Page 6: Making it back to University

 Page 6: Making it back to University...

Over the summer, I decided to take a short break from posting my pages to take the time to plan and decide the direction I wanted to take my blog as well as adapting to the 'new normal' through this current uncertain time. To kick my yearbook back off, I have decide to share my top tips for moving back to university from what to pack, decorating and making the most of your space as well as lastly how to prepare academically. 

What to pack ...

When considering what you need to bring to university, in order to maximise you packing and most importantly not to forget anything, I split my checklist into 4 main sections. (disclaimer, this list is not comprehensive,  just the keys bits for me :) )

University Supplies:

- Laptop, charger and extension lead

- Notebooks and folders

- General mixed pencil case (can never have too many coloured pens or highlighters!)

- Few children books (especially for this degree, I like to keep a few of my favourite books that cover a range of key stages. These can be super helpful for discussions in seminars as well as being able to share these with your placement class when on placement can be very rewarding)

Bedroom:

- Fairy lights, plants and photos (extra touches like this makes your room feel super homely!)

- Rug

- Lamp

- Door hook 

- Door stop (great for socialising especially when getting to know your housemates)

- Mirror

- All bedding (pillows, duvet, mattress protector, duvet cover, sheet, blanket, decorative pillows)

- Batteries

Kitchen:

- Plates, bowls and cutlery (inc bottle/tin openers, cheese grater, veg peeler ...)

- Clingfilm, foil and Tupperware (these are always more handy than you would think for saving your leftovers!)

- Drinking glasses and mugs

- Oven tray, frying pan and cooking pan

- Measuring jug, cooking utensils, chopping board with knives 

- Tea towels, washing up brush and liquid

Bathroom/Cleaning:

- Scales 

- Clothes airer

- Shampoo, conditioner, body and face wash

- Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and mouthwash

- Bleach, kitchen cleaner, bathroom cleaner, jay clothes and bin bags

Making the most of your space in terms of academic preparation ...

When either living in student halls or a shared house, at times space can become quite tight. Optimising your room (and keeping it clean and tidy) is the best way to stay motivated and productive!

Set up a clear desk space. Dedicating yourself a specific area in your room where you aim to complete all work is more important right now than ever before. With lots of online lectures and reduced library opening times, students will be working in their rooms more than ever. Having a clear space set up is perfect for staying on top of work. This can be personalised for you, but for me, I like to have my laptop with a notebook, black pen and coloured highlighter alongside it. I personally type my notes up online, but I always find it useful to have a notebook handy to scribble down any quick notes and ideas. 

Another way I find helpful to stay motivated when working from my university bedroom is through my peers. There is no one else that understands you better than your fellow student teachers. The power of technology, has more impact and has given us more opportunities than ever before. Through the means of apps such as facetime and skype, it allows you to work alongside your course mates. This does not just keep you both motivated, it also allows you to bounce ideas, challenge and work alongside each other which is going to have positive results on both academic progress, as well as staying social. (although a lot of work has indeed been put online, its still vital through these technology platforms, to stay in touch and connect with others. This will help boost that all important academic progress.)

In conclusion, I hope today's post have started to get the ball rolling of what to bring and think of whilst preparing for university. Staying motivated and working alongside your peers is a great way of preparing for the new academic year. As mentioned in my previous posts, I strongly believe there should always be a huge emphasis on reflection. Next week I will be reflecting on my first week back at university, sharing my honest experience of the mixed online and face to face approach. To end today's page, I feel it fitting to leave you with these inspiring words: 

"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve." - Napoleon Hill