Manchester Museum - well worth a visit!

Manchester Museum is part of the University of Manchester and can be found amongst the hustle & bustle of Oxford Road. You can't miss it as it is set in this beautiful Victorian building and there are plenty of signs around.

Museum's aren't for every one but they are a fantastic resource and a great place to learn. The purpose of this blog is not to teach or bore you with too much history/details, but rather give you a glimpse of a superb place to visit in Manchester. The collection dates back to 1821 and moved to it's current location way back in 1868 so it has been a part of Mancunian life for almost 150 years. It is free to the public and is open 10am to 5pm every day of the year except between 24th and 26th December, and 1st January. More details can be found at www.museum.manchester.ac.uk.

Fairly soon into the visit, you are welcomed by two impressive exhibits at the museum; a giant spider crab which was captured in the 19th century & which can measure 4 metres claw to claw and a full skeleton of an elephant. I was surprised how big the tusks really are!

The first main collection is Living Cultures, and the pieces originate mainly from areas outside Europe such as Asia, Africa, the Americas and Oceania. There are over 16,000 objects on display in this collection alone! There is a fantastic array of carvings, art, statues, masks, warrior outfits and weapons from different cultures all over the world. You are taught the history, meaning and background of all the pieces. I was impressed by the beautiful craftsmanship of some of the speaks & crossbows and it was fascinating to see how they are made.

There is a large number of Roman objects to be found too, including pottery, figurines and this vase which is still standing at almost 2000 years old - incredible. But there are items to be found which are even older.

Manchester Museum hosts one the largest collections of ancient Egyptian artefacts in the UK - with objects dating from 10,000 BC to AD 600. The Ancient Worlds gallery also contains items from the ancient civilizations of Greece & Rome. It was the Egyptian collection which excited me most. There are beautiful examples of Hieroglyphics, Ancient Egyptian art and amazing mummy's to be found here. It is well worth a visit to learn about these incredible people, their lives and the process of the mummification itself. You can even see inside a coffin. Just remember how old these items are when walking around.

Soon you find yourself in the Zoology section sharing your space with fellow visitors and an impressive array of animals, insects and plants from all over the world. It's always great to see the different species found across the globe, and for the young-at-heart (like me!) you can act out some of the poses...

There are a few, stranger animals too, he must have been chilly...

A little unusually, you find a number of concept boxes which are more artistic but still very interesting. I have included a photo of my favourite ones but there are many more to be seen so make sure you check them out on your visit! The 'Humans' box displays the full skeleton of a chimp, human and ape alongside each other, as well as many other primate skulls. With us being so closely related to these species it is fun to make comparisons between them. The 'Peace' box was beautifully lit and decorated with hundreds of origami birds. Finally, the 'Life' box was a little more quirky displaying a number of hanging chicks & eggs inside. I loved them all.

Back to the animals and remember to look up at this gigantic whale skeleton taking pride of place over the museum.

From a giant monster of the deep to a giant monster of the past, check out the dinosaur exhibit and you will not find out about this incredible species as well as a huge T-rex skeleton. I was obsessed with dinosaurs growing up and it was a real highlight to find this beauty. It almost makes you feel like you're on the set of the movie 'A night at the Museum' and I found myself waiting for Ben Stiller to come walking round the corner.

The last collection to check out is the 'Warriors of the Plains' which focuses on 200 years of Native North American honour & ritual and is showing until 3rd November. You find ceremonial shirts, moccasins and tomahawks, alongside photographs of the objects in use, portraying the world of Native North American warfare and ritual from 1800 to today. Here are two examples of stunning North American battle outfits - impressive stuff eh!

Sadly, the Live Animals area of the museum is currently closed for a refurb. You can find live frogs, amphibians and reptiles here when it is open. But don't worry, it reopens on Saturday 26th October bigger than better than ever!

Be sure to pay a visit to the museum to view these wonderful & interesting collections in person - I promise you will have fun and even learn a thing or two. All free!

Eating healthy as a student!

Contrary to popular belief, it is easy (and really not expensive) to eat both healthily and cheaply whilst at uni. Money is tight for students so people see ready meals, freezer food and takeaways as a cheaper solution. But not only does your health suffer as a consequence of a bad diet, but it really doesn't cost much to eat nutritious foods that contain the energy you need whilst studying for a degree, working a part-time job and socialising with friends.

Student life can be tough (and very hectic) so you need the right food to fuel your body. This means eating protein, vegetables, fruit, dairy and the right kind of carbs whenever you can.

Let's start with protein - the meat! Chicken is great because it is so flexible; use it in a curry, stir fry, wrap or whatever you fancy. Save money by buying frozen chicken fillets (easily defrosted overnight in a bowl or using a microwave). Turkey breasts or diced beef is often cheaper than chicken - remember to check out the reduced aisle for meat which needs to be sold asap. It makes it cheaper if you bulk-buy - despite the bigger initial expense, you save in the long run. Remember, any of this meat can be stored in the freezer to prevent it going off! If you buy frozen instead of fresh mince for your Spag Bols or Chilli then you save a small fortune. Fish and seafood are also a great source of vitamins & omega oils but they do cost more. However, when you can afford it, splash out!

Now on to those vegetables. If you are heading to a supermarket, head towards Aldi or Lidl who do a great range of both fruit & vegetables at cheap prices. However, if you live near a local market or greengrocer you will find it is always cheapest to buy fruit & veg here. I was surprised at how much cheaper it can be so check out your local market now! Of course, a lot of the large chain supermarkets (certainly Asda, Tesco & Morrisons) now offer a different selection of fruit & veg each week for just 50p, so be sure to check these out when you venture in one. You can buy lot's of frozen veg but some of these simply don't taste as nice as the fresh stuff. That said, I actually prefer (and it's cheaper) to buy frozen sweetcorn instead of tinned or fresh corn. And whilst we are talking about veg, don't forget fruit. We all know we should be getting our 5-a-day - banana's, apples & oranges are a superb & cheap way to help us towards this. Plus they make a great snack instead of chocolate or crisps. Strawberries, grapes, blueberries & pineapple are a little more expensive but if you budget correctly then treat yourself once in a while.

Right, you've got the meat and veggies but what to serve then with? Avoid potatoes when you can, opt instead for wholemeal pasta, rice or couscous. The 'white' versions just aren't as nutritious for your body and combined with a sauce or flavours, taste practically the same. I'm not saying to never eat potatoes, everybody loves a jacket, roasties or some mash - but moderation is important! It goes without saying that chips should be avoided whenever possible. If this all sounds bland to you, you don't know how wrong you are. Buy a few select spices you like - garlic, chilli, basil, rosemary, cajun etc - and marinade the meat before you cook it. Use the oven or grill to cook meat in a healthier way, but if you do fry use the 1-cal spray oil. Don't forget to add the spices in to the pasta, rice or cous cous to add a little bit of a kick and always remember to season - a little salt & pepper (but not too much) goes along way! Soy sauce or sesame oil will add tonnes of flavour too.

Bread is a huge part of a lot of people's diets - a sandwich is the easiest lunch to prepare - but there are better options. Why not try a wrap, pitta bread or flat bread instead? Again, go for the wholemeal, granary or seeded varieties which are infinitely better for your body than any white ones. Use lighter than light mayo as the perfect accompaniment. Or how about swapping that bread for some lettuce and make a salad? Add whatever veg you happen to like - lettuce, tomato, cucumber, sweetcorn - and drizzle in Balsamic vinegar. It tastes great and is almost calorie free, so better than salad cream or dressings. We can learn a lot from our Asian cousins, so try a stir fry up if you don't like salads - a tasty alternative.

Dairy is an important part of our diet, and to be honest prices are broadly the same wherever you go. But how about trying the light versions - light or lighter Cheddar tastes the same as normal cheese especially when melted or used in a dish. Don't drink full fat milk, try semi-skimmed instead. Lots of people don't drink skimmed milk as they feel it is too watery and I use to agree, but I soon got use to it and now find semi-skimmed too creamy. The main point though is to make sure you are eating as much dairy as you can as it is an essential component to our diets.

The most important message is to squeeze as much fruit and vegetables into your diet as possible - you can't pretend it's expensive because it isn't. Try to avoid processed meat & food, take-outs and snacks whenever you can. They are all really bad for you and have little nutritional benefit to any diet. Chocolate and crisps may taste nice, but as I've said before; moderation is key. Eating multiple bars and packets a day will definitely not help the waistline. 

 vs.

It's also important to shop around the supermarkets and find out where sells the items you like for the cheapest. A huge tip is to try Aldi or Lidl who nearly always come out least expensive! Just remember to take your own bag as they do charge - not a lot but it all adds up. I even take an overnight suitcase with me as takes the strain of carrying the bags back to your flat. 

Cooking for one can be hard so why not make enough for 2 or even 4 (with currys, pasta dishes or chillis etc) and freeze the rest into portions to be eaten at a later date? It's cheaper that way and the second time round, you just defrost and re-heat for a few minutes and you have a home-cooked meal. The freezer is great for keeping any frozen meat & vegetables, or left over soup & dishes, but it should not be used to stock unhealthy frozen foods. Don't buy chips, waffles, fish fingers or ready meals and you won't eat them - simple! Use the freezer for the RIGHT food only.

Some ready meals will be ok for you and are quick & easy to prepare, all food items list ingredients, calories and nutrients these days so just be aware of what you are putting into your stomach! Most supermarkets do a great range of various ravioli & tortellini's with accompanying sauces - you can normally buy 2 for £2.50 - and a packet of each will make 2 meals. Not only a bargain, but a lot better for you than a Kiev & chips.

Finally, if you are generally eating healthy most of the week then it isn't a problem to scoff down a Maccy D or Subway, treat yourself to a cake, enjoy a cheeky chocolate bar or visit the Kebab shop after a night out. It's all about moderation, and the more exercise you do the more calories you get away it. So do you need that bus? Why not walk instead and burn that fat off! 

Here are some dishes I regularly make, to give you some ideas:

 Chile! And lots of it!

  Thai Green Curry!

  Chinese noodles!

  Bacon and vegetable cous cous!

  Pitta bread

  Carbonara

  Bacon, potato & leek soup!

Working whilst studying - what you should consider!

Most of you are settling in at uni, either for the first time or returning back after a long summer break. Even with any savings, the purchase of food & books, paying for accommodation and partying for at least 7 days straight over Freshers Week means you are probably already facing the reality of a student loan not stretching very far. Thoughts quickly turn towards possible ways of making extra money and for most peeps this will mean getting a job. Let's take a look at the pro's and con's of working whilst studying and some of the important things YOU need to consider before committing to one. 

Should you? 

As a university or college student, it is your responsibility (nobody elses) to be aware of how much commitment - both lectures and free time - your particular degree requires. Look at your timetable and factor in  study time during free periods and work out exactly when & where you can fit in a job. As a general guide, most universities will advise you not to work any more than 15 hours a week on a full-time degree.

Can you?

As a British student in the UK there are no actual limits on where or how many hours you work but if you are an international student, you need to know any working limitations on your visa. Research these thoroughly before accepting any work to avoid trouble with the law.

Pros?

Besides the obvious additional income to top-up savings or student loan money, there are huge benefits to working part-time whilst you study. Gaining any type of work experience (bar, retail or promo) will not only look great on your CV to potential employers in future, but will begin to teach you about life in employment, what working for a company entails and the responsibilities which come with it. Being employed means being punctual, working with people from all aspects of life, working as part of a bigger team to achieve a goal, honing your people skills with customers & colleagues and solving problems as and when they arise.

If you can, try to find a job at your university or in your union as these have all the benefits mentioned before but additionally, will help you network on your campus with colleagues and tutors alike. Any finding work experience in a position which directly relates to the degree you are studying will be of huge benefit when selling yourself in that interview for a job in the career you choose. 

Cons?

Of course, there are cons too! The extra cash and responsibility are nice, but don't over-commit yourself. You are paying a lot of money towards this degree and if you try to work too many hours you will lose focus in your studies and your grades will suffer. 

The type of job you choose is important too - if you have early seminars or need a lot of sleep to function then a bar job may not be the right choice. Working late nights - especially during the week - will mean you are tired and won't pay attention in lectures. Similarly, if you don't have much free time during the week then don't work the entire weekend. Being a student at uni means you have to study at home too - burning the candle at both ends will not help. It is very important to set time aside - away from studying and working - to relax and socialise. This keeps you sane and ensures you remain motivated towards achieving this degree.

Where to find one? 

If you want cafe, bar, pub, club or promo work then firstly you need to go into them and ask if they have any vacancies or if you can hand in your CV. The more you give out, the more likely you will get that call. Gumtree is a great place to search for these type of positions in your city.

Most universities will have a job page and even one geared towards students. You need to either ask at your 'student hub' or use Google to find the one at your uni. At Manchester Metropolitan University, we have a site listing all jobs at the uni (https://www.jobs.mmu.ac.uk/mmujobsite/home.aspx) and one specifically aimed at the students (http://www.mmu.ac.uk/jobs4students/) This one is of most help as the jobs listed tend to meet the requirements of a student looking for a work, often in fields which link towards a degree.

Social Media is a massive help too - look for groups for students at your university on Facebook and Twitter which list vacancies or job alerts. You will find plenty! Of course, looking at the jobs online or in a newspaper - or just asking friends who already have a job - will not harm you either!

Things to know if you do get a job..

It is important to know your rights at work - there is legislation in place that governs all employment, including for students. Check out these all important links:

Trouble @ Work? - UNISON and the National Union of Students (NUS) created this site on basic employment rights, health and safety issues, and much more.

Students and Tax - Information for students and tax

National Minimum Wage - What's the correct minimum wage for you?

Degree comes first! Don't put your work before your degree, which costs a lot of money and requires a lot of time & attention. Do not commit to too many hours so you can go out and waste it all on alcohol. Save money by spending an extra night in & studying instead...

Build your skills. Find a role which will enable you to build a portfolio of relevant and useful skills on your CV. These will help you stand out against all the other candidates when applying for that dream job. An internship will provide useful experience and is a fantastic opportunity to find employment with an established, reputable company.

Have a top-notch CV. There is no point sending out a poor CV which doesn't clearly sell you to an employer. You need to spend time on making your CV clear, concise and accurate. Pass it to friends or tutors who will be able to offer their advice, or use this great free CV checking service online! (http://www.cvcentre.co.uk/freecvreview.htm?a=2036) 

Flexible employers rule. Try to find a flexible employer who is sympathetic to your duties as a student. Lots of companies seek out students for their roles and these will be the ones who know what they are dealing with & so will offer a better working package for you. Google specialist student job sites and these will guide you to the best jobs.

If you don't get a job, you need to stretch that money!

Nowadays, 90% of students do some kind of work to support themselves whilst studying but if you don't have the spare hours or decide it isn't for you then you will need to make the most of the cash you do have. Here are 3 great sites for you to check out:

www.accommodationforstudents.com - find the best and cheapest student location in your area. One of the biggest outgoings for any student is rent, so this site is a must!

www.glide.uk.com - not only can you avoid being responsible for your housemates rent, but you will have one monthly figure to cover all of your bills (services,utilities etc) and any money overpaid will be refunded at the end of the year. Check out the site for a quote today.

http://www.studentbeans.com/ - most students will know this site, but if not then you need to go online now. Subscribe and you will receive regular emails containing vouchers, offers & advice on saving pennies whilst studying.

Don't forget to flash your Student ID card for student discount at any opportunity.. literally thousands of businesses offer discounted goods & services to students.

Making new friends at uni

You're settling into your new city, new home and new surroundings but it is a completely different world to the one you left behind. Those established friends who know everything worth knowing about you - the ones you spent almost every day for at least 7 years with - are discovering a whole new city of their own. Of course, they will always be your mates but right now you are going to need a few new ones for the 3 important, study-filled years that lie ahead of you. 

 

So what's the best way to make new friends? Sadly, there is no manual to making new friends and it is up to you whether you want a whole harem of friendly faces around you or just a few close, carefully chosen ones. But follow these steps and soon enough you will have filled the empty space left by your best friends from home being so far away.

Where to look?

The most obvious candidates to fill your friendship vacancy will be the people who you are living & studying with. Remember, you are all in exactly the same boat so there is no need to be shy - be sure to introduce yourself, ask questions and engage in conversation. Everyone will be nervous about meeting new people so don't forget they feeling the same emotions as you are. Why not keep your door on the latch for a little while rather than locking it? This shows your roomies that you are approachable and will encourage them to stop by and say hi.

 Common ground

An important basis of any new friendship is having something in common. This might be a favourite movie or band, you might have both come from the same town or visited the same holiday destination. Perhaps you both went to Glastonbury last year or saw Beyonce at the MEN arena? When chatting to somebody new, speak about these shared experiences or backgrounds to highlight how well you could potentially get on.

Dutch courage

If, like most students, you like the odd drink or two then this is a great way to bond with flatmates and classmates alike. In the interest of encouraging responsible drinking then you don't need to get paralytic, just a few drinks will lower inhibitions enough for you to let your guard down a bit. Of course, drinking games will get you all a little more plastered than a few beers or spritzers in the pub but are a great way to get to know your new friends. After a few rounds of Ring of Fire, I can almost guarantee you will all be best buddies. And if you are arranging a few drinks, how about making it fancy dress? It shows you are willing to have a laugh as well as making a night out that little more memorable. And with costumes, don't hold back - being a student is all about having fun, and an epic fancy dress outfit will earn you serious kudos with your peers. 

Food, glorious food.

If alcohol isn't your thing - and even if it is - don't forget the equally awesome bonding powers of some good food. If you like to cook or bake, now is the time to show off your skills and use them to bag a few friends. Everybody wants a housemate or friend who can serve up the perfect curry, prepare a hangover-conquering roast or whip up a batch of cupcakes. Set aside a night where you take it in turns to cook for each other, or if there is a chef in the house then you can all put money in each week and have a foodie night. If no-one wants to cook one night, go out and enjoy the restaurants and cafes your city has to offer. Big cities have an endless and vast array of places to choose from, whatever you fancy and to suit all budgets. Ordering pizza to eat with a movie is an easy and cheap way to spend an evening with mates. Whether you choose to dine in or out (or order takeout), these are all great bonding opportunities with your friends. If all else fails, make all your housemates a nice cuppa and you can bond over that instead.

Skip the drink... occasionally at least!

This may seem like a contradiction to what I said before - alcohol is genuinely a great way to make friends - but try skipping alcohol once in a while to something else instead. Be cultural and go to the theatre, a gig or a museum. Explore the city together, go shopping or stop for lunch. Sit down and watch a film in your living room, bedroom or at the cinema. If you really want to build a proper friendship then it should be about more than just downing shots together 3 or 4 nights a week. Real friendship is about getting to know someone properly, not just on nights out.

Societies & groups

So you went to Freshers Fair and you were bombarded by countless groups & societies all vying for you attention? Yes, it's a helluva lot to take in, but you need to work out which of these are relevant to you. They are a great way to meet like-minded individuals who share the same interests. Whether you like acting, theatre, sport, hip-hop or feel strongly about LGBT issues - there will be a society for you. Check your uni website for lists of all the societies out there. It is valuable to be part of the uni community, and you will be surrounded by friends in no time. 

Social Media helps!

Embrace modern technology and use Facebook and Twitter to discover various groups online for students at your uni. Societies will have their own websites, Facebook pages and twitter feeds. There will be a Facebook group for freshers starting at your university, and even studying your subject. Make sure you have a good browse online for these and you will be meeting a great group of people full of potential best friends. I have personally made a number of good friends who I met through a Facebook group, so I know it works!

Most importantly, just make sure you are having fun. Yes, uni life and all this studying can be hard work but enjoy free time with your flatmates & classmates, speak to them, get to know them and they will already be your friends!