Welcome 2017: Life at MMU

INSIDE: WHAT’S ON GUIDE TO WELCOME WEEK EVENTS

BEKI’S GUIDE TO UNI LIFE

BEAT YOUR HOMESICKNESS LIKE A SCANDINAVIAN Scot’s postgrad and part-time studying tips

FAVOURITE PLACES IN MANCHESTER The Balancing Act: How to succeed as a mature student with kids

Contents 4 6 8 9

Beki Worrall: My Story Muhammad Al Timami: The Switzerland of Manchester

Mathew Ball: Tips for Uni Life Ryan Southall: A Series of Unfortunate Events

10 12 14 16

Scot Hornby: Second Time Around Maria Lykke Salling: 5 Tips to Beat Your Homesickness Like a Scandinavian Natalie Brookes: The Balancing Act Welcome 2017 Events Guide

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FIND LOADS MORE ONLINE, INCLUDING OLI’S PHD BLOG, MO’S GUIDE TO PRACTISING FAITH AT UNI, AND LUKAS’ TIPS FOR ONLINE STUDY: THEUNIONMMU.ORG/WELCOME Official Welcome Facebook page: @MMUWelcome2017

We’re always on the lookout for your creative, inspiring and entertaining stories about uni life. Email s.u.marketing@mmu.ac.uk to tell us about your #LifeAtMMU.

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Tips From Your Officers

HUSSAIN EL-AMIN PRESIDENT STUDIED: ACCOUNTING & FINANCE (UG) AND LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT (PG) My journey through university was a great experience both at undergraduate and postgraduate level and I am sure yours will be too.

I encourage you to get to know your Students’ Union, get involved and get ready for the best experience of your life.

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ere to represent you during your time at Manchester Met, your Student Officer team share their top tips for making the most of uni. Follow them on Snapchat, Facebook and Twitter, and find out more on our website: theunionmmu.org/your-voice/student-officers

AMIE ATKINSON VICE-PRESIDENT CHESHIRE STUDIED: DRAMA Get involved with The Union through sports, societies or volunteering and make the most of Freshers Fair – the people you meet there could become friends for life! My favourite place to go in Manchester is V Rev Vegan Diner in the Northern Quarter – they do amazing vegan junk/diner food!

My favourite place for a quick bite is Olivitta Deli Bar. Just Awesome.

LILY SMITH COMMUNITY OFFICER STUDIED: CHEMISTRY Go to as many Welcome events as you can and make sure you come along to Freshers Fair to join societies and sports.

Remember everyone is in the same boat – they’ve just moved to a new city and don’t know anyone.

When I’m in the city I love geeking out in Travelling Man and getting sushi at Wasabi.

s.u.president@mmu.ac.uk FB: /hussain.president TW: @mmu_president

s.u.vpcheshire@mmu.ac.uk FB: /amieatkinson.vpcheshire TW: @mmuc_vpcheshire

s.u.community@mmu.ac.uk FB: /lilysmith.community TW: @mmu_community

LUCA RAIMO EDUCATION OFFICER STUDIED: PUBLIC SERVICES

OWEN JONES ACTIVITIES OFFICER (MANCHESTER) STUDIED: SPORTS MANAGEMENT

ANDY YOUNG ACTIVITIES OFFICER (CHESHIRE) STUDIED: PRIMARY EDUCATION

Take advantage of the quirky places to eat in Manchester, such as Crazy Pedro’s Pizza.

Engage with all things Union! Go to Freshers Fair and join a club or society where you will create friends for life.

My tip for freshers is to get involved with as much as you can at the uni and The Union! This is your university experience so make the most of every possibility. If you ever need any help with anything, come in and see any of us – as officers we’re here to represent you.

s.u.samanchester@mmu.ac.uk FB: /owenjones.activitiesmanchester TW: @mmu_activities

s.u.sacheshire@mmu.ac.uk FB: /andy.young.mmucactivities TW: @mmuc_activities

I loved my time as a student. If you are moving into halls, spend some time personalising your room so you feel comfortable in your new surroundings. Don’t be scared of moving to a city or living by yourself, everyone is in the same situation.

Join lots of sports and societies, talk to everyone, and soon you’ll be looking back like me wishing it was starting all over again. s.u.education@mmu.ac.uk FB: /lucaraimo.education TW: @mmu_education

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o, I have just completed my MA in Textile Design, and well…it’s over for me. So for new students, I would like to say a smiley hello to you, and offer a snippet of what I’ve been through – also some quick tips to help you do your best while you’re here.

the case, but nothing is guaranteed in life. MMU has been exactly what I wanted and needed after college.

A great city, vibrant nightlife and one-of-a-kind facilities and equipment for my course. Oh yeah – and the friendliest Mancunians to get you through any bad day!

I never thought I would start let alone finish a BA course, then to get offered a scholarship for a Master’s degree – well I couldn’t refuse that. I am the first in my family to go to university so I had nothing to relate to. All I was told was “if you go, you will get a better job when you’re older”. Hmm…not

Studying can be hard work, exhausting, brutal and at some points not what you want to do, BUT you gain extreme life skills that you would never learn anywhere else. You have to jump in feet first.

This is what you signed up for right? Whoever made the rumour up that university is one big party

Beki Worrall MY STORY

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and you just drink all the time – well they lied. It can be one huge party, but if you want something at the end of it I recommend to choose those parties wisely…and maybe only a few.

University for me has had a crazy amount of variety – that’s included friends, houses, jobs, different workloads, trips and some of the best experiences of my life. So take this opportunity to have a breather and chill before you embark on a large amount of, well everything! You will enjoy it as long as you work at it.

Remember ‘uni’ is just the beginning of adulthood but it’s not the be all and end all. Just remember when you were in school thinking about getting into college – scary but achievable, everything is possible. If I can do it, then put all your mini troubles aside and just go for it.

The only thing you will regret is living off an unhealthy diet while you’re here (that’s what I did anyway).

BEKI’S RECOMMENDATIONS HINTS AND TIPS ++ Sign up to a society or club – get yourself out there and make your studies not all about studying. Trust me – I regret not doing this so much as everyone who’s in one has the time of their life! ++ Get a small part time but flexible job (hint, maybe at The Union) – this will keep your bank balance and you a little healthier. ++ Make friends – don’t sit in the same friend group like you do in college. Meet new people, say yes to going out with new starters – the more friends the better. ++ Do not spend your loans on shopping, a new car or eating out all the time – it will come back to haunt you, literally!

Overdrafts are there for emergencies not making yourself look good. ++ Work hard when it comes to studying, but give yourself a night off when you deserve it. I used to go out once a week or have mates round, but when things got serious I stayed in my studio for 12 hours a day to get the work done.

THE BIG RECOMMENDATION WOULD BE TO GET WORK EXPERIENCE OR INTERNSHIPS, ANYTHING THAT GIVES YOU SOME SORT OF EXPERIENCE WITHIN YOUR FIELD – THIS IS CRUCIAL!

To this day, my family still don’t understand what I have achieved at university. They are still waiting for me to get that job I’m guaranteed at the end. Haha! Naivety at its best. I hope my story has given you a truthful and quick insight, rather than one with a fluffy cloud and rainbow effect.

You will not get anywhere after your 3 to 4 years of university without this. It may seem hard work when you’re juggling everything, but it will be beneficial. Try to start with one in first year – what’s a week of your life when you could be experiencing what could be yours forever.

The end goal is to just get through it – it all starts after university, but give yourself a great step in the right direction and you will not regret it!

Meet clubs and societies at Freshers Fair and Student Takeover (page 16) or visit theunionmmu.org/your-opportunities

Good luck, get involved and just be here in the moment achieving what you want.

Visit the Careers & Employability service for help with finding part-time work on and off campus, attending employer events and even finding a mentor: mmu.ac.uk/careers

Muhammad Al Timami THE SWITZERLAND OF MANCHESTER WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO GO IN THE CITY?

My favourite place to go, similar to the crowd, is the Northern Quarter. As a foodie, I get inspired by the creativity of the local businesses and their entrepreneurial drive, giving me hope of owning my own business one day.

WHAT DO YOU GET UP TO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?

“A social butterfly” – that’s what I’ve been called. Whether it’s getting involved in sport and extracurricular activities, or attending seminars and MCR talks, I try to continuously expand my circle of friends, as I measure my worth by how I treat others. Getting to know as many people as possible in such a diverse city gave me the opportunity to expand horizons towards a universal passport, able to live the culture of others through them. We are an accumulation of every single person we touch.

WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WISH SOMEONE HAD TOLD YOU BEFORE STARTING UNI?

Ultimately, I wish someone had told me earlier how much I would fall in love with the city and that I wouldn’t wanna go back home (at least for a while).

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Muhammad studies MA Architecture and Urbanism and is involved in sports at both Manchester universities.

Describing himself as the "Switzerland of Manchester", he explains what it’s like being asked to referee the well-known (but gentle) rivalry between them.

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ver since high school I have always dreamt of that utopian university experience that I’ve seen in the movies; early-rising millennials heading to their lectures on a crispy clear day through perfect green parks – well Manchester gave me exactly that, and more.

I’ve always wondered what makes Manchester so great and I can’t pinpoint my finger down to a single thing, so let me try and list a couple of things knowing that whatever I say won’t even come close to doing her justice.

Saturday 13 August 2016 11:08 AM Manchester Airport Terminal 3 Tim meet Manchester, Manchester meet Tim. I’ve always had high expectations from what I’ve heard about the city.

From signing the most expensive football player of all time, to the scenic architecture over The Quays, to me Manchester had it all.

As a student of Architecture, my eyes can’t help but wander around in awe as I walk down the streets of Manchester and the alleyways of the Northern Quarter. From past to present, architecture does play hand-in-hand in shadowing the city with a cloak of mystery, as if every building has an untold story to be revealed, as if the walls do come alive, as if...

Freshers’ week was crazy to say the least – being exposed to so many societies under one roof made me want to join every single one of them. I was overwhelmed by a sense of discovery.

For me, one table stood up between the crowd – football. I rushed towards the desk to sign my name down for the trials, eager to get on the pitch again after a sport fast of nearly a month.

Come along to a Give Sport a Go taster session, meet clubs at Freshers Fair or pop in to The Union for Mini Golf and Live Sport (page 16).

After not being selected for the football team, I quickly turned my focus towards Futsal – yes, there is a difference between the two. Not so long after, I had been shortlisted for a second trial, and then was officially selected as part of the University of Manchester Futsal Club. As a sport-a-holic, my journey didn’t end there. A week later, I signed up for the Manchester Metropolitan University Volleyball Club and voila – I got in!

My position at part of two prestigious universities came as a surprise to many and my allegiance has been put into question countless times. In the midst of all that, I have constantly tried to find my place to fit and I can surely say that it has been a remarkable journey of self-reflection into discovering who I really am – isn’t that the case with uni after all?

By being on two different sport teams on both sides of the “fence”, I have seen first-hand the long-lasting rivalry between the two universities – it goes far beyond academic borders as the competition is taken outside, literally.

What strikes me the most is how all that rivalry and heat is left on the court, and how it dissipates as you walk through the doors of The Footage, or any one of the restaurants and bars down Oxford Road. It sure is a pleasant sight as the laughs bounce off the ceiling of the restaurant, showing how human we can be.

Coming to the end of my first year in Manchester, I can now look back and say that it has been one hell of a ride (a rollercoaster experience) filled with its ups and downs, and that the city is a prime example of strength, resilience and understanding evident through its people.

From free, casual activity sessions to fantastic gyms and sport facilities, MMU Sport have something for everyone: mmu.ac.uk/sport

Mathew Ball W

TIPS FOR UNI LIFE

hen I first started at Manchester Met back in 2015, it was the first step into the real world. Yes, you have to study hard, but it is worth it in the end. Even having a disability such as autism, or having a mental illness such as anxiety and depression, both of which I have. Don't let things like this prevent you from succeeding.

When you’re at university you’re in control. There is help all around you.

We are all equals, so don't be afraid. I've been afraid – it was a new place for me, and a whole new chapter in my life. Even trying to find love at university (which I have tried to do), which perhaps wasn’t wise during one of the most crucial times in my life. If love at university doesn't work out, don’t let it bring you down. I let it drag me down into a deep depression, which didn’t help me in any way regarding my mental, physical or academic state. Please don’t do the same as I did guys. There are people to help all around you.

Be confident, be yourself, achieve, and succeed to new heights. You only get one shot at university so don’t mess it up.

Have fun, study as hard as you can, and be you. Good luck!

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT MANCHESTER?

Manchester is a diverse city, where anyone can fit in easily. As a person with autism and having an uneasy time settling into new places, it was comforting that I was close to home, and had that sense of experience of being more independent and accepted by others.

WHAT DO YOU GET UP TO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?

I like to go to gym. I enjoy going to anything involving movies, bars, clubs, recently travelling, food, and getting out and about with friends.

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WISH SOMEONE HAD TOLD YOU BEFORE STARTING UNIVERSITY? When it comes to having thoughts of being in relationships whilst at university, don't force anything on yourself. Just let fate take its course.

Otherwise, you’re not going to enjoy the university life you have always wanted or dreamt of.

The University’s Counselling, Health and Wellbeing Service offer a range of workshops, courses, groups and individual help. Visit mmu.ac.uk/counselling to find out more.

Find out about the support available to you from the University’s Disability Service: mmu.ac.uk/sas/ studentservices/learner-development/

Ryan Southall A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT MANCHESTER? The city is always moving, with new things to see, do and experience every day.

WHAT DO YOU GET UP TO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?

I'm a musician, so I enjoy jamming and practicing with friends. I also enjoy reading, watching films/TV and going to the theatre.

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WISH SOMEONE HAD TOLD YOU BEFORE STARTING UNIVERSITY? Participate in and do everything! I missed out on so many opportunities this year out of laziness, and now I sorely regret not taking the opportunities when I had the chance.

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ark Twain, the 19th century American writer and entrepreneur once wrote “when ill luck begins, it does not come in sprinkles, but in showers”. I don’t really subscribe to the idea of a situation being totally out my control, but sometimes it’s hard to imagine how things could have been any better. Bad luck, I suppose.

When I started my academic journey last year, I could only describe it as such. Strapped for cash, fighting an uphill battle with student finance and adapting to a new learning environment made the transition into university a painful one. While now I can safely say there is no longer an issue, that period always keeps me drawing that same conclusion.

I suppose the most important thing to take from this story is that there is always a way to stay financially afloat at university – even when it appears there isn’t. The emergency loan, student overdraft and just the willingness of those at the university to help, is something you can take advantage of during your financial struggles. So make sure you do so, spend smart, and remember, the biggest mistake you can make is not asking for help.

Read Ryan’s full story online: theunionmmu.org/welcome

At our Advice Centre you’ll find friendly, experienced staff offering advice on everything from budgeting and funding, to housing and health: theunionmmu.org/advice

From enrolment steps to travel tips mmu.ac.uk/welcome will tell you everything you need to know to get the year off to a great start.

Scot Hornby SECOND TIME AROUND

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ately, I’ve been thinking about my experience of university, specifically the differences between studying at aged 20 and again on the cusp of turning 30 (which I’m still coming to terms with).

I’m a part-time MA Textile Practice student, who also has a BA in Fine Art (First Class if you must know, stop asking, it’s really embarrassing).

I was born and raised in Liverpool, and actually ended up staying in the city to study at undergraduate level. (At this point, I’d like to let out some feelings that have brewed for years, awaiting the right moment to gain revenge). The reason I ended up staying is that I was actually rejected from Manchester Metropolitan and had to take my second choice. Well they say all good things happen for a reason, and I’m not sure if I mentioned it, but I came out with a First at BA so I like to think that’s true. Your loss MMU! (I’m joking! I love MMU!) Jokes aside, it wasn’t meant to be, and although I was pretty devastated at the time it turned out for the better. That sounds cheesy, but having to change my plan at the last minute put me on a path that brought along some amazing experiences. Setbacks are

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inevitable – just roll with them.

So here I am seven years after graduating, older, wiser, a bit wider and with significantly more shades of grey in my beard.

IT’S VERY DIFFERENT THIS TIME AROUND. I WON’T DENY, A TINY PART OF ME HOPED IT WOULD BE DRINKING ON A SCHOOL NIGHT, FALLING ASLEEP AT THE BACK OF LECTURE HALLS AND DEVELOPING AN UNEXPLAINABLE CURIOSITY WITH TRAFFIC CONES. UNFORTUNATELY, IT’S NOT. This time around it’s definitely harder. Yes, I have more confidence in my creativity, gained through experience and being more aware of my abilities. However, it’s tougher to juggle all the other responsibilities life brings as we get older. I have to study part-time as I don’t have a student loan to support my living costs. I work two days a week in retail and one day a week at the Students’ Union as Course Rep Support Staff. Then I have to factor in my studying and studio time, my relationship, my family, friends’ etc. In all honesty, a lot of the time the last three are the first to be sacrificed when I

need more time. Luckily, I have an overwhelmingly supportive network of people around me.

When I started my BA, I had never lived away from home, never paid my own rent, never paid a bill. I hadn’t even had a job. All these things came in the years between my BA and postgraduate studies – let’s call them the lost years. That’s how I felt for most of my twenties.

Lost. That word sounds negative but I mean it in a good way. Your twenties are for getting lost. Make your mistakes, cry, laugh and learn.

So what happened during these lost years? In terms of career, I dabbled in graphic design, student accommodation, then student advice and eventually ended up being the Senior Academic Caseworker at West London Students’ Union. I also met my partner of five years, and I moved to London.

When the time come to move back North, I decided I wanted change.

All through my twenties, I had fallen into jobs, some I liked more than others, but my creativity was going to waste. Therefore, I decided to chase at least one of my life goals.

To achieve my MA. However all these things listed above show the differences

SCOT’S TIPS FOR POSTGRADUATE AND PART-TIME STUDYING ++ Accept you may not have the same amount of time available to dedicate to your work as you may have had at BA. Give yourself a break. You are doing your best! ++ It’s OK if your priorities change. One week you may need to put studying first as you have an essay due. Hopefully your family, friends and boss will understand this. Counteract this by putting them first at other times. ++ Enjoy it. This is easier said than done.

Believe me I know. When I’m too worried about deadlines I step back and remind myself this is what I’ve wanted to do for years and I’m studying a subject I love.

between this time around and my BA. I am a completely different person to who I was at 21. I don’t even recognise myself in photographs from that time (probably because I have a sweepy fringe, skinny jeans, and I am drinking tinnies. Keep indie alive guys. It’s your responsibility as students).

It was quite scary returning to studying. As mentioned, my confidence in my creativity has improved with age, but my confidence in being able to handle the course academically was minimal.

Read more from Scot online: theunionmmu.org/welcome

My survival technique so far? Trying not to plan too far ahead. Instead, every weekend I go through my calendar and decide how I am going to split up the week ahead amongst my various responsibilities.

So far it is working. Of course, you will know about some stuff more in advance and will need to book holidays at your job, etc. but the daily routine of when you are going to do that essay, or when you are going to finish that sketchbook/journal can be planned in shorter timeframes. It avoids the last minute rush and “all-nighters” that plague most undergraduates lives.

Visit mmu.ac.uk/students/firstyear for loads of advice on getting organised, learning and teaching, study skills and where to find help and support.

Our free Postgrad Pizza Social is the perfect place to relax and meet some friendly new faces (page 16).

Maria Lykke Salling 5 TIPS TO BEAT YOUR HOMESICKNESS LIKE A SCANDINAVIAN

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think every student gets it – if home is two towns over, or an 18-hour flight away, we all get the horrible pang of feeling out of place and missing the well-known.

Sure, the first two or three months are exciting, exhilarating even. Everything is new and you’re just too busy experiencing everything, dancing on tables and basking in the feeling of independence. But when uni life becomes routine, and you’ve spent your last pound on some cup noodles that need to last you two weeks, you start getting the blues. You want to be home where someone else is the grown up, where you can see all your loved ones in the flesh and not just follow their lives from afar.

As a half-Swedish, born in Norway and grown up in Denmark girl, I have a few tricks up my sleeve to cope with the grey clouds. Danes were named the happiest nation of the world after all!

Kit out your home with hygge essentials on our IKEA Trip and meet new students for crafting, poetry and badge making at Conversation Corner (page 16).

After a hectic morning of unpacking and meeting your flatmates, take a break and pop down to the Welcome BBQ (page 16) – who doesn’t want free food on their first day?

1 DON’T LIKE TALKING ON THE PHONE? TOUGH LUCK. PICK IT UP ANYWAY! First things first, start with calling your friends and family at home. You might think that hearing their voices will only make you miss them more – and you’re right. It will. At first. But after you’ve gotten over the first few times and pangs of ‘this is not like seeing your face, I just want a hug’ (the first couple of times I ended up sobbing my heartache down the phone) – it does get better. Another thing that helped me was taking my phone on walks. A couple of times a week I called one of my best friends from home, and we’d take walks while chatting. Walking and talking seriously helps.

2 RECREATE YOUR FAVOURITE THINGS FROM HOME. Sit down and have a good long think about what you miss most about home. Is it the buzzing nightlife, the cosy atmosphere of your favourite café, or your mother’s home cooking maybe? Whatever it is – Manchester has endless possibilities and I’m sure you can recreate it somehow.

Personally, as a true Nordic through and through, I’ve been incredibly privileged growing up close to nature. I miss the forests and the sea, and as soon as I return home I have to go to the beach and let the water wash any troubles away. So I have fallen in love with Peak District, and long walks surrounded by fresh air and nature can cure any exam stress you might feel. I recommend good shoes and a friend, and then even a rainy walk will be a good one.

A common Danish saying is that ‘there is no such thing as bad weather, only people not dressed for rain!’ If the cold gets the better of you, there are pubs scattered

around the area where you can cuddle up and enjoy a cuppa or a beer to warm your insides. If it’s fancy pillows, pictures, paintings and the cupboard filled with a million different kinds of tea, then fill your room with stuff like that. If it’s a café or park, Manchester has a vast array of both and I assure you there will be something for you.

into something new. Maybe even jump on the new millennial trend and create your own urban garden in your tiny room. There are numerous options for you in Manchester – I’ve even been to a few slam poetry gatherings and some dance classes.

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EXPLORE, EXPLORE, EXPLORE!

FIND YOUR KIND OF ‘HYGGE’!

I’m Danish, and no one does hygge better than the Danes. As I come from a teeny tiny nation, the fact that this very Danish concept has travelled fills me with pride. Hygge is many things, and different people have different definitions. To me it is coming home to a house full of family and smiles after playing in the snow all day to gather around the fireplace to drink tea or hot chocolate. However, Manchester sees hardly any snow, so I have had to create another kind of hygge.

Light a million candles, make the biggest pot of tea possible, surround yourself with fairy lights, wrap yourself in blankets, switch your phone off and watch a feel-good film or read a book. When it comes to hygge, the more the merrier – just swap the books or films with board games. You’ll create new memories and the more memories you make, the more this new place will feel like home.

4 START A PROJECT OR FIND A NEW HOBBY. Find scrap pieces of paper and start painting and drawing, start writing that thing you’ve been thinking about for ages, maybe you’ve always wanted to learn how to dance or play an instrument, so go and do it. It will help your homesickness tremendously to pour all your energy

5 Okay, so you don’t necessarily need to put on a backpack and hike across the world, but start cycling or walking places instead of using public transport. You will see more of the city and perhaps find new places to go for your post-class drinks or your pre-lecture coffee. My best advice is to find a place that makes you feel home. There will definitely be somewhere that does food from your country – even Danish food is represented in the Manchester jungle and my go to places are KRObar and Takk. KRObar for its Danish dishes – the only place I have found so far that sells real rye bread, smørrebrød and a heavenly flæskesteg and shooting star. Takk, in the Northern Quarter, is a place I stumbled upon on my way to work and had to check it out. It feels like home and my god, do they serve good coffee. If you have yet to find hygge, then this place provides it in large measures.

I hope these tips have helped, if just a little. Happiness comes when you feel comfortable and valued. Make your room your safe place and fill your circle of friends with people ready to catch you if you fall.

Appreciate the moments you’re in and if you feel down then allow yourself to feel down for 24 hours, and then distract yourself. Fake it till you make it. Now go enjoy your time in this crazy, lovely city.

Natalie Brookes THE BALANCING ACT

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eing a parent is challenging.

You need to become an expert in juggling many balls at the same time – you need to ensure your kids’ uniforms are sorted each day, that their homework is done on time, their lunches are prepared. The list goes on and on. But what do you get when you combine parenting with being a mature student? In my experience, worry, immense pressure, financial stresses, even guilt. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

With three boys, you can imagine the chaos that goes on in my house on a daily basis. If they are not arguing over who gets to play on what, they are wrestling, complaining, hungry, thirsty and asking constantly “can I have?” However, because I'm a glutton for punishment, and my desire to study nursing grew so strong I could taste it, I decided to go for it.

I could tell you the whole story of how I got into university, but it’s a long, drawn-out story consisting of volunteering, evening classes, GCSEs, functional skills. etc. Fastforward five years and here I am. A mature student nurse, with a house to keep running, three sons (four if you count my husband), a female dog (because I didn’t want to feel outnumbered) and one wage coming in with bills to pay. Sounds scary I know, but I may be preaching to the choir here.

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On the very first day of university, all 65 of us fresh-faced students were asked by the lecturers to stand up individually and introduce ourselves to the cohort. I noticed that there were quite a few mature students in there, many of whom had kids, and admitted their fears and anxiety over how they were going to cope being a student with a dependant family.

The common fear was time – “how do I balance all the work with my kids? I feel so guilty about leaving them” and (this may surprise you) “my family and friends are making me feel awful about leaving my child; they say I am being selfish”.

OK, number one – never feel guilty.

Yes, it’s a three year course, with financial stresses – but, once that’s over, you have a career and you’re earning money so that if your child comes up to you and says “I want a new phone” or those trainers that everyone’s wearing, then you can get them. Furthermore, you’re a role model. You’re setting a great work ethic for your children, and showing that no matter how far away that goalpost seems, with hard work, dedication and perseverance, your lifelong ambition can be accomplished.

In order to be successful in your studies and at home, it is important that you’re organised. One way to do this is by having a calendar – a fun calendar (I have a Disney one!) because if it’s fun and bright then

you will find yourself looking at it more often. Time management and prioritising are key to a less stressful you, especially when you’re on placement and have an assignment to finish. Kids don’t understand that though do they? At the weekend, I’ll only do my work when the kids are in bed, because I want to spend time with my family.

A slow cooker will become (apart from the kettle) your most used kitchen appliance. You can prepare meals the night before, or in the morning and put the food on a slow cook – that way your family is fed. Now this comes from personal experience, but make sure you write a note asking someone to keep some to one side for you, or the whole lot will be gone, and you’ll be stuck with pasta or a bacon butty. Yes, this has happened to me more than once. Greedy buggers.

EVEN THOUGH YOU’RE A STUDENT, LIFE CARRIES ON TOO. IN THE WORDS OF FERRIS BUELLER, “LIFE MOVES PRETTY FAST, AND IF YOU DON’T SLOW DOWN ONCE IN A WHILE, YOU COULD MISS IT”. THAT QUOTE, COULD NOT BE MORE TRUE. Nursing alone, is a very stressful and demanding course, so finding a source of de-stress is important if you enjoy sleeping at night; my form of tranquillity is drawing. It is very easy to get lost in the political ethos of the profession, and you will often find yourself acting like a robot and your whole life revolving around placement, assignments, reflections, etc. It’s important to stand out, and allow your fun side to shine through.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT MANCHESTER?

I love my city and have the Manchester bee tattooed on the back of my neck. I was born in Hyde, and have lived in Manchester my whole life. I am a Manchester City fan, so I go to the Etihad Stadium quite often. I also love the Printworks, which has a cinema (my fave place to go), and Forbidden Planet, a shop that sells merchandise for movie and comic book enthusiasts.

WHAT DO YOU GET UP TO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?

I love drawing anything Disney, but it also helps relax me when I am working on essays or revising for exams. The Cinderella drawing I worked on recently is hanging up on a ward at a hospital in the North West. I am also a huge comic book geek, and love to go to the annual Manchester Comic Con event.

Right now, I bet your head is spinning – I know mine was when I first started my degree in Adult Nursing.

So many questions were rushing through my head and I was making myself anxious. You will find that the cohort you are with will become your second family. You will create a support system with both your family at home and at university – all you need is organisation, faith, trust and pixie dust.

But honestly, you will be fine – be proud of what you’ve achieved, and don’t ever feel guilty for bettering yourself in order to create the lifestyle and work ethic you want for your family. You’re a role model whether you realise it or not. Putting on that uniform for the first time filled me with pride, and when I went to pick up my sons from school one day my five year old went up to his teacher and said “Miss, look, my mum’s a nurse today”. That filled me with such joy. You work the way that suits you, and you organise the way that suits your situation alone (all I have done is give you some tips).

You can do this – the balancing act between family life and student life can work together harmoniously.

After a busy start to the week wind down at World Cinema Night or head to Comedy Club, featuring Joe Lycett, Dan Nightingale and Katie Mulgrew (page 16).

Welcome Festival is the perfect opportunity to explore campus and get to know the University’s services. Expect food stalls, inflatables, live music, giveaways and more (page 16).

THU 21

SEPT

Give Sport a Go (FREE) 10:00 - 16:00, Various Venues

Part-time Jobs Fair (FREE)

EVENTS

Find out more theunionmmu.org/welcome

MON 18

11:00 - 15:00, Business School SEPT

Comedy Club Ft. Joe Lycett, Dan Nightingale and Katie Mulgrew (£5)

Mini Golf (FREE) 10:00 - 15:00, The Union

Student Faith Social

19:00 - 22:00, The Union (FREE)

12:00 - 14:00, The Union

Conversation Corner

20:00 - 22:00, The Salutation (FREE)

14:00 - 18:00, The Union

FRI 22

SEPT

Give Sport a Go (FREE)

IKEA Trip (FREE) 16:30 - 18:30, Meet at The Union

SAT 16

The Salutation Pub Quiz (£1)

10:00 - 16:00, Various Venues

Postgrad Pizza Social (FREE)

SEPT

17:00 - 19:00, The Union

Welcome BBQ (FREE)

Student Takeover (£2)

12:00 - 18:00, Birley, Oxford Court and Cambridge Halls

20:00 - Midnight, The Union

Union Live (FREE)

SAT 23

TUE 19

19:00 - 03:00, The Union

SEPT

SEPT

Family Fun Day (FREE)

Freshers Fair – Societies (FREE)

10:00 - 14:00, Brooks Building

10:30 - 16:00, The Union

Vintage Kilo Sale

(£3 earlybird before 12:00, £1 after)

11:00 - 16:00, The Union

SUN 17

SUN 24

World Cinema Night: Our Little Sister (FREE)

SEPT

Welcome Festival

(FREE)

SEPT

11:00 - 16:00, The Union / Business School

WED 20

Live Sport (FREE)

Freshers Fair – Sports (FREE)

13:30 - 18:00, Union Bar

10:00 - 16:00, The Union

UV Glow Project Ft. Dev from Radio 1 (£5)

I Love Wednesdays: Back to the Beach (FREE)

22:00 - 02:00, The Union

22:00 - 02:00, The Union

14:00 - 16:45, The Union SEPT

Society Sunday (FREE) 12:00 - 14:00, The Union

Welcome to Manchester Ft. Blonde, M.O. & Nathan Dawe (£9 early bird, £12 adv, MOTD)

22:00 - 03:00, O2 Ritz Manchester