University Diaries 1.0

I was never sure as to when my first proper blog post about university was going to be, so it all feels very weird to be sat here writing it now. I am in my third month of studying Fashion Promotion & Imaging at University for the Creative Arts now and wow, it's already been a heck of a roller coaster.

11th September 2015: Moving-In Day.

I had packed all my stuff at least 3-4 weeks beforehand and it was fair to say that I could not wait to get out of my dull town and move away to live independently and further my education in a subject that I am so passionate about. I was the first person to arrive in my flat so my anxiety was sky-high whilst I unpacked my ten million boxes and waited for my six flatmates to arrive. As more and more people started to arrive, it genuinely felt like a family (as cliche as that sounds). We have built some great relationships in the short time that we have already lived with eachother and we all have very clear roles - I'm the one who cleans the flat at 3am and has a weird obsession with Asian guys. Great first impressions, Jem. I was surprised at how quickly I picked everything up, especially as I was so 'mothered' at home and was scared of any type of kitchen appliance. Now I cook my own meals from scratch every night and won't dare go near a ready meal. It was really nice having my 19th birthday as soon as I arrived at university as it marked the new chapter in my life, and I really felt like I had grown up over night.

13th November 2015: Present Day.

Oh how things have changed. I am still loving university, don't get me wrong, but I am currently on the last week of my first project and I feel physically, mentally and emotionally drained. You would think that studying Fashion Retail for two years would have prepared me for this feeling, but no matter how much experience you have, deadlines within this industry are pretty bloody stressful. I am currently working on a group project for a live brief with Lazy Oaf, a brand who's ethos and aesthetic I really admire. I feel as if I have been tested in every way possible, and as I embark on my final week and the stress of trying to complete last-minute work begins, I can look back and recognise just how much I have learnt from it. I have gained much more confidence in public speaking, being part of a team, leading people, coming up with creative concepts and refining my technical skills.

^I thought I would leave this first entry of my "University Diaries" on a positive note with some quotes that help me through the days when I feel like I am struggling with the intensity of my studies. It is important that I remind myself of how lucky I am to have been given the opportunity to be on a course among so many talented people who share the same interests as me. No matter how hard it may seem, I have to keep trying my hardest and make sure that I produce the best outcome that I possibly can.

I know this post was much different to my usual posts but it is something that I want to write about more regularly to help anyone in the same position as me, and document my progress so that I can look back at each entry and see how far I have come.