UNI ESSENTIALS

It's the end of summer and time to go back to University & College, I've decided to put together a couple of things that have saved me in my first year of university. 

1) Macbook

While I've added a Macbook to the list, this definitely isn't essential. I really mean any Laptop, or even an iPad. I study Fashion Communication and often need to use Photoshop & InDesign in lectures, therefore I need something a little more hefty than a laptop to browse the web and run Microsoft Office. I think it's worthwhile investing money in a descent computer, I still use my iMac from when I first started college 4 years ago. While they can be expensive, it's definitely worth it in the long run. 

2) Portable Hard Drive

Having a reliable computer is important, but so is backing up your work. I might sound like a Lecturer here but around deadline time I couldn't even imagine the feeling of turning your computer on to a hard drive failure. Time Machine on MacBook is constantly reminding me to back up my work, while I know it's important however, I definitely need to stop clicking on the little 'Remind Me Tomorrow' option!

3) Memory Stick

I don't even need to explain how important these are, grab a few before University as you sometimes have to hand them in with assignments so they slowly seem to disappear.

4) Nike Free Trainers

An excuse to buy another pair of shoes, maybe? Either way, walking to and from campus can be a treck, something reliable on your feet is always a good call. I recently grabbed another pair of Nike Free Trainers and they're honestly one of my most comfortable pairs of shoes I own, definitely worth a look into.

5) Power Brick

Power Bricks can be used to charge most portable devices, obviously depending upon what one you choose to buy. They're always handy if you're out all day or in the library for a couple of hours. Especially when you want to check Facebook on your phone instead of minimising your work on the computer, still counts as being productive then, right?

6) Moleskine

Being organised is probably one of the most important qualities to have when trying to juggle essays, placements, part time jobs and socialising. Moleskines are great for this as depending upon the version you buy you have a descent bit of space to scribble in and plan away the week.

I've tried to generalise a couple of essentials, while they're important to me it will differ depending on the course or subject you've chosen. 

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ORGANISATION

In general day to day life I would like to see myself as an extremely organised person, however, lately I've definitely been slacking with my excessive organising and list making. 

Currently I'm going through an important time in my life, going through university, moving into a new house and facing all the new obstacles that comes along with it. To help get myself back on track with both blogging, my new website (www.samsparksphotography.com) and getting back into my old mindset I've set myself a few new resolutions. After all, who needs a new year or a fresh start to make changes, there's no better time than now, ey!

1) Blogging

I absolutely love running a blog, making LookBooks and also having somewhere to ramble away to. I'm going to start carrying around my Moleskine notebook much more and jotting down as many ideas I get for the future, both blogging and future projects. By planning my days a little more carefully and scheduling in a blog post every so often I then know that I have a set amount of time every few days to sit down with a cup of tea and be proactive. 

2) Money

While I'm quite good with my money spending habits it's definitely something I'd like to improve. Making a list on paper or even a little spreadsheet so I can easily see what money I have coming in and out, this will then help to save my money a little easier and might curve my shoe buying habit. 

3) Photography

Since starting university it has become apparent to me that career wise photography is going to be a massive influence and will also be involved within my future goals. I have always been a lover of magazines, especially anything that is filled with photography, regardless of the genre. With this in mind I'm going to start collecting anything that I find inspiration in, regardless of if it's a clipping from a magazine, a random business card etc. Having a book that is filled with inspiration & things I find motivational will be great on any days where I get a mind block. Plus, it'll be a physical version of Tumblr or Pinterest, always a positive thought!

While I definitely don't have the most interesting resolutions out there, it's something that I want to keep in mind and remember. There's no point in promising myself to make 3 blog posts every week, when realistically that's going to be a bit hard to commit to at first, but in the long run it is definitely a possibility. 

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