8 Reasons to go to University from Just Another Blogger (and 8 reasons why you might not)

As many of you will already know, I'm currently in my third year of university, studying Psychology. This year I have been overwhelmed with posts and videos why you shouldn't go to university - I guess mainly because of the fees. So I thought I would post 8 reasons why you should. Although I do understand university isn't for everyone and is a big decision to make, so I'm also going to post 8 reasons why you shouldn't - just my thoughts.

Reasons to go to University

1. You earn a degree in life.
When I went to university I expected to come out a mini expert in psychology - instead I learnt so much about life, myself and I'd like to think a bit about psychology too. You learn how to cook, how to budget, confidence and self assurance, so many things that aren't on the prospectus's!

2. You meet so many amazing people (and weird people too).
I didn't realise now isolated I was before going to university. I learnt so much about the other types of people in the world and the different types of lives people live and hobbies people have. I learnt what the word "dogging" meant (luckily not through experience, just in passing conversation - yes you end up having odd conversations), before University I though having sex with more than 10 people was classed as a lot - try 100! I met some amazing people who I will be friends with for the rest of my life (hopefully anyway).

3. You develop your own opinions and lifestyle. 
For many going to uni will be the first time living without your parents - you learn so much more about yourself and what you want from life, I learnt I wanted to live a much more ecofriendly lifestyle which I hadn't been able to do back home. You learn about new hobbies, sports and activities you've never tried before and really enjoy.

4. More job opportunities 
Obviously, the main reason many people go to university is to get the certificate at the end to help them get better jobs. The starting wage for someone with a degree is a lot higher than for someone without.

5. Soooo many opportunities available to you
Being at university I did so many things I never thought I would, from volunteering in a charity shop, working with Oxfam, setting up a society, baby sitting, going to soft play centers, going on trips to zoos and malls...the list just goes on!

6. Travel opportunities
I thought not having a gap year meant I wouldn't have any time to travel - I was far from wrong, university (mine, at least) gave us travel opportunities left, right and center! Most of the time the university subsidised part of the cost and other times all the cost - one of my friends spent 2 weeks in Kenya completely free of charge, she volunteered in a school for the first week and the second week explored Kenya and went on a Safari! Another friend, again free of charge, went to Amsterdam for a long weekend, visited Ann Franks museum, cheese museum and all sorts of other fun stuff! There are also many opportunities to take a year or term out and study aboard.

7. It's another 3 plus years you don't have to enter the grown up world
Being at university gives you a lot of free time which is amazing to take up so many of the opportunities university offers, enjoying time with friends and learning new things about yourself and the world. Many university courses are not 5 days a week 9-5 so this gives you plenty of free time to do as you choose - it allows you time to dip your toes into different types of jobs to see what you enjoy or take up new hobbies or play video games all day - making the most of your time before you have a job, bills and other responsibilities to take care of!

8. It's not all about drinking and partying
I am definitely odd before my time, I don't drink alcohol and much prefer an quite evening in watching a movie in my dressing gown with a hot chocolate. When I came to university one of my main worries was that I didn't drink and liked to be in bed before 10.30! I won't lie to you and say it was plain sailing and everyone respected my decision not to drink and party, because I did meet some people who thought I was incredibly weird and on a number of occasions my friends have tried to drag me out or encouraged me to drink. My advice would be to stick to your grounds, don't be forced into something you don't want to do but also have a little bit of leeway as you might enjoy it. I attended the pre-drinking sessions, you could usually find me clutching my bottle of squash rather than a can of beer, but anyway I did attend. I had fun with my friends helping them get ready and dress up for their night out, then, when they all went off to the clubs I returned back to my flats and went to bed! Woke up bright and early the next morning feeling great whilst they didn't get up until the afternoon (some of them not even returning home until the next afternoon!) feeling a bit worse for wear!

Reasons not to go to University

1. £9,000 a year!
That is a whole load of money for anyone let alone a teenager! However, the repayment system the government has is really good and there is loads of help out there not only from the government but also the universities themselves for people short on money. I was luckily enough to have a fantastic head of sixth form who explained the repayment system to us in simple terms and showed us actually it's not as scary as we all think it is and the likelihood is the majority of us will never pay it all off! Also, if you do want to go to uni, look into other options such as part time, although this means it takes an extra year to complete your studies it dramatically reduces the costs.

2. There are so many other opportunities 
Internships, apprenticeships, jobs, traveling, volunteering...the list just goes on! There are loads of other choices if you are unsure about university. These choices are less expensive and require less commitment e.g. degree takes a minimum of 3 years. I really recommend looking into these other options, I felt like university was the only choice I had after sixth form and was the path everyone went down. It was only in my second year of university I found out all of these other options I had, so I couldn't advise enough that you check out all of your options.

3. Many people who leave University don't actually get a job relating to their degree!
Getting to the end of my time at university the question on everyone's mind is "what are you going to do after university?" We are constantly asking this to each other and I'm so surprised by the amount of people who say "I have no idea but definitely not *subject they're studying*". Although having a degree can be great on your CV for many people at the end of the three years of studying all they know is that they definitely do not want to a career in that area.

4. You're still young
If you're not sure you want to go to university or not sure what you want to study, take a gap year. You're still young and have plenty of time to work out what you want to do with your life. Constantly we are asked what do you want to be when you grow up? I'm still asked this and still  have no answer. Take your time to find out what you enjoy before committing so you can be sure you are doing what you want to do.

5. Home Sickness
It's something many of us suffer with, especially when it's your first time away from home. Like many others, I never thought I would suffer from it but when my parents dropped me off at on that first day of university I balled my eyes out in the shower and ended up counting down the days until I would next go home - luckily this passes and after a week or two I had forgotten about the count down and it all came too fast!

6. No exam/coursework stress
Need I say any more!

7. University is all about drinking and partying
I disagree - see reason 8, of why you should go to university :) Also, there is likely to be a uni close to your home town, so you could go to uni for the lectures and return home, sleep in your own bed and not have to worry about the drinking and partying at all!

8. There's so many different courses, I don't want to pick the wrong one
Every university is different in location, teaching styles and courses they offer. There are hundreds of courses to chose from which can make it overwhelming. I chose psychology because I really enjoyed it in sixth form, before then I had no clue what I wanted to do. Even now I'm  still finding out about all these amazing courses I didn't even know existed and different benefits from them e.g. if you take an NHS there are no course fees! Look online, through prospectuses and pick a course that appeals to you, go to the university and discuss the course with tutors and past students, ask at different universities as tutors will all have something different to say and different style to teaching and hunt around until you find one that you think you'll fit into. Remember, if you get to a few months in and really are not enjoying the course there's opportunities to change your mind, whether that's changing the course, changing the university or deciding university isn't for you,

I hope this has given you some help in deciding if university is for you or not :)

I'd love to hear any of your university/gap year/internship/job stories or whether you think going to university is a good idea or not... :)

x J x

TAG: 20 Things About Me!

So I was tagged by +Blackandwhitepolkadots28 for the 20 things about me. I was planning to do it on Instagram but ended up writing so much I figured a blog post would be easier :)

Lets get started...

1. My Mum isn't into makeup at all, so everything I know is all self taught and I'm still learning as I go.

A needle book I made for a craft swap

A bag I made for my friends wedding

2. Lifeofjessica24 is actually my 2nd Instagram, I have another account called @penyardcrafts where I share my passion for the crafts I make, in particular my sewing projects. I see @penyardcrafts as more of my personal account so there's a lot more about my life on there too.

3. I'm currently in my final year at university, only three more exams to go and I'm finished!

Revising for exams with a little help from my friend

4. I hate exams with a passion!

5. I'm not a typical uni student as I don't drink or like to party but I've made the most of my time here, have made some amazing friends and learnt so many things about life. I'm quite proud that I have finished university without stepping foot inside a club haha.

6. I am really lucky to have a small, but loving family who have always been there for me.

7. I have one younger brother who is in the army, which I think is amazing and I'm super proud of him as it's something I could never do.

Reusable make up wipes, I made and use.
They're fab for removing makeup and applying lotions

8. I'm really passionate about trying to save the environment and try to do my bit to be green, including using reusable products.

9. My dream job would be to work with young children and helping them get a great start in life. I have worked in a day nursery but when I finish university I would like to work in social work or something similar. Or a job where I can help peoples lives be a bit better :)

10. I was really lucky to enjoy my high school years, I had amazing friends and looked forward to going to school every day.

11. I am dyslexic so have always had to try and work hard to account for this in school, university and in jobs. When I started this blog I was really worried my dyslexia would show, so I always have to check my posts 3 times before I actually post them - and I usually miss mistakes, so please bare with me!

12. I love animals and have always grown up surrounded by animals. I currently have a hamster, 2 dogs, a cat, 3 snakes, 2 chickens, a duck and a goat.

Travel Journal I decorated ready for Australia

13. To celebrate finishing university I plan to travel around Australia for 6 weeks with my mum, it's taken 2 summer jobs and a part time whilst at uni to save up, so I'm really excited to make the most of my time there.

14. I am hopeless with general knowledge, especially movies, music and celebrities! I am the worst person to have on your team in a pub quiz!

15. I'm 21 and have only just started to be comfortable in my own body. I am super curvy with big boobs, a tiny waist, wide hips and pretty big thighs, but I'm finally starting to like my curvy body and not being ashamed and trying to hide it.

16. I would love to wear wacky clothes and makeup but I really don't have the confidence, I like to blend in as much as possible, although some days I feel brave and go a bit out there!

17. I'm a really optimistic person, easily pleased and like to find pleasure in even the small things in life.

18. Despite this, in the second year of university I got really ill and since then have had bad anxiety, I have never felt so alone, confused and disappointed in myself, but over time I'm slowly getting better and growing in confidence.

19. In the future I hope to have a loving husband, some beautiful children in a lovely house surrounded by animals.

20. When I was in year 7, my parents told me we were going to move from the city we lived in to the countryside. I was devastated and really did not want to move, but I think it was the best thing we ever did, we have a lovely house (still a work in progress though), land for our animals and fantastic friends.

So there you go - 20 things about me! I hope you've enjoyed reading them...I would love to learn 20 things about you, so if you decide to do this please tag me so I can have a read :)

x J x

My 3 go to Foundations...And What I use to Apply them...

When I first started my makeup collection I tried out a variety of foundations and it took me a while to work out which foundations suited my skin type (oily) and tone. A few years on, these are the current three foundations that I regularly use.

Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse

Firstly, Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse. This was the first foundation I properly used on a regular basis and got on really well with. It's super easy to apply and has a light coverage. It doesn't encourage spots and keeps my face oil free throughout the day. I think this is a great foundation for beginners as you can't go far wrong using it. Prices vary, in Superdrug its £7.69 but you can but it from super markets such as ASDA cheaper or other shops such as Body Care or Wilkos.

The Body Shop foundation

For more coverage I use the Body Shop foundation. My friend uses this foundation and I borrowed it one morning and fell in love, so much so that very day I went out and brought myself some. This is a medium coverage foundation with SPF 15 which is great for summer. I apply this using a foundation brush or my finger. It blends in with my skin so well, it doesn't feel like you're wearing foundation and lasts all day long. £13.

Rimmel London Lasting Finish

For a full coverage I use Rimmel London 25 hour Long Lasting Foundation. For me this foundation is full coverage, but I've read other bloggers call it medium coverage. I can feel this foundation on my face, so only wear it if I'm going somewhere special or fancy a full makeup look. I love the smell of this foundation, it's so fruity and is SPF 20, again great for summer (especially when you get hot and sweaty in summer!). I haven't worn it for 25 hours but it does last all day. Again, the price of this foundation varies from where you buy it from. £7.99 from Boots, but I brought mine for £4.99 in Body Care.

Wilkos foundation brush (Right), Amazon flat head brush (left), Sponges (below)

When it came to foundations I was even more clueless about how to apply it! I started off using sponges - mainly because they were cheap. I find sponges great to apply the Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse or if you want less coverage as the sponge absorbs a lot of the foundation. When I advanced to liquid foundation I started to use a brush. I started with a flat foundation brush from Wilkos which I really enjoyed using. However, I soon found it began to make my foundation look streaky. Recently, I brought a flat head brush from Amazon. I've only been using it for the past week but I'm really enjoying it, and for less than £2 I would really recommend it.

x J x

Spring Look Book - 2015

I'm no fashion expert but here are a few outfits I'll be wearing this spring. Let me know what you guys think :)

Look One

-Cropped top (Primark) - looks great with jeans, shorts and skirts. It is so versatile as the shoulders are elasticated so you can wear it on or off your shoulders - great for avoiding tan lines when we do get some sunshine!
-Cropped light coloured jeans (Tesco) - which I have rolled up.
-Slip on pumps (Primark) - these pumps are super comfy, easy to slip on and off - they also look great for tights!
-Sunglasses (Primark).

Look Two

I love wearing skirts and dresses with tights - especially in spring and summer time. It's great if we have a sudden heat wave as you can whip off the tights and get your legs out for a tan ;)

-Dress (H&M) - this dress is from their basics section. It's just a simple dress to throw on and goes with pretty much anything, you can wear it causally or dress it up to go to work. H&M has this dress in loads of different styles to suit all your needs, as well as a long sleeved longer version (goes down to your knees) for winter.

-Cardigan (Primark) - I got this in the winter sale, it's a huge oversized wooly cardigan in a greeny gray colour. It's super cozy and easy to throw on over anything. It's great for spring as its warm enough not to have to worry about a coat for those colder days.

-Ankle boots (Shoe zone).

-Sunglasses (Primark).

I had hoped to do two more looks but I've been super ill for the past two weeks and haven't been out of the house much (and when I have been out I wasn't exactly looking my best to say the least!). So for Spring, it's just a small look book I'm afraid otherwise we'd be nearing on Summer before I managed to get this posted! I hope you've all enjoyed it anyway...let me know what you think :)

x J x

Beauty/Makeup Tag - Find out a bit more about my beauty/makeup habits!

Just going to dive straight in with these makeup/beauty questions....

SKIN CARE

-How many times do you wash your face daily?

Twice a day - once in the morning and just before bed.

-What skin type do you have? (dry,oily,combo)

Oily - especially my forehead as I have a full fringe.

 -What is your current facial wash?

Skin revive.

 -Do you exfoliate?

Yes, maybe not as often as I should - once a week, usually with an exfoliating face mask.

-What brand do you use?

Superdrugs own brand face masks are my current favourite. 

-What moisturizer do you use?

I'm currently using Pure moisturizer but my favourite is Marks and Spencers own brand lavender moistuizer as it smells lovely and is super moisturising.

-Do you have freckles?

Nope.

-Do you use eye cream?

Sometimes - Wilkos skin therapy. I have tried one by pure but I don't particularly like it.

-Do you or did you have acne prone skin?

I wouldn't call it acne but I do have spot prone skin.

-Did you ever have to use Pro-active?

No.

MAKE-UP

-What foundation do you use?

I have three on the go - rimmel london long lasting, body shop and maybelline dream matte mousse. It depends on what mood I'm in and the amount of coverage I want.

-How about concealer?

Attitude tea tree concealer - I love it!

 -Do you know your undertone colour?

Not a clue.

-What do you think of fake eyelashes?

I like them as long as they don't look OTT - I have never tried them out though,

-Did you know that you are supposed to change your mascara every 3 months?

I thought it 6 months? But I don't do that, I change it whenever it gets unusable, dries out or runs out.

-What brand of mascara do you use?

Lash extreme volumising mascara

-Sephora or MAC?

I haven't tried either - on a budget!

-Do you have a MAC Pro-card?

Obvs not!

-What makeup tools do you use in make up application? 

Makeup brushes and cotton buds (my saviours as I always make a mess applying makeup - especially liquid eyeliner!).

-Do you use make-up base/primer for the eyes?

Yes - Prime of you life from Wilkos (see my March 2015 Favourites).

-For the face?

Same as above.

-What is your favorite eyeshadow (color or shade)?

I love the technic bronze eyes palette as well as Makeup gallery eye shadows - in particular brown truffle and pink champagne.

-Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner?

Both.

-How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil?

Too often haha.

-What do you think of pigment eyeshadows?

Very good - a good pigmentation is key for a good eyeshadow in my opinion.

-Do you use mineral makeup?

Rarely, but I do have some.

-What is your favorite lipstick?

I have loads of favourites as it depends on my mood on the day. Calvin Klein Heat Wave is my go to as it is a subtle red shade that goes with all makeup looks.

-How about lipgloss?

I like lipglosses, but currently don't have a favourite or go to lipgloss.

-What is your favorite blush to use?

Colour unlimited.

-Do you buy your makeup on ebay?

I brought an eyeliner felt tip once from Hong Kong. I also have a foundation brush on the way...

-Do you like drugstore makeup?

Yeah.

-Do you go to CCO's? (cosmetic company outlets)

No.

-Did you ever consider taking make-up classes?

I would like to - it would be interesting to know what I'm doing wrong and how to improve. I have watched you tube tutorials. 

-Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?

I can be.

-Name a makeup crime that you hate?

Too much foundation in the wrong colour - I saw a girl once who looked like she has been covered in mud, not the look she was going for...at least I hope it wasn't!

-Do you like colorful shades of makeup (lipstick,eyeshadow) or neutral ones?

Probably neutral ones but some days I feel brave and go for colourful shades.

-Which celebrity always has great make up?

Selena Gomez.

-If you could leave the house using just ONE make up item,what would you use?

Ooo tricky - mascara.

-Could you ever leave the house without any makeup on?

All the time.

-Do you think you look good even without any makeup on?

Not as good as with makeup on haha.

-In your opinion, what is the BEST makeup line?

Really loving the Makeup Gallery at the moment.

-What do you think of Makeup??

I love it - it's a great way to express yourself and boost your confidence :)

I hope you've enjoyed this beauty/makeup tag :) Would love to hear your answers! Let me know if you have any other tags you would like to me to do or requests for posts.

x J x

Makeup Gallery - Worth the Hype?

I am a big believer in budget beauty for two main reasons. Firstly, if I can buy a product of good quality and does what I need it to do I don't see the point in paying more than I have to. Secondly, being a student I live on a tight budget anyway and cannot afford to spend lots of money on "non necessities"  such as make up.

I, along with many others, love the "famous brand" section in poundshops such as Poundland and Poundworld. You can't go wrong - popular brands of makeup for only a £1 but still in drug stores for a lot more! Of course there is no guarantee you'll get the makeup you want, it's just pot luck and keeping your eyes open whenever your in you town.

When Poundland released their own makeup line "Makeup Gallery" I was not the only one to raise a skeptical eyebrow. It's one thing buying drugstore brands at a reduced price of £1 but a whole makeup line for £1?!?

One part of budget beauty is not only buying cheaper products but also only buying the products you "need"...I suck at this part because I love to try out new products! But when trying out the makeup gallery I tried to stick to products I needed or didn't already have. At the time this was blusher, bronzer and eyeliner (both liquid and pencil). I also couldn't resist a few eyeshadows as I had heard really good things about them.

I apologise in advance for not having pictures of every product - but I'm home for Easter and half of my makeup collect is still at university! For all of the pictures you can check out my instagram - @lifeofjessica24

Eye shadow - Pink Champagne 4 (left) and Brown Truffle 10 (right)

Firstly, the eyeshadows. My favourite one is most definitely "pink champagne"  as it is so versatile. I use it as a base, to lighten darker eyeshadows, for blending and highlighting! It's fantastic and has a long lasting staying power.

My other favourite eyeshadow "brown truffle", it's so pigmented and lasts for a decent couple of hours without creasing (and no primer). For a £1 you really cannot go wrong. For those of you who prefer something a bit different from brown eyeshadows, there is a purple version called "deep plum" which goes really well with the "pink champagne".

Soft Kohl Eyeliner - Brown 4

Pro Liquid Eyeliner - Black 1

Sticking with eyes, next is the eyeliners. I give them 10/10. They last all day long. The pencil is soft and easy to apply. Honestly, they are no different from other, more expensive brands I have tried.

Matte Bronzer - Matte Medium 2

Seeing a trend here? Finally the blusher and bronzer. I don't find they have as much lasting power as the eye shadows, but I find they are suitable for everyday wear. You can layer them for a darker colour but you have to be careful when doing this with the bronzer as too much can make you look orange, but I find the same with other bronzers I have tried.

What more can I say? I love the Makeup Gallery products and I'm excited to try out some more of their products! What do you guys think of the Makeup Gallery line?

x J x