Unit Choices

As the year draws closer to an end, we get the exciting job of being able to pick our optional units for year two. So far we have only had compulsory units, and now we really get to personalise our course and tailor it to our future.

The University of Bedfordshire provides fantastic optional units which cater for everyone. There is also a unique opportunity the University offers, whereby you can gain an extra qualification on graduation for a one off fee payable by the student. The Higher Diploma in Paralegal Practice is integrated into the LLB undergraduate course and this is a bespoke arrangement that the National Association of Licensed Paralegals (NALP) have decided with the University of Bedfordshire.

The NALP option is not compulsory but offers extra chances of employment and it is an offer that I decided to choose. Opportunities like these are just a small part of how the Faculty of Law help their students gain employment after graduation. So my options for next year will coincide with the NALP programme and this is something I am really looking forward to. 

Another anticipated event coming up that I am very much excited for is for Annual Law Association Ball this Saturday.  We have some fantastic guests coming along, including the Deputy Mayor of Luton and legal professionals from around the UK. 

I cannot wait to blog next week to tell you what a great night it had been! 

Balancing home and studies!

I am very excited to get back to University this week, we have had three weeks off to recoup and to start preparing for end of year exams. I really cannot wait to catch up with my friends and see how their Easter break was.
I had a lovely family Easter and put on a little egg hunt for my two young kids and little brother, the weather held up too and it has been a lovely week to spend with family.

I feel its really important to find a good balance between academic work and family life. By taking the Easter weekend off I got to spend some valuable time with my family and now I feel happy and confident to take on the rest of the year at University. I am not going to say it is easy trying to balance home life with University, because at times it can be very challenging, however it is do-able and I would not change the way my life is. The University of Bedfordshire acknowledges that every student is unique and that each person has different lifestyles. The University has been nothing but supportive throughout my first year, and without the support I probably would have felt like I couldn't make it through. The staff are always on hand to make appointments with, so you can talk to them about your workload and they always offer great advice on time management and organisation.

This week I have been getting all my revision material together ready for the revision classes, and these will really test me on how much I have managed to learn this year.
Unfortunately, this week has been slightly uneventful, but I know when I start back up at University there will be plenty more activities and experiences to share with you all.
I hope everybody had a lovely Easter break and did not eat too many chocolate eggs! Although I believe you can never have too much chocolate!

Self Motivation Tips

Sometimes I feel really lazy and unmotivated. At the beginning of the week this is exactly where I was. My mind was stuck in the 'let's do it tomorrow' phase. 
So I have thought of a few tips on how to self-motivate myself and I thought I would share them with you. 

• Firstly I like to start slow. Instead of jumping into something at full speed, start slow. Getting started, even if it’s at a slow pace, is a whole lot better than not getting started at all.
• Secondly, sometimes I act like it. If you don’t feel motivated or enthusiastic then act like it. The strange thing is that within a few minutes you actually start to feel motivated or enthusiastic for real.
• Thirdly, I try and do something small to create a flow. Just clean your desk. Or pay your bills. When you have finished that small task you’ll feel more alert and ready to go do the next thing. 
• Lastly, I write down my goals and reasons for working towards them. Tape them on your wall, computer or bathroom mirror. Then you’ll be reminded throughout the day and it becomes easier to stay on track and stay focused.

There are so many other little things I can do to keep me self motivated, taking out distractions would be good one. For example whatever you do, do not turn on the television. Daytime television will slowly be the death of me, getting entwined with the dramas of Jeremy Kyle is never a good start to the day. It becomes addictive so best not to turn the television on at all. 

As it is Easter weekend, I will spending my bank holiday with family in London, organising a Easter egg hunt and tucking into a lovely roast dinner made by my dad. 

Whatever plans you guys have for the Easter bank holiday try to stay motivated and positive.