Friendship

Hi everyone, this week has been another challenging week. I am still not feeling 100% but that does not stop the work from university, descending upon me at a great pace.  So what helps me to carry on during good times and bad, the theme of this week’s blog “its friendship”? Where would I be without them? In our research methods unit we are conducting a study on friendship, this has made me reflect on the importance of friendships at university and in life generally.

As a mature student I didn’t have great expectations of making new friends at uni.  I already have a group of lifelong friends who I have been close to for many years. However none of them are studying psychology. The group of friends I have made a university are great. I have now acquired friends who are much younger than me and it’s wonderful. We share many things in common but importantly we are all aiming to achieve the same goal to graduate in 2016 hopefully with a 1^st.  Some of  my friends work as student ambassadors and my closest friend at university is someone who I met through ambassador work. She constantly inspires me and always takes the time to listen. I hope that its mutual and I will always be ready to give her the time she needs.

Me and my BFF at work

University is not just about learning new things that could help me have a better career, the social aspect means a lot to me. I understand how students who have moved away from home can feel. I am a Londoner and moved to Bedford 6 years ago, most of my friends still live in London , as I don’t work there anymore, I don’t see as much of my friends as I would like.

Taking part in activities at university and being involved in group work is a good way of making new friends for those student who live away from campus. So don’t be afraid there will always be another student who in has things in common with you.

Leaving you with a musical message about friendship

Ben E King Stand by Me Have a great week http://youtu.be/BTCfQ6Bb8QE

Multi-tasking and student life

This week the main focus has been on relearning the art of multi-tasking. Studying at university level requires me to do many things at one time.  There are lectures, tutorials and assignments. And I have to pay attention to all of them. This constant demand for attention has lead me into conflict with the rest of my life. My stress levels have increased. The worst thing is I have been learning all about arousal and the impact that it has, however, knowing and doing are two different things.

 In order to improve my current situation I have been planning ahead. In March I have four assessment all around the same time. So to help myself feel less stressed, when the deadline comes, I am working on a small bit of each one. Chucking things up so they become manageable has really helped me not to worry about meeting deadlines.  I am using my student planner to record my tasks for each week.

In order to improve my student life balance, I am trying to remember to do the things that I enjoy and I am afraid to say this week’s episode of Eastenders “who killed Lucy” has kept me entertained. I also spent time with my grandchildren at the weekend. It was lovely to see them and they always bring a smile to my face, even if it leaves me exhausted.

So keys messages this week

•  Pay attention to how you are feeling
• Balance out your life as a student
• Plan, plan, plan  and Do

how to achieve balance

This week no music, but a short video on time management for students. Have a great week.

http://youtu.be/RM8LgOWeNvg