Saturday 16 September 2017

My First 24 Hours of Uni



MY FIRST 24 HOURS OF UNI 


Once upon a time, I was a fresher. 

Fast forward four years, and I'm now in my final year of university and spending my Friday nights deciding what cereal to buy in Lidl, and chilling in my flannel pyjamas, drinking tea and watching Coronation Street (how did that happen). 

Now that I'm back in Manchester, one of the greatest cities on Earth and my beloved second home, I can't help but get nostalgic about my first year. Way back when I was a fresher. 

I'm thinking about all the memories I made. The people I met. The things I experienced. The way I felt. It feels so far removed from me now, almost like a perfect dream that happened to somebody else. I loved my first year of university more than words could ever possibly express. When I think about my first year, it's a gorgeous, glowing, glittering yearning and fondness that swells in my heart. I don't think words could ever do it justice, or capture the way life felt back then. It was almost otherworldly.

I was so lucky with my experience, because everything fell into place for me from the very beginning. I loved my housemates, my flat, my city, my university, my course. Everything was right somehow. 

Having begun my final year of this wonderful, magical, maddening and life changing experience, I feel an even greater fondness for my first year of university, because it was such a special, innocent, liberating time in my life. The start of an incredible journey. And things will never be that way again.

So in honour of all those fresh, excited, buzzing faces flooding the streets before me, hearts full of anticipation, awe, curiosity and adventure... blissfully unaware of what is to come, and as a little nostalgic throwback for me, I thought I'd share a piece of writing which I wrote following my first 24 hours of university.

If you're expecting wild debauchery I'm afraid I wasn't your girl, but if you like tales involving random Brazilian men then get stuck in.


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SEPTEMBER 2014
It’s three in the morning and I’m sat in my new bedroom, trying to figure out how to work the internet connection. 
I can hear Lana del Rey singing, and the Irish girl from upstairs teaching people to say ‘cheers’ in Irish (it’s Slanja or something like that, if you didn’t know). Not so long ago she was teaching me that, and passionately telling me how she’s Irish and not British. It’s kind of funny actually, although lovely as she is, I hope she goes to bed soon because I can hear her through the breezeblock walls and her slanjas are keeping me awake. 
Today has been so strange from beginning to end. I woke up with the entire world butterfly population in my tummy, did my final packing, ate my final meal at home, and it wasn’t long before Ro was crying, which meant that I ended up crying too. Dad packed all my stuff up in the car (very easily, much to my surprise), and Mum bought me the entire stock of Morrisons so that I’ll never go hungry, or at least not till I’m thirty. Then before I knew it, I was leaving my home of eighteen years and headed to Manchester to begin the new phase of my life. Being in the car like that with all my family, it didn’t feel like I was actually really doing it; it all felt like a dream that was happening to someone else, not me. 
The journey up was really nice, although we did get a few traffic jams, and besides, I didn’t get the chance to be nervous because about half an hour in I began to need the loo. By the time we pulled in at Fallowfield campus I was trying so hard not to pee myself, because that would not be a good first impression. After sitting in a long queue we eventually made it to my area of the campus and Dad pulled up whilst I went to get my key. When I came out Mum, Ro and Dad had somehow managed to get my entire belongings, all 10,000 kilos of it, stacked onto a large metal trolley and we all went over to my new flat. Luckily it's at the very end of the building, nearest the road, and we didn’t smash any crockery unlike another girl who apparently did (result). 
At some point my new flatmate from Abergavenny came out her room with her parents, and we chatted a little. Then my other flatmate came up to say hi and have a chat. He’s from Breacon in Wales, so obviously I had to ask him if he knew that Boots water is from there, and he didn’t so there you go, I'm imparting useful knowledge already and it’s not even been twenty four hours. 
 At some point my other flatmates from Doncaster and Colchester came upstairs too. One asked if I wanted any cake. I definitely think we'll be friends. Afterwards my new pal from Abergavenny made us all tea, and eventually, after unleashing my millions of belongings upon Flat 68, Beech Court, Oak House, it was time for my family to leave. Yet again, Rosie's crying set me off. Dad was a little teary and Mum didn't cry once. Apparently they all went to McDonalds on the way home so I guess they’re going be just fine! I hugged Rosie four individual times before I could finally let her go, and it was so hard to say goodbye, but after they left I went into the lounge and sat with my new flatmates.
Soon we started making dinner, and one housemate tried to make pasta but the water boiled everywhere. He was the most elaborate. The rest of us stuck to beans on toast and melted cheese. After much deliberation, we finally decided that tonight we would go to a house party in another block. We all went together and played ‘Ring of Fire’, and I took a can of Strongbow which made me feel sick. I made that Strongbow last for a looooooooong time. 
Eventually we left the flat to go to Squirrels bar. It was packed with people, so we stood around and mingled. Somehow I ended up wandering around campus with a guy from Birmingham and his new flatmate. Just as we were about to hang out in their flat, I spontaneously walked out with no explanation. I just felt my legs moving and went along with it. I was going to go back to my flat, but to get in the block, I had to walk past this group of eight or so people who looked like they wanted to get in. I opened the door and began talking to them. Turns out they were all Brazilian.
 They invited me to the party on the floor above. I don’t know if it was the half can of Strongbow I had, or the excitement of the evening, but either way I said yes. In the flat I met even more Brazilians and we talked about  everything from Sherlock, Dr Who, Rio and Brazil. We had such a laugh, and they took me under their wing like an honorary Brazilian, and when they decided to go out they invited me along.
Again I said yes. I had a good feeling about it. 
So we got the bus to the Student Union and spoke the whole way about Brazilian and English culture. We ended up at this crappy bar and left not long after. In the end it was just me and four Brazilian guys, and the nice thing was I felt completely 100% safe and comfortable around them. We had so much to talk about and I kept thinking to myself, never in a million years would I dream of spending my first night at uni like this, but I bloody love it.
We walked all the way home, past the union, down Curry Mile and past Platt Fields, just talking about music, F1, accents... We bumped into some more Brazilians and bought alcohol from New Zealand wines, and ended up back in the flat where the night began. And now there’s plans to go round tomorrow, so look how it’s all turned out! I still feel a little homesick when I’m not doing things to distract myself, and it will be weird waking up in a strange bed tomorrow morning. 
But this journey has began so well, and I’m excited about what will come next. I’ve made some new friends who I look forward to seeing again, and hopefully the only way for things to go now are to keep on going up… Wish me luck.

Sunday 10 September 2017

Things To Do In Derby



THINGS TO DO IN DERBY


Happen to be adventuring to Derby, England's most central city, aka. furthest from the sea, and wondering what there is to do in this fine, lesser known, Midlands paradise? Or on the converse, are you a resident of good old Derbados, like myself, and hoping to discover some new ways to spend your time? 

Well look no further dear readers, for I, a Derby born and bred gal, have you covered. 

Back before I moved to Manchester, I used to think that Derby was a bit, ahem, boring. I was very disparaging, and couldn't for the life of me understand why anyone would want to visit my hometown. There was nothing to do. Nothing to see. And I'd actively encourage people to go to Nottingham instead. 

All that changed once I moved to Manchester for uni. Maybe it was because I missed home, because it's true, there really is no place like it. Maybe it was because I started to viewed Derby through idealistic, nostalgic lenses. Maybe it's because coming home felt exciting for once, and it felt so good to rediscover things and see what had changed in the months inbetween my visits. Maybe it's because I started to truly appreciate my hometown in a way that I never did before. Or maybe it's because Derby finally got a kick up the bum and started developing into the amazing, beautiful, quirky, creative city it was always destined to become. 

I have a feeling it was a mixture of all these things.

And so as you can imagine, I now see Derby through fresh eyes, and I've discovered so much more about my hometown that I never knew before. So much so that I want to share some of my favourite discoveries, and what I consider to be the best bits about good old Derbados, with you dear readers.

So sit back, have a brew, get a Birds cob, and let me introduce you to the UK's best kept secret...


*all images included in this post have a link to their original source*
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EY UP ME DUCK

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001. Alchemy Board Game Cafe Bar- Spend endless hours with a brew or a beer, playing free board games from the cafe's extensive selection, or pay £4 and head upstairs for a board game mecca


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002. Brownie Points Bakery- Situated just inside Derby's Intu centre near Boots & Specsavers, this little heaven on Earth serves the most delicious brownies you could ever sink your teeth into. Coming in a variety of flavours, and costing between £1.30-£1.80 for a nice chunky slab, if you're a brownie addict like me, I guarantee Brownie Points will be your new favourite supplier.


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003. The Post House- The Post House is a new development in Derby, situated in the converted old Post Office Building on Victoria Street. Filled with the stalls of different, local food & drink connoisseurs, The Post House's unique touch is that you go to the stall of your choosing, make your purchase, and then find a cosy, fairy-light lit spot to settle. It's such a creative, social and innovative idea, and a real must visit if you happen to be in town.


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004. Darley Park- Only a 10-15 minute walk out of the city centre, following the River Derwent, this nearby park situated in the beautiful village of Darley Abbey, is a wonderful piece of escapism whatever the season. With lush, flowing trees, plenty of green space and little nooks and crannies to explore, it's perfect for a walk, picnic, kick around or chill, and a real favourite of mine (especially in the Autumn).


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005. Sadler Gate- Filled with independent shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs, Sadler Gate, in the city's Cathedral Quarter, is a little bit off the beaten track, and perfect for hours of foraging and exploring.
Image sources: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7

 Favourites include....

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    Milk & Honey Deli                                   Brooklyn Social                         Bodega Cantina


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Design @ 44                                              Old Blacksmith's Yard                    The Dog & Moon 



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006. Doughnotts- Also situated down Sadler Gate, this newly opened gem is the place to go for the best doughnuts you will ever eat in your life. Ever.


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007. Cathedral Green- The perfect spot in the city to chill, walk along the River Derwent & past the Council House, hear the chimes of the Cathedral bells, explore the nearby Silk Mill and walk over the Footbridge. 


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008. Intu Derby- Derby's main shopping haven Intu, formerly known as Westfield, is a modern, sleek, clean & beautifully designed centre filled with brands galore, a luxury cinema, as well as a stylish food court and a wealth of restaurants and cafes to choose from. Oh, and there's now a bowling alley and mini golf to enjoy too. 


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009. Cathedral Quarter- A beautiful, historic part of town near the Cathedral and Sadler Gate, filled with winding roads, stunning architecture and a mixture of independent and well known businesses to peruse. Highlights include...

-Visiting the city's two Wetherspoons, The Thomas Leaper & The Standing Order, which stand side by side (yes really)


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010. Pop down to the pub- Derby is renowned for it's real ale scene, and prides itself on having some cracking locals which residents (ie. my Dad) regularly frequent. The Flower Pot is great for weekly live music, Ye Olde Dolphin Inne for being old & haunted & having great festivals, The Exeter Arms for being cosy & lesser known, The Tap for a more diverse social scene, and The Old Bell for being full of rustic charm. 

Image sources: 1,2,3


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011. QUAD- For complete creative immersion. This funky shaped building places host to a cinema which shows both current, independent and old school films, gallery spaces for interesting and thought provoking exhibitions, a quirky shop & cafe, talks, festivals, artwork... as does it run lots of educational & social groups too. Well worth a visit!!! 

012. Go Trampolining- Located at Bounce Revolution, opposite the Intu centre, this world of trampolines is so easy to get to, very reasonably priced, suitable for all ages and best of all, it gets you working up a sweat. Cue a post-trampolining Wetherspoons as a reward.


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013. Revs de Cuba- Spend a glamorous evening drinking cocktails and dancing the night away to Latino music. As is a common theme in Derby, good old Revolution can be found next door.


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013. Pudding at Kaspa's Dessert Bar- This newly opened franchise is the place to go for pudding. So go. Indulge. And make all your happy dessert filled dreams come true.


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014. Wander up Friar Gate- Following the road out of the city past Central Library, Friar Gate is another quirky and architecturally stunning street, with lots of nightclubs, bars, restaurants and stunning buildings to admire. Favourites include:


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