was a pretty hectic month as me and my friend Toya had a lot of planning and booking to do for our trip to China in Easter.  In December we were very lucky to have been granted a travel bursary for a trip to China. We had created a day-to-day itinerary, just had to start booking everything. I was very close to being forced to cancel the trip and I stupidly forgot my passport ran out in a months time but luckily the process was very quick, as well as applying for a visa (I got it 9 days before we were leaving!!) I also took another trip home during February for a week (it was a "reading" week) as I knew I wouldn't be able to come home until the end of the university year.

MARCH - ESCAPING TO CHINA 
The month has arrived and the countdown began to the days before we left. Everyday me and Toya saw each other we kept getting more and more excited. On the day, I was slightly nervous and I have no idea why. Another thing I forgot to mention is that my sister was already out in China on her year abroad. On that date, we hadn't seen each other for about 6 months and if you know how close we are, it was a big struggle for both of us. Knowing that I would see her as soon as we got out of Pudong Airport was getting me full of excitement.

APRIL - DEALING WITH JET LAG AND DEADLINES 
We got back from China on the 3rd and were starting back at university on the 4th. It's fair to say that jet lag was a pain and I was struggling for a good 2 weeks. The day we arrived back I thought I was fine, until I fell asleep at 11am and woke up thinking it was midday, whereas it was actually 9pm..woops!

MAY - FINISHED 3RD YEAR?!
I started packing up my room as I was heading back down south in a few weeks time. Before thinking about heading home, I had a list of exams to get through. Nobody enjoys May because it is full of constant revision and no free time. I spent many days and nights in the library and hardly any time spent at home, my housemates thought I had disappeared I was never at home.

JUNE - REUNITED WITH FAMILY IN AMERICA
The whole of June was spent in America travelling with my best friend and seeing my family out there in Colorado. To read more, I have day-to-day blogs about my journey so go and have a read :)

JULY - WORK, WORK AND WORK 
I think my whole family was waiting for this month because my sister was arriving back after 10 months spent in China. Many tears and big hugs, we were glad to have her back!

I spent the whole of July mainly working (as a lifeguard) as we have Summer School for 4 weeks. It is a lot of fun but it very tiring as well. I got to catch up with old friends and enjoy lots of good food (the best part about my job). I also got to see all my best friends one night who I hadn't seen for a good 7 months, you notice how close you are when you see your friends after a long time and it's like no time has passed by.

AUGUST - PREPARING FOR CHINA
Pretty good start to the month as Summer School had finished so work wasn't so hectic anymore. Time to start preparing everything for China...where to begin? August is always a busy month as I have a lot of birthdays to celebrate, including mine!! My best friends birthday is 15 days before me so on one Monday we headed off to London with her family. Having only heard of it a few times, we booked to go up to the Sky Garden at the Walkie Talkie, and then watched the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall that evening. All in all, it was the perfect day. Me and a group of friends set off to the Newbury Races for Ladies Day which was a ball of fun.

Finally, before I set off, I had a leaving do at my house with all my favourite people which was lovely. Was emotional but on to the next chapter of my life!! 

How has your year been so far? Let me know in the comments :) 

 

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AUGUST SHOPPING HAUL 2016

Helloooo everyone! It's been such a busy month with getting everything ready for my big move so I've been going shopping an awful lot, not that that's a bad thing or anything. I thought I would do my first shopping haul and see what you guys think. I'd like to do a few a month when I'm out in China to see what bargains I can find and barter my way through to some good deals.

The products below are half my buyings and also presents from family and friends.

1. NO 7 Essentially Natural Foundation (& Beautiful Blossom Gift Box)

Having to top of my foundation before leaving, I went back to my usual product which is the No 7 Essentially Natural Foundation. I have been buying this foundation for about 2 years now and it is perfect for me. I am not one to cover my face in layers of foundation and with this one you do not need to do that. It comes very lightly on your skin and finishes with a very natural and fresh look. For anyone who is the same as me and doesn't like looking completely covered in foundation, this is the product for you! 

2. NO 7 Beautiful Blossom Gift Box

I love buying No 7 products as they do very good offers throughout the year. At the moment, not sure how long it will last, they are doing their Beautiful Blossom Gift Box giveaway when you buy any 2 No 7 cosmetics. The gift box includes an Airbrush Away Primer, 10ml (find the 30ml product here), Stay Perfect Eye Shadow Middle Shade from Cappuccino Trio (full Eye Shadow Trio here) and the Dramatic Lift Mascara in Black, 4.5ml (7ml product here). I have had the mascara as a freebee before and I used it nearly everyday after a layer of my other mascara. The other two products I am yet to use but am excited to see how well they work. 

3. NIKE Zoom Pegasus 31

If you don't know already, my sister and I are BIG shoe lovers, especially when it comes to Nike. Whenever we head over to the Swindon Outlet (the only part of Swindon I will shop in), we always have to go and have a peak at what is in the store. This time round, the sale was too good to not try on a few shoes and see what was available. After a few brightly coloured trainers and hard decisions, I decided to buy these amazingly comfortable Nike Zoom trainers. They are blue with a bright coloured pink shaded underneath the blue, and under and inside the shoes. We don't buy these shoes to run in or exercise, just for our own comfort, as casual shoes, which you will find it very common. The only factor with these shoes is I went up to a 7, I am usually a 6!, so they are look quite big but I am not too fussed as I am in love with them. 

4. FLYER, CLARKS Brown Ankle Boots

So about 6 weeks ago, Mum and I took a shopping trip where I found these lovely looking boots in a lighter brown colour. Unfortunately they were not in my size, but were in my mum's size instead. I got quite annoyed when she went ahead to buy them for herself as I was the one to find them and did not feel she had much interest in them. I soon let it go but still hunted for some very similar. 

Last Saturday was my leaving party where I got some birthday presents as well as leaving presents. I was so happy to find these in a box that my grandparents gave me and cannot wait to wear them when it comes to the winter season. They are suede so not very practical for the rainy days but are for the dry ones. Comfortable, soft foot sole and nicely designed boots...I'm one happy girl! 

5. CREW Classic Half Zip Sweat

Last month I bought the same sweater as shown above but in different colours (white and navy) and I am in love with it. They are so comfortable, very practical for the winter season and cold nights in summer, and so soft on the inside. My first one was quite pricey but I treated myself as I had wanted one for quite a few years now. This one was quite the bargain as my mum found it in T K Maxx. As much as I hate T K Maxx (just because theres so much to look through), I do like finding the occasional bargains now and then, let's be honest...who doesn't? 

6. PAPERCHASE Personal Organiser 

I am one for the old-fashioned style of having a diary in my bag 24/7 and noting down my deadlines, work schedule and social life. I feel I am a lot more organised when I have it all written down. Of course, I don't always have it with me so I do use my calendar on my phone as well but not as much anymore as I will usually have a diary on me.
The diary I use at the moment is perfect for organising as it has 2 pages per week so one side I write my work hours down and the other is more to do with my social life. Therefore, I was in need of another one similar which would start from July 16 until June 17. It sounds silly, but I am very picky with what my organiser/planner has to look like, so you can probably guess how long and hard the search for one was.
A look around the last shop of the day, I luckily found the perfect organiser in Paperchase which separates your diary, to do list and meeting notes. I love the feeling of being organised; this organiser is perfect for anyone who is the same, and isn't too pricey (especially as it is currently in sale!)

Let me know if you liked this shopping haul and if I should do more throughout China :) 

 

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BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE SHIRE

Scheduled to be a nice, sunny day, me and my best friend Lia took a walk up the downs, in Cherhill, which is a few minutes drive away from my house. I took my Nans dog with us so he could enjoy the fresh air for good while.

I thought this was the perfect opportunity to whack out my camera and get snapping photographs of the countryside. It's not everyday where you have beautifully clear days like this, especially in England! Wiltshire is such a nice county filled with stunning views of the landscapes.

I met Lia at the top as I had to take it slow with Charlie; he has arthritis on his hips so long walks are not very practical for him anymore, but we made it in one piece!! 

I love days like this day where you can just embrace your surroundings and not worry about what work you have to do, or what chores are needing to be done..just nice to get away from the madness once in a while and chill out. 

Charlie is my absolute favourite dog in the world and I couldn't ever picture my life without him; he isn't even my dog, he's my Nans! I love this photograph as it just shows how much an animal can make one person so happy. Anyone else think it's just nice to get away from humans and spend time with your pet?!

It is sad to know that I won't be in this county for a year in just under 2 weeks time! 

 

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