11 Things My First Year of University Has Taught Me

Today is the day that I officially finished my first year of university. I honestly can't quite believe how fast these past 8 months have gone by. It's been such an amazing experience, but I've definitely had some ups and downs. Moving to Stirling for university was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I know its cliché, but I really do feel like I've completely grown up over the past few months. Don't get me wrong, I can still be awfully childish, but I can now say with confidence that I know how to look after myself properly. I've learnt a lot over these last eight months, both academically and personally, so I thought I'd share some of them with you!


1. You don't have to live up to the stereotype

This is probably the biggest thing I've learnt this year! Before coming to university, when I thought of the "typical student lifestyle," I thought of constant nights out, messy kitchens and eating pot noodles for breakfast. Don't get me wrong, for a lot of people, that really is the case. My kitchen in halls is always a mess, and a lot of people that I know go out at least 3 nights a week. But I've realised that I'm not your typical student, and I'm okay with that.

2. It's okay to change direction

During my first semester, I was studying history, sociology and professional education. Throughout my sixth year at school, I was so sure that this was the right degree for me and that one day I would become a history teacher. However, once I got to university that quickly changed. I realised that history wasn't for me, and I didn't want to spend the next four years studying something that I didn't like. Now I'm doing my degree in sociology and criminology, and so far, I'm loving it. I find it so much more interesting, and even though I've absolutely no idea what career I see myself doing five years from now, I'm still so glad that I changed my degree path.

3. My family mean everything to me

Moving to Stirling was a huge step for me. Although I'd been looking forward to moving out and having a sense of independence, I didn't realise how much I would actually miss my parents. I love having my own space, but I really miss being able to see my parents everyday. My mum is definitely my best friend, and I never would have gotten through this year without her help. She's been a massive shoulder to cry on. My dad has also been a huge support system for me. Growing up, we really did argue with one another like cat and dog, but now that I've grown up, we get on better than ever and I really do value his advice. He always knows the right thing to say, and I know that he would do absolutely anything to help me. I can't thank my parents enough for all the help and support that they give me.

4. It's okay to hate nightclubs

Nightclubs make me so nervous, especially when you can hardly move because they're so busy. I like going for a dance with friends, but after a while, I just get anxious and want to leave.

5. I like beer more than wine

I should probably thank my boyfriend for this. I agree it's not the most ladylike beverage, but for some reason, I really quite like the taste.

6. Having a job whilst studying gives you a true appreciation for money 

Back in September, I started working at my current job and I absolutely love it. The job itself really interests me, and I also have the nicest manager alive. But working alongside my studies really has given me a true appreciation for money. I'm much more careful about what I spend my money on, and I've been trying really hard to save as much of it as I can. Also, if it wasn't for my job, I probably would never have met Sophie! She is one of the kindest, funniest girls that I've ever met, and I really do value her friendship.

7. You won't always get on with everyone 

I can't stress this one enough. At university, you meet so many new people that you just want to be friends with. But there will always be people that for some reason, just don't seem to like you. I've spent a lot of time over the last few months feeling upset because of things people have said or done, but it has also taught me how to have a thicker skin. I have friends that I love and adore, and I don't need people in my life who are going to constantly put me down or make me feel excluded.

8. You can survive on a diet of pasta

I can't even come to comprehend how much pasta I have eaten this year. Being a student, I live for anything quick and easy, and pasta is usually the answer. Jordan always makes fun of me because I eat so much of it.

9. Moving into university accommodation was the best idea

There have plenty of times over the past year when I have cursed living in halls, but overall, I definitely wouldn't have done things any differently. First year is the time to meet new people and have new experiences, and I definitely don't think any of that would've been the same if I'd stayed at home and travelled in every day. Of course, everyone is different, but I would definitely encourage anyone in the future to move into halls if they can.

10. Relationships can still be successful 

Jordan and I have been together for almost a year now, but before coming to university, I was nervous that being apart for long periods of time would put a strain on our relationship. But thankfully, it hasn't at all. We've been able to see each other much more often than we thought we would, it just takes effort from both sides. I think the distance has actually made us a lot stronger, as we truly value every single moment that we have together.

11. People who want to be in your life will make the effort

Of course this works both ways, but it's become apparent to me this year how much effort I put in to other people, and how little I so often get back. It's been so common for people to ask when they'll next be seeing me or when I'm next coming home, but a lot of the time, it would be just as easy for people to make the effort to come and see me. This year has 100% shown me who my true friends, and I couldn't be more grateful to have them in my life.

The past eight months have been such a whirlwind of different emotions and experiences, but I've had such an amazing time and I've absolutely loved it. I'm excited to go home now though for a few months to just relax, spend time with my friends and family, and prepare myself for next year.

When I Went To Paris

A few days ago, I was reading someone's blogpost about their trip to Paris, and it reminded me that I've never actually uploaded any of my photos from when my friend and I went last Summer. I realise that it's now quite a few months later, but I'd like to do this post so that in the future I can look back at it and remember how much I loved it. The whole point of me starting my blog was because I love travelling and I wanted somewhere that I could document all of my past, and hopefully future, trips.



I went to Paris for four days at the end of August 2015. It was supposed to be a really nice trip for my friend and I before we both left for university. We both had a really great time exploring the city and its landmarks. We did a whole lot of sightseeing and tried to see as much of the city as we possibly could.


On our first day there, we headed straight for the Eiffel Tower. I'd always wanted to see it in person, and it was so much more beautiful than I'd imagined it would be. We bought our tickets and headed straight to the summit! The view from the top was amazing. We could literally see for miles all across the city. Once it started to get dark outside, we waited to see what the Tower would look like all lit up, and it certainly didn't disappoint.

Over the next few days, we set out trying to see as much of the city as we could. We started off by heading to Pont des Arts, as we wanted to attach padlocks to the famous bridge. It was crazy to see how many people had been there before us, and it was so lovely to see how many loved up couples had also attached locks to the bridge. I also wanted to try and find Kourtney Kardashian's and Scott Disick's lock, but once I got there, I realised it would've been impossible!



After that, we went to visit the Louvre. Unfortunately it was closed that day so we couldn't go inside, but we still took plenty of pictures. It was such a beautiful structure and I was really gutted that it was closed.



On our third day, we went to visit the Arc de Triomphe. I couldn't believe how huge it actually was! It was really busy around the Arc, and it took us a while to realise that we had to go through an underpass to get to it. We really wanted to walk to the top, but because neither of us were 18 at the time, we unfortunately weren't allowed. Instead, we spent a while walking beneath it and looking at all of the intricacies that had been carved into its sides. The rest of that day was just spent shopping and sightseeing. 

We decided to do a Segway tour of the city that day as well, which was honestly one of the best things I've ever done. It was such a unique way to get around the city, and we were able to see so many sights in such a short space of time. I did end up falling off in the end, but I'm trying to forget about that...


I absolutely loved visiting Paris, and I definitely want to go back in the future. Even though we spent our entire week sightseeing, we still didn't manage everything, so there's still a few sights I need to go back to visit. I really hope you enjoyed reading this post. I know that it's particularly outdated, but I didn't have my blog at the time, and I wanted to write it so that I could look back at it in the future and reminisce about how much fun it was. I absolutely love travelling and I can't wait to do more in the future.

My M.A.C Lipstick Collection


I remember buying my first MAC lipstick when I was about 13 or 14! I went into Harvey Nichols in Edinburgh, and with my best friend, I chose what I thought was the perfect shade. It was a matte, light pink shade called 'Please Me'. Although it really is a lovely colour, I realise now that it definitely did not suit me. Five years and hundreds of make up tutorials later, my lipstick collection has grown profusely. Amongst them are quite a few MAC lipsticks, so for this post, I thought I would show you what they are.

Nude Shades


(From left to right)

Hug Me, Creme in your Coffee, Spice (lip liner)

'Hug Me' is definitely my favourite lipstick! It's the perfect everyday shade, and I'm even on my second tube of it. Creme in your Coffee is slightly darker, but still easy to wear, and looks really nice with Spice lip liner underneath it. I also used to own Velvet Teddy, but I'm pretty sure I lost that one on a night out. I'm still mourning its loss now as it was such a pretty nude shade.




Pink Shades

Lovelorn, Please Me, Girl About Town, Vegas Volt

As I said before, Please Me (second from left) was my first MAC lipstick. Although it is a really pretty shade, it tends to wash me out. Lovelorn is probably my favourite pink as it's a lustre finish, so it just adds a glossy finish to any look. Vegas Volt and Girl About Town always look really good with a tan.

Red Shades


Russian Red, So Good, RiRi Woo

Russian Red creates the perfect red lip! Whether it's for a night out or just for wandering the shops during the day, I can always rely on it to stay in place and not move around my face. So Good is one of MAC's mineralise rich lipsticks. I bought it in duty free before my holiday last year, and to be honest, I haven't really worn it very often! It's more of a pinky red, and only really works well on me when I have a tan. As for RiRi Woo, I really do not like it. It was definitely an impulse buy.


Purple Shades


Up The Amp, Plumful, Rebel, Hang Up

When I first bought Up The Amp, I didn't realise quite how lilac it was, so I tended not to wear it! But now I love it, especially as a transitional Spring and Summer shade. Plumful and Rebel, however, are perfect for those colder winter months. As for Hang Up, it's a gorgeous deep red/purple shade. But it never stays in place and is really annoying to apply without a lip brush, so I don't wear this one often at all.

'Get To Know Me' Tag: 21 Questions

The past few days have been pretty hectic, as I have now finished all my classes and only have my coursework and exam left to do! Unfortunately, the next few weeks are going to be extremely busy for me as I prepare for my exams and get ready to move back home. I can't believe how quickly my first year of university has gone by! So for this post, I thought I would do the "get to know me" tag, as I never really write very much about my personal life on here and I thought it would be nice to tell you guys a little bit about me.

1. Are you named after anyone? Not that I know of! When I was born, my mum was initially going to call me Amber, but for some reason she settled for 'Jade'. I think she must have had a thing for colours!
2. When was the last time you cried? A few days ago during a stressful conversation.
3. Do you have kids? No I don't.
4. If you were another person, would you be a friend of yourself? I'd like to think so! I always try to be kind to everyone, so I'd like to think that I would like to be friends with myself.
5. Do you use sarcasm a lot? Probably more than the average person.
6. Will you ever bungee-jump? I'm not too sure about this one! I like to try new things, but the thought of throwing myself off a bridge doesn't really appeal to me.
7. What’s your favourite cereal? I don't really like cereal, but I'd have to say Coco Pops!
8. What’s the first thing you notice about people? It might sound silly, but I'm a really good judge of character, so I can usually tell as soon as I meet someone whether we're going to get on or not. 
9. What is your eye colour? Sometimes they're blue and sometimes they're green.
10. Scary movie or happy endings? It really depends on the film! I love a scary movie if it has a good story line, but I'm also a sucker for a good happy ending! Overall though, I'd probably have to go for scary movies.
11. Favourite smells? The smell of my boyfriend's Hollister aftershave. It always makes me feel comforted whenever I hug him and he's wearing it.
12. Summer or winter? Definitely Summer! I'm always in a much better mood when it's sunny outside.
13. Computer or television? Computer! I'm always on my laptop and I barely ever watch TV nowadays.
14. What’s the furthest you’ve ever been from home? Probably when I went to Florida with my family.
15. Do you have any special talents? Not that I know of. I really wish I did though!
16. Where were you born? I was born in Germany.
17. What are your hobbies? Other than binge-watching multiple TV series' on Netflix, I don't really have any.
18. Do you have any pets? I have a rabbit, but I really want a puppy.
19. Favourite movie? Love Actually, Matilda, Titanic and Just Go With It.
20. Do you have any siblings? Yes - I have a younger brother.
21. What do you want to be when you grow up? Successful! I have no idea what job I want to do, but I really want to be successful. I'd also love a job that enables me to travel the world.