Beat the Blues

It's coming to the end of October and everyone at work and college/university are just wanting a break, I know I am! As the nights are getting darker, people's mood and inspirations are becoming more and more vacant. Whatever you do, don't panic, I'm here to help. So what is it that's making your feel like this? Some say it's tiredness, others say it's just being stuck in the same routine; whatever your problem is, I hope to cover it in this post.

After your long holiday you probably felt refreshed and ready to face anything. Then after your first easy week of going back to work or college/university, you are already beginning to feel the tiredness kick in. Here is a few of my handy tips for all you people on how to get your zzz's. As you may have thought, go to bed earlier however you don't want to go to bed really early one day and end up tossing and turning all night do you? Exactly. Start off with going to bed 15 minutes earlier for 2 days. and once this has been done, repeat it and within a few days you will  be a more relaxed, tired-free you in the morning. To quicken this process, you could possibly go to bed half an hour earlier and read for 15 minutes. It may not seem long but you will be surprised in how much reading in your bed can make you tired. The warmth of the drink and the time it takes to drink complement each other giving you a relaxed feeling and a soon-to-be tired you.

Maybe you you haven't been well or have been feeling slightly down for the past few weeks. Some may say that the perfect pick me up may be a shopping spree, others say its complete relaxation, well here's a few ideas that you will ideally find useful. If you love shopping and love treating yourself but want to save the money then why don't you just get something small. If you have gotten an A in an assignment or if you feel like you deserve a treat then just buy yourself something small from a new coloured nail varnish, or a lovely dessert to have after your hard days work. Although if shopping isn't your thing then don't worry, you can still give yourself a pick me up, without splurging your cash. Having a bath at night relaxes your muscles and makes you feel more refreshed. Face masks and now hair masks are a great way to have you looking and feeling great. If your an old fashioned Brit and just love a good old cuppa then having one before bed will help a great deal. A pick me up doesn't have to be pampering yourself however, it is mainly just 'me' time. If watching your favourite film or baking a cake makes you feel good in any way then go ahead, it's your treat, not mine.

Anyone sick of routine? I know I am. If you feel the same and want a change of scenery then maybe a mini-break could help. Being adventurous can be fun so why don't you put it to the test and look up some mystery weekend breaks? The half term is nearly approaching and if you have no plans then now would be the perfect time to plan that little quaint cottage house you love so much, or that romantic weekend for 2 you have been meaning to do. Whatever you end up doing, you are guaranteed in having a good time and relaxing with your partner as well as all the time you'll have when you get back!

So good luck with your last few days guys and think positive, your holidays are right round the corner!

Happy Halloween!

Halloween is just around the corner and before you know it, you will have kids at your door asking for sweets. I remember dressing up in a black bin bag and going all out there whereas now, there are a lot of costumes to choose from where you just dress up and show up on the door. Not as fun as the old times but the effort for the young kids still stands. Halloween tends to be for the younger generation more, however the costumes are becoming more and more available for adults. University parties and college parties are always  on at this time of year. The best thing about these parties is that the more inventive you are with your costume, the better!Anyone who doesn't like to go out can still enjoy Halloween in their homes.

Anyone remember carving in the pumpkins? Well why don’t you have a crack at it and get into the mood of Halloween. Pumpkin carving has been took to the next generation and people now count it as art. So get creative and see who you can create on your pumpkin or go traditional and make the most gruesome one you can.

If you wish to leave your ‘trick or treater’s’ a simple tasty snack then why don’t you make some chocolate apples? One of their 5 a day and I can certainly say that their parents will thank you for it! When you are a student there is so many possible things to do on Halloween, from hosting a party to taking your siblings ‘trick or treating’ or maybe even hanging out at home with a few friends, making some toffee apples each other.

Maybe your wanting to spend some time with your partner? Watching a horror film in the dark couldn’t be any more perfect. Yes it may be scary but at least you have a good reason to hug your boyfriend/girlfriend. Scary films aren’t your thing? Then there’s always action films, either way, it’s a great way to spend your Halloween.

Are Apprenticeships The New Uni?

With the prices of studying at university in the UK going up significantly, will apprenticeships be the majority of teens choice next year? This year is the last year to go to university at £3500 a year. Anyone wanting to apply for 2012 however will now have to pay anything up to £9500 a year. With the price almost tripled, has this put anyone off going to university at all?

Laimis Narsutis,17,who lives in the North East of England, said: "The cost of going to university doesn't really bother me as a lot of jobs these days require a degree and will eventually lead to a better job. "One of the main reasons why I want to go to university is because of the student experience, whereas with an apprenticeship you work all the time. "I think that the people who decide to do an apprenticeship instead of going to university don't really understand that there isn't much difference in before". Laimis added, "Without a degree I think that your limited to certain jobs but I do think that it is important to do what is right for you. "I personally feel that university will let me achieve my goals in employment."

Male,Living in London, said: " Totally depends on the degree your after, if it meant you could possibly get a job quickly after graduating the sort of salary involved then uni is worth it. "It's not the case for everyone, if your after a bit of fun during the 3 years it's to high a price to pay if you have no real ambitions afterwards".

Another student also added: "Don't see how the rise in the fees makes any difference to their financials?! Fees may have increased but the repayments are lower".

So Are apprenticeships really taking over? Apprenticeship are becoming vastly more popular however a lot of people still found pros and cons to going to university. Yes university is expensive however the bursaries and grants are much more. You may want money fast but the course you are interested in may involve you finding work in you chosen area. If you need any more advice on what to do please visit http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk and I'm sure your answer will be waiting.