Single for Christmas

I've noticed that for some reason people like to be single in summer, but have someone in winter. Probably saves on heating bills. But I'm here to tell you that you don't need to man/woman for the holidays, being single is just as good.

1. SAVE ON PRESENTS - you don't have to buy presents for that special someone. You don't even have to think about buying presents for them. You don't have spend ages trying to guess what they want, or think about if you're even doing presents, nor how much you should spend on them.

2. YOU CAN KISS WHO YOU LIKE - waiting around the mistletoe is something that has to be done. You have the mystery of not knowing who you'll bump into under there. Plus, when the clock strikes twelve at midnight on new years eve you can kiss whoever you would like, within reason of course.

Throw on some tinsel & sequins and enjoy yourself

3. NO AWKWARD FAMILY MEETINGS - you don't have to hang around awkwardly at your boyfriend/girlfriend's house whilst all of their family gather and exchange presents. You don't have to make small talk with people that you've never met before, or just sit there silently like an extra piece to a jigsaw puzzle whilst they go through their Christmas traditions.

4. YOU CAN SPEND TIME WITH YOUR OWN FAMILY - Christmas is a time for family and now you can spend some quality time with your family, on your own. You can play some board games and stuff your face with Christmas food without having to play host to someone the entire time and having to make sure that they're entertained. Plus, you don't miss out on time with them, because  you can stay at home the entire time.

5. YOU CAN BE SELFISH - you don't have to share your chocolates with anyone. Or your presents.

6. ALONE TIME IS GOOD TIME - if there's any-time to be alone, Christmas is the best time. Christmas isn't exactly a lonely time, so being single at Christmas isn't too bad. In fact, it's probably the best time for you to be single. You can keep yourself busy, and surround yourself with friends and family, plus it's acceptable for you to stuff your face and eat an entire terry's chocolate orange in an hour.

The Future

The usual conversation that will follow from someone asking me what I study, is what I then intend to do with my degree, and the answers is always the same; I don't know what I want to do after uni.

In first year it wasn't really a big deal, and maybe it still isn't now, but being halfway through my degree already I do sometimes think that I need to get a move on. When I was in sixth form I had several ideas about what I wanted to do at university, and now I'm at university I have several ideas of what I'd like to do after university, but they're just ideas, and I'm so indecisive.

When I listen to other people talking about law conversion courses, teacher training and placements, it actually makes me feel a little bit ill. I know that there are things that I should be looking in to, in order to help me to decide, but I can't even decide on them. It's terrible. Googling what to do with my life hasn't helped much either - I wouldn't recommend google for drastic life decisions.

Not even slightly helpful

Currently, I have about three or four ideas floating around in my head, but I wouldn't have said I'm very sure of any of them. As a person who always has to be organised and plans things months in advance, not knowing makes me incredibly anxious. It's not that I'm not driven - I want to go and do things with my life, it's that I don't know what I want to do. Most people I know have dreams that they want to go into a certain career, or work with children/animals, or just make lots of money. I know I'll have to make money, but doing what?

I think perhaps the problem might be to do with the number of people who aren't getting the jobs they want when they leave university. Or a job at all, in fact. I know that there are people who have not only worked a lot harder than me, but actually are a lot cleverer than me, and I'll have to compete with them for jobs. That's scary stuff. If you've ever seen the TV programme 'drifters' then you'll know what my fears are. Ending up back at my old part-time holiday job full-time whilst stuck living at home.

All I know right now is that I don't fancy doing a postgraduate degree, three years at university (and £27,000 in fees) is enough for me.

Date a Mate

It's the traditional storyline of at least 40% of romcoms; the female lead runs around with a whole lotta' terrible men and is sworn off love forever, before realising that she's actually in love with her best friend, who's been in love with her the whole time. The poor guy has been rolling around in the friendzone for a while, a territory that I'm sure a lot of you guys would recognise.
 But, actually, it's true, dating a friend is one of the best things you can do... Here are 6 reasons why:

1. THEY KNOW YOUR WORST. They've seen you at your best, as well as at your very worst, and they're still attracted to you. You don't have to keep up the false pretence that you're flawless 24/7 because they've already seen you in sweats and a hoodie, in desperate need of a shower, and they still think you're fit.

Come at me boys

2. YOU KNOW YOU CAN TRUST THEM. You guys already had no secrets, and you already trusted one another with your lives. Trust is a big part of a relationship, and knowing you can fully, 100% trust them because you already did makes things plain sailing. You guys can share more than just secrets, with confidence.

3. YOU FAMILY ALREADY LOVES THEM. No awkward introductions here, they've been coming round to your house for years and your mum was already in love with them. Your siblings get along with them better than you get along with your own siblings, and they've managed to charm their way into your family's hearts already, even your dog loves them. Plus, your mum had already planned the wedding, she just didn't tell you.

4. YOUR FRIENDS LOVE THEM TOO. Yeah, at first they'll think it's a little bit weird, but they've been trying to get you two together for years. They always thought you were perfect for one another, and your friends love them just as much as you do. Therefore, having you both together is the dream they've been waiting for.

5. THEY KNOW YOUR RELATIONSHIP HISTORY. They know who your first kiss was, and the embarrassing story about your 'first time'. They know that you had your heartbroken and you've broken many in return. They've watched you go through arguments and relationship fights, and they've been there for you when you needed them, so they know how to not go wrong. They'll treat you right.

They are always supportive of your mistakes, and help to guide you in the right direction, even if it's by using playful force

6. EVERYONE ALWAYS TELLS YOU TO MARRY YOUR BEST FRIEND. When you date someone that person becomes like a best friend to you anyway. You guys have just skipped a step, why waste time, this way is so much more efficient. You guys both know that you get along so well, so you needn't worry about that. You're both into the same things and could talk for hours on end. No awkward first date moments here, perfect.

Checking Your Boobs

This probably sounds like a really weird thing to write a blog post on, but it's important, so why not write about it.

Over two years ago, when I was 17-years old, I found a lump in one of my breasts. It was a pretty sizeable thing and I'm not going to lie - I panicked. I think finding something like that is something that you know could happen to you, but you don't expect to happen to you, and it was scary.

I headed to my GP and she sent me to a local hospital and to their breast clinic where they took an ultrasound, a biopsy and told me that they thought it was a fibroadenoma.

Fibroadenomas are non-cancerous, benign lumps made out of fibrous breast tissue. They're pretty common, especially in young women, but can occur at any age. So, my practitioner told me not to panic, but that they did want to remove the lump because it was so big. A few months later I went in for surgery. They removed the lump under general anaesthetic and I was able to go home later that same day. I have been left with a small scar, but the surgeon was clever and managed to mostly hide it.

If you're well enough to instagram, you can't be that sick.

Why am I telling you all this? Well, I think it highlights the importance of knowing your own body and making sure you do check it from time to time for any abnormalities. Also, I think there is a culture among young people to just assume that because they are young they are also healthy. This case might not be the best example because fibroadenomas are benign, but any abnormalities in your breasts could indicate something wrong - so get it checked out!

Boys this goes for you too. If you notice something that you don't think is quite right just pop to your GP and get an opinion from a health professional. Don't feel embarrassed, it is much better safer than sorry!

Birmingham, in the Holiday Season

This will be my second Christmas season spent in the beautiful Birmingham. Once university breaks up for Christmas in December I head home, but before that there are plenty of festive things to do out & about in Birmingham to get you in the mood.

The Frankfurt/German Market. If you go into the centre of town around Christmas time this one is hard to avoid. All along New Street from the station to the Bullring stalls are set up selling festive goods such as food, drink and chocolate. It can get really busy in the evenings, so try and get there early, but it's one not to miss. It's open now and will remain open until 22nd December everyday 10am-9pm!

The Ice Rink in Centenary Square. As part of the festive activities there's also an ice rink and big wheel put up just outside of the ICC/Library on Broad Street. The Ice Rink is open from 10am-10pm everyday until the 4th January and has varying ticket prices according to whether it's peak or off-peak, but they do offer a discount for students.

The Bullring. Festive shopping is one of the best kinds of shopping, I always think. The Bullring gets into the Christmas spirit early and is full of lights and decorations. The shops themselves are beautifully festive and if you go on a weekday it should be less busy. Both selfridges and debenhams, at both ends of the bullrings, have tons of decorations up already and just wandering around either of them will gives you loads of gift ideas.. or if you're like me, way more things to add to your wishlist!

If you're broke and can't afford to spend a whole lotta' money on festive food, drink and fun then you only have to walk around the town centre to see the beautiful Christmas lights, for free! 

Feminism

I am probably not the best qualified for writing on a subject such as feminism but I've found that it is a topic which has become much more important to me since beginning university. It's probably a term that you have come across before, but will find being used more frequently now you are at uni. 

Feminism means different things to different people, this is something I have learnt. Like most terms, its meaning has changed with the society in which it has been used in, and it means something different now than it did 20 or so years ago. I would refer to feminism as the movement for the equality of the sexes. This means that if you refer to yourself as a "feminist" you believe that both sexes should be equal to one another, in all areas.

Dapper Laughs has been in trouble recently, with ITV dropping his show due to public complaints over him being sexist.

It's not hard to understand why we need feminism. The wage gap, and number of women in high powered jobs, shows the difference between men and women in the workplace, but there are many other areas in which one could say that women and men are treated differently. Feminists often call for a thing called the patriarchy to be brought down. A patriarchy refers to a society run by men for the needs of men. They believe that we live under double standards and unfair expectations because of the perceived difference between men and women. 

Feminists don't have to be female. They can be of any sexuality. They don't have to believe that women are better than men, only that we are, and should be treated as, equal. (This is something I have come across a lot too, people thinking that feminism means hating men. That's not the case at all. If feminism was about hating men that would make feminism about men... It's not. It's about equality).

If you are interested in why feminism is important the web is a great place the start. There are lots of twitter accounts, Facebook pages, websites and blogs which speak about feminism and can help you learn even more. "@EverydaySexism" documents, via tweets, sexual harassment & assault experienced by everyday normal women, helping women to know they're not alone. You've probably all been catcalled or had someone slap your bum, @EverydaySexism tweets other womens experiences, and your own (just @ them or #everydaysexism). "Whoneedsfeminism.com" asks exactly that. They take in submissions from people all around the world voicing their reason for needing feminism. 

These are two great web pages to start looking at if you are interested, want to know more or have a question which has gone unanswered.

Finally, although these are the things that I have come to learn about my perceived feminism, feminism can be a very personal and individual thing. Just like other things in the world, not everyone believes the exact same thing. Although the basis and premise may be similar, there are many branches and different ideologies, just like anything else. Bare that in mind when reading anything or speaking to anyone. It can be a case of opinion, so don't be discouraged if someone does not wholly agree with you, or has a different idea altogether.

What's on my iPhone?

I've had my iPhone 5 for little over a year now and it's never out of my sight. I quite possibly have an addiction, I never leave home without out it. But whilst I have had it tightly grasped in my hands I've managed to find the perfect apps for almost everything. So I thought I'd share. I've also listed my preferred lightning cable at the bottom for people who are struggling with finding decent replacements for the apple ones...

These are my two home screens. I have most of the basic apps on here and then a couple extra, then most of my other apps are managed into folders. I'll give you a quick run down, on the left hand side:

• I'm on the three network and their handy 'THREE' app lets me check my bills, allowance and also has a game built in. 

• The 'BANKING' app allows me to make transfers, payments and use online banking from my phone because I am with barclays. It's such a life saver to be able to check your balance from your phone.

On the right hand side of my home screen: 

• 'THETRAINLINE' app allows me to check train departure and arrival times as well as platforms, and means I can buy all my train tickets from my phone. 

• 'PINGIT' is a barclay's app which allows you to send money to people only using their mobile number, which is really useful, I've spoken about it before. 

• 'COUNTDOWN+' is an app which gives you the days, minutes, seconds, etc. left until an event, such as your birthday or holiday, and you can sync it with facebook which is pretty cool.

• 'CHARADES!KIDS' takes the game of charades and makes it even more exciting. You hold your phone on your head and a word comes up on the screen that everyone else must then act out to you. It's great for when you're waiting for something, or car journeys, etc. 

• The 'GOPRO' app is a must have if you own a GoPro camera, or use one, if not it's probably pretty useless to you. It lets you control your GoPro over wifi (providing it's compatible). 

• 'DREAMY' is a dream journal. I've started writing my dreams down and they're pretty hilarious to look back on. 

• 'SHOEBOX' backs up all of my photos on my phone and laptop. It also shows me which photos I took on this day however many years ago, which is always very embarrassing, but funny. 

• And then my trusty 'BIBLE' app! No theology student should be without this, it had the bible in tons of versions and you can skip to the book and chapter that you need.

Utilities just contains all of the default apps which apple gives you. They're pretty boring. Find iPhone has been useful in the past though - I'd recommend downloading and setting it up, just in case!

Being able to shop from my bed/the sofa/the kitchen has really taken it's toll on my budget... lazy girl problems. 

• The 'EBAY' app notifies me when my watched items auction's have nearly finished, lets me browse ebay for whatever I'm looking for and means I buy so many things I definitely don't need.

• 'AMAZON' is much the same as ebay. I add things to my wishlist daily and purchase things from it all the time too. If you don't have amazon prime for students get it! Free six month trial!

• The 'PAYPAL' app allows me to check my PayPal balance wherever I am. It notifies me when payments have been taken and also allows me to purchase some things using the app and paying on PayPal... a bit like contactless payments. Only works in some places but it's pretty cool. If you're at UoB it works at most places on campus!

These are the apps I turn to when I'm bored or need to kill time. You've probably heard of them all before but I'll briefly run over what I use them for:

• If you have a netflix account the 'NETFLIX' app is a must have. It allows you to do most of the things you can whilst viewing on the web, just on a smaller screen. Pretty useful.

• 'YOUTUBE' allows me to search for videos, watch videos, catch up on my subscriptions, etc. all from my phone.

• 'VINE' I use less often but check every now and then. If you follow the right people you can find some pretty funny videos on there.

• 'BBC IPLAYER' lets you watch BBC programmes on your phone. Basically exactly like the website, I can catch up on programmes I missed.

All my social networking apps go in this folder, you've probably heard of most of them before so I won't go through them, apart from the 'THREE INTOUCH' app. If you are on the three network this app's a life saver. Basically it allows you to make/receive texts or phonecalls over a wifi network. Which is really great for if you don't have signal.

These are the apps I use to edit/crop photos for instagram. They all have their own benefits and downsides so I won't go through those but even after cutting down my apps these were the ones I was left with, so I'd recommend them all.

These are the apps I use for music. 

• On the left the 'KISS KUBE' app allows me to listen to Kiss radio on the go, over my internet connection. Kisstory is probably the best thing ever, I love it. 

• Then, 'SHAZAM' allows me to figure out the name and artist of a song just by playing it and getting the app to 'listen', which is pretty cool and useful too.

Finally, if you own an iphone 5, or later, you'll know that lightning phone chargers are the flimsiest pieces of technology in the world. Not only are they almost 90% likely to break, but they also cost an arm and a leg to replace, just look at the reviews on the apple website. I heard on the grapevine that if you take your cable to an apple store within a year of purchase they'll replace it - so clearly they know there's a problem. I gave up buying the £15-faulty-but-still-apple-genuine cable in favour of the amazon charger, I have the 6 foot one. I also stuck some Sugru on mine to make sure that it cannot physically break. #studentproblems