College 101 - A Girl's Essentials

Hello! 
I know I promised a Halloween post but I figured it is so far away that I decided to do a post about college and my experience so far and then next week I'll do the so said Halloween post.

This past monday was my first day in college and I know a week is not a lot but I have some tips for you based on this little experience.

I'm a freshman in college, I'm in the nursing college in my hometown and because I am the oldest of all cousins in my family, I had no experienced relative to ask about college and how it works.

Going into a new school completely blinded, I have finally understood most things about college and how it works in this first week.


About the Area You Choose to Study

I signed into physiology in the first phase of inscriptions and shortly did I realize it was nothing like I had expected it to be. Fortunately I realized it soon enough so that I could go into the second phase and I got in. After choosing wrongly in high school the area I wanted to pursue, I think that I finally made the right choice in choosing to attend college to become a nurse.

I would suggest you to do an extensive research on the areas you're considering, you may end up in the wrong place. I'd advise you to take a look at all the subjects in each area in each college and compare them. I decided to switch to nursing school because I heard from teachers that physiology is very technical and that is, honestly, the least thing I want.


Being a Freshman in Portugal

In Portugal there is this tradition which we named "Praxis" or "Praxe", if you will, that consists of a "welcoming ritual" to the freshman students. During a defined period of time the students attend to activities in which they are, supposedly, integrated in the school along with their mates.
I went to one day of this so famous tradition and I'll tell you, it is not for me. I'm not a party girl, I'm not one to go out every night, be out of the house all day long and just endure people shouting at me. I think this should sum up Praxis for you.
Some people love it, I have colleagues that are loving it and I also have other colleagues that, just like me, gave up on it.

Either way, be sure to have a strong support group, either your family, friends, all your loved ones. Be sure to have some to help you through these days, you will need it.

What to Keep In Your Bag

During this first week my bag was a mess, there were just so many things.

If you are one to use a hand bag as a school bag, just like me, I would suggest getting a very large one.
I keep everything in my bag so it is always super heavy.
A large bag is essential even if you don't have it always full. I like to carry my textbooks but if I ever feel like not carrying them I know my bag is big enough so that I can put them inside.

In my bag I keep my agenda and a couple of small notebooks. I like to keep small notebooks to write down thoughts, ideas and information. I am also a huge addict to small cute notebooks so...

Bear in mind that you'll need plenty of big notebooks and textbooks as well as pens and highlighting markers, they will save your life in the middle of so many notes.

Always keep a water bottle with you. My school is particularly hot because the classrooms are all on the first floor so I find myself reaching for my water bottle all the time.

I also found myself in need of a bigger wallet to keep all the school cards inside of.
I always have at least a tinted lip balm in my bag because certain classes are just so long that at the end of the day you feel like you've been in the sun for a week.

Another good idea is to always carry your earphones in your bag just in case you have some spare time and your sunglasses cause we all have bad mornings. Be sure to drink lots of coffee, some classes require loads of it.


Makeup On The Go

Ever since freshman year of high school I basically gave up on elaborate looks for school. Specially because it's just school, nobody notices your nice and neat makeup and also because it requires you to wake up pretty early to take the time to make it work. I'm not saying that I go out bare face, that is almost a joke.

I just keep it to the essentials.
Lately I've been loving the Lancôme Grandiôse mascara. I used to hate it but ever since I learnt how it works, I can swear by it. It keeps your lashes long and defined all day long and it holds curl beautifully!
I also use concealer just in the needed places, such as under the eyes, around the nose, forehead and on the chin, just to highlight a bit and make me look a bit less tired.

I never get out of the house without my brows of point. I use an ashy tone because my hair is blue and to use a warm tone would just clash with it.

I like to take two lipstick options with me in my bag, just in case my mood changes. I always keep a nude'ish lipstick and a more vibrant one such as red or pink.

What To Wear

If you want my honest opinion, wear whatever you want.
This first week I wore jeans which is something I never do because I didn't know how people would react to a person dressed fully in black and now I regret it. I didn't feel comfortable and it was worth nothing. By Wednesday I was already wearing all black clothes and that's when I started getting compliments on my looks.

This is a transition time, but that doesn't mean you have to change who you are. I'm studying in a health college and I am the only person with blue hair, I've gotten a s**** load of comments but I honestly don't care.
Just be who you are and work toward a better self!

So that's it! This is this week's post, a little bit of advice.

I hope you have enjoyed it and I promise to be back soon with that Halloween look I've been talking about!

Love,
Anna