Travelling For Uni? Heres How to Make Friends

If you are someone that is looking to pursue further education, it is likely that you have looked into universities far from home. Though education is your main priority, a big part of the university experience is heading out to a brand new location and completely reinventing yourself.

When people choose the university that they are going to attend, they usually pick a university as far away as possible. This is because they want to experience something that is completely different from the life that they know.

I know that when I picked my university of choice, I wanted to pick somewhere that would allow me to experience a world that was completely different from the world that I knew. If you are someone that was brought up in the city, then you may decide to head to the countryside for some more relaxed living at university. If you were born in the country, then it is likely that you want a taste of what the city is like and so you may decide to head somewhere a bit busier.

Unless you are incredibly lucky, it is likely that you will be traveling to a university alone. Though this may be an exciting prospect, nobody likes going somewhere new without having any friends.

This is especially the case if you are heading somewhere completely new, as you may be intimidated by your surroundings and so having a companion with you to explore these surroundings may make you feel much more secure.

Though you may arrive alone, the university is actually a really great place to make friends and build connections that will last a lifetime. It is said that the friendships that you make in university are the friendships that you will keep for a lifetime and so you may be eager to find these friends.

If you are someone that isn’t very outgoing and you consider yourself to be quite shy, the idea of trying to make friends with new people may seem intimidating. It is likely that you have had your current friend group for some time and you don’t even remember making friends with them, so the idea of having to start again could be overwhelming. Here is how to make friends in uni.

Don’t Be Afraid to Talk to Your Coursemates

When you head to university, you will have a whole new group of coursemates to get used to. University is not the same as the usual school, as it is not as small and you can have hundreds of people in one class.

With so many people in one class, it can be intimidating and you may feel as though you have to keep to yourself. This is the last thing that you should do, as it is important to make friends with people on your course. By making friends on your course, you will have someone that you can confide in when you are stuck in your studies and you will have someone that can offer you the support that you need.

Join Societies

Something that you have probably heard a million times is that it is very important for you to join societies when you head to uni. Not only will it make your CV look good, but it will also give you the perfect opportunity to get to know brand new people.

When you are in a society, you feel as though you are part of a community and you can meet people that share your same kind personality and interests.

Get Involved in Events

In University, you will be invited to a long list of events. It can be tempting to ignore these events and choose to focus on your studies instead. Though your studies are important, you should still try and take part in these events.

Something that you will encounter a lot is pub quizzes. Pub quizzes are a great chance to meet new people and they are never usually that serious as they are usually just questions from pop culture and so you can just focus on having a good time rather than trying to get it all right.

Ge to Know Your Housemates

Unless you decide to live alone at university, you will have a lot of housemates that you will have to get to know. The last thing that you want is to spend all of your time in your room, as you will just feel uncomfortable in the place that you have to live.

Even if your housemates don’t really seem like your type of people, you are going to have to live with them for at least a year so you should at least get to know them a bit. Ask them about their life and what they are doing at uni, and you may realize that you have a lot more in common than you initially thought.

Gaming Conventions That You Have to Travel To

If you are someone who likes to play video games in their spare time then I would highly recommend that you visit a gaming convention at some point in your life. Not only is this just a great place to be around all things within the gaming industry, but it also provides an opportunity to join like-minded individuals who will be able to help show you new things that are being released as well as provide someone new to play games with when you go back home.

This article will be looking at four conventions that are happening all over the world, if you are able to travel to get there for the event then I would urge you to take the once in a lifetime opportunity for a fun-filled few days with people who enjoy the same popular gaming titles that you do. There are so many different events that it would be difficult to compile a list of all that is going on, with this in mind you should do some research of your own into what is happening around you. You may be surprised to find a convention happening right under your nose that you could go to.

MagFest – Washington

The first gaming convention that I would like to mention is MagFest taking place in Washington USA, this event is not one to be missed as there is so much going on. Join your favorite industry names who will be there for panel talks, new content showcases as well as showing off a huge range of exclusive merch. The great thing about this convention is that many brands in the gaming world will use this chance to make exclusive drops of new games that are going to be coming out as well as other collaborations and releases.

Minevention – Dublin

The next convention that you need to be aware of would have to be Minevention in Dublin, this is one of the biggest Minecraft conventions in the world so you should definitely consider going if you have the opportunity to do so. This event is one of the more relaxed and just provides a real opportunity to bring the community together. So whether you need advice on a creative build or you keep dying playing Bedwars and you want to find a new Bedwars server to play on, you should definitely try and get your tickets booked soon as they get snatched up very quickly.

BlizzCon – California

Blizzard games is a very big name within the industry, with popular titles such as WoW ( World of Warcraft) they have built up a huge following that comes together for Blizzcon on a yearly basis. With huge stalls filled with merchandise and Blizzard branded goods on sale, you could treat yourself to something new to show off your favorite games and characters. If you are eager to learn what the future looks like in terms of Blizzard’s new releases then BlizzCon is the place to be.

Minecraft The Exhibition

A final convention that is perfect for those of you that enjoy playing Minecraft would have to be Minecraft The Exhibition. This is a great special event to meet players of all ages and discuss aspects of the game like creative projects or minigame maps that you are working on bringing out. This convention is a little different as it also places focus on showcasing your work and maps to other people, you can get ratings, advice, and feedback on your maps and even invite other people to join in creating new things with you, making this event another to add to the calendar.

How To Live Your Below Deck Fantasy

During the lockdown, something that we can all agree on is that we become hooked on Below Deck. This show has been out for some time, but last year we all got hooked on it. With dozens of different series already released on popular streaming sites like Netflix and Prime, we were all able to binge the show, which got a lot of us thinking.

A lot of the people that worked on and hired the cruise ships on the show were living the life that we all wanted. Imagine, cruising around the world without a care in the world, it is what we all want.

Below Deck has plenty of drama, but above all, it has luxury, so much so that even the cruise workers get to experience it from time to time. If like me, you binged the show and have been left with an overwhelming feeling of envy, then you may have already been googling yachts and other things from the show.

The price point for these luxuries may be high, but that does not mean that they are unobtainable. Though you may believe that it is completely out of reach, there are ways that you can live your Below Deck fantasy, and here is how.

Look Into Deck or Steward Work

If you are someone that watched the show and you were not left jealous by the guests, but by the crew, then it may be worth looking into how you can do it yourself. Yachting has been around for decades upon decades and during this time yachting companies have been looking for reliable staff.

Working on yachts and cruising is likely not something that was promoted to you during your education, but you can actually make some decent money doing it, and it is a whole lot of fun.

If you think that you would like to take on a position as a deckhand, then be prepared for a whole lot of work. You need extensive training to be able to work on a boat as a deckhand, as expensive equipment and human lives are in your hand.

If you are someone that lives in or near a coastal town, then it is likely there will be some classes or volunteering that you can take part in to improve your skills. You have to remember that cruise ships and yachts are big vessels that require a lot of attention. Even if you have the right qualifications and you think that you are ready, you should first take the time to work on a smaller boat. This will allow you to gain some familiarity with the boats and will stop you from becoming overwhelmed when you do eventually decide to take to yachting.

If you have watched the show, then it has likely that you have felt jealous of the stewards. From the perspective of the rest of the yacht, the job of the steward does not seem too challenging. Stewards do a lot of entertaining, drink making and cleaning. For this reason, the idea of being a steward may be extremely appealing to you and it can actually be achieved quite easily. You do need some extensive training on aspects such as drink making and serving, but once you have done that then you will be ready to go.

Hire A Yacht

So the yachts that are used in Below Deck may be a bit out of your price range. This is especially the case when you think about the cost of the tip that is expected of you after you have enjoyed the holiday experience.

However, not all yachts cost the same amount as the ones on Below Deck, so you may find that you can afford to rent one. If you are someone that lives in Florida, then it is likely that you have already spent plenty of time in the water. However, something that you may not know is that if you go to Miami, then you can experience something super similar to Below Deck.

These yachts can be rented for a few days, meaning that you can take them to the seas and see some sites and play with water toys.

Of course, this will not be an extremely cheap experience, but it will be worth it in the end, as no other experience can compare to it. It is also a great opportunity to take some fantastic shots and make memories that you will never forget. The Miami coast also has some fantastic places to explore, which means that you can see some beautiful scenery and have a brilliant time.

Have a Luxury Beach Experience

Something that we all love about the show is the beach picnic experiences. These beach experiences always lead to a lot of drama for the staff, as it is really stressful to set up, which is great for entertainment value.

Though there tends to be a lot of drama, the staff always ends up setting up a fantastic beach picnic that leaves us all feeling jealous. You do not have to be left feeling jealous of these beach experiences, as you can recreate them on your own and it is very easy to do. Find a beach and pack a luxury picnic, including wine and even a cheeseboard and you can live like a luxury guest.

The Comprehensive Checklist for Moving Abroad

At one point or another, we have all dreamed of packing our bags and travelling to another country. In the last year or so, we have all been forced to remain within the confines of our own countries. For this reason, many people are finally making the leap and deciding to leave their old lives behind and start again in a brand new country.

Moving abroad is not quite the same as booking a holiday with some friends and there are some important steps that you must follow in order to ensure that your move abroad is a success. Here is a comprehensive checklist for moving abroad.

Make sure that you have employment ready for you

One of the biggest mistakes that people make is moving abroad with the expectation that they will be able to find a job quite easily. This is not the case at all, as when you are someone from a different country, you have to complete months of paperwork and other important documentation before you are even allowed to work.

We recommend that you sort all of this out before you go away, as it will be much easier to do from the comfort of your own home as opposed to doing it while you are in a country that you are not familiar with.  Securing employment also means that you will feel a lot more comfortable when you do make the move, so be sure to check out any companies that may be hiring. Before I moved abroad,  I got in touch with a company where I bought residential and commercial roofing leads in order to look for labouring work for my partner.

Make sure your insurance is in check

Before going on holiday, everybody knows that you are supposed to make sure that you have all of the right insurance so that if any injuries occur, you are protected. When moving abroad, the way in which things work may be worlds apart from how it works back home.  For example, where you are from you may be used to having access to free health care, but where you are moving health care may not be free.

People often make the mistake of not considering how another place may be different from the country that they were born in and so do not check up on these things, which means that they walk into the new country thinking that it will be totally fine, but more often than not, this is not the case.

Make sure you are ready

A lot of people decide to move to a different country on a whim and a lot of people quickly forget it and return home, which can be extremely expensive. Before you decide to make the move and make the full commitment, we recommend that you spend at least a month pondering whether or not you really want to make the big step.

If you have a partner, you should also talk this through with them , as you need to remember that your moving can also have an impact on them, which is something that you will need to think about.

Learn some of the language

Another common mistake that is made by movers is expecting whichever country you decide to move to to speak your language. This may be the case for some places, but to make life a little easier for yourself you should be able to at least say simple sentences and ask important questions so you don’t find yourself in a sticky situation in the future.

The 4 Countries with the Best Shopping Environments

There are plenty of reasons someone might go traveling. Perhaps they want to soak up the culture of a different nation. Maybe they want to immerse themselves in new cuisine. Some simply want to lounge under the scorching sun and work on their tan. And that is the beauty of traveling. There is so much on offer the world over to entice and captivate us.

One of the less talked about reasons for travel is one of the ones that almost everyone engages with while abroad. Shopping. Love it or hate it, shopping is one of the mainstays of the tourism industry. Countries and local communities depend on shoppers coming from abroad. Many people build their entire life around it.

It might seem very extravagant to go abroad simply for a shopping spree, but there are many items and products that can only be bought abroad and a lot of countries offer a unique shopping experience. Below we are going to look at four countries with the most unique and diverse shopping environments on the planet.

The U.S.A

No list about shopping is complete without the most obvious choice. The United States of America. The home of capitalism in its finest. No other country takes the shopping mania to such extremes or flaunts their incredible shopping environments as proudly as the USA. And rightly so.

The different states of America each boast their own unique identities and charm. And within that, you will find a variety of different products available. A lot of the lesser-known states boast rich and historic memorabilia or their own food products grown in their own yards. While some of the larger states are home to supermalls that receive products from the world over. You will find that private label cosmetics are available here along with many other products often only available to specific countries.

Japan

The land of automation! Those who travel to Japan will attest it is like stepping into the future. Japan is an industrious and forward-thinking nation. One that holds their history and traditions close while also looking to the future with open arms. And this is reflected in their shopping environment.

Japan is famous for its automated stores. Everything from robots at the checkouts, to entire stores being filled with nothing but Gacha machines. It is definitely a thrilling and futuristic experience that cannot be replicated anywhere. For those looking for a more human experience, Japan might not be for you. But for those who are thrilled with technological advances. This is your ideal shopping holiday.

Singapore

For those looking for a more human experience, Singapore may be the best choice. Singapore has all the normal malls and stores, but the real shopping magic is held within its sprawling markets. Street after street is covered in market stalls boasting exotic products and a bustling environment filled with haggling, dancers, parades, exhibitions, and an atmosphere of real human connection.

Not to mention you are more likely to find a variety of handmade items that can’t be found anywhere else. The level of rarity and unique spin these shops offer is second to none.

Italy

History buffs, this is the place for you. Italy is a land rich in history and shopping. Not only are they a cultural food hub, but their shopping environment is housed in historical roman buildings and boasts an impressive selection of historic memorabilia mixed with modern pleasures. Not to mention Vatican City will offer a unique experience that cannot be matched anywhere else. If you want a more traditional shopping experience, Italy isn’t the place. But for anyone who wants to soak up some history while they shop, grab the next flight over.

 

Why Electric Scooters are Perfect for Backpackers

Backpacking is a rewarding test of endurance and character. It requires a level of fortitude that most travelers aren’t capable of. You get to see more of the world and take the roads less traveled. See sights most people would miss and enrich yourself in the real culture of your destination. But there is no reason you should have to trek on foot the whole trip. Sure, public transport will assist you, but there are other options that will ease the burden on your feet and allow you to cover more ground faster, while still providing you with the freedom to go wherever you like.

Electric Scooters

There are two types of electric scooters. The motorbike-like scooters designed for road use. Or the classic stand on scooter powered by a motor. It is these scooters we recommend to you when backpacking. There are a number of reasons an electric scooter is preferable over, say, a bike, or moped.

Firstly, security. As a backpacker, your possessions won’t always be as secure as you might like. This is one of the biggest risks. But electric scooters are unique in that you can fold them up and carry them around or store them by your side. No need to chain them up outside and risk them being stolen.

Secondly, they are easy to use. The Xiaomi m365 scooter from escootersdirect.ie is a perfect example of how user-friendly these scooters can be. Charge it up and you are on your way exploring the streets of wherever you have found yourself in the world.

Lastly, they are extremely customizable. You can add attachments to meet your specific travel needs. GPS systems, storage attachments, security functions. The list is endless as to what you can add. Electric scooters are the perfect travel tool. So it is very much worth investing in one if you are planning a large backpacking trip.

The Best Family Friendly Hotels In The USA

Nothing can quite match the sinking feeling of organizing a vacation, picking the location, buying the tickets, and then arriving at a hotel that is unsuitable for your entire family. This passage will aim to remove this stress from your life by breaking down five of the best family-friendly hotels in the USA.

 

The Inn at Entrada

The Inn at Entrada is a luxurious hotel based in St. George, Utah. Over recent years, the Entrada has invested in its facilities for general families; with the introduction of a brand new pool and soccer, pitches to keep the kids busy. The hotel is still staying open despite the corona crisis and has promised to provide guests with the safest possible experience; but I am sorry to say this does mean an end to the famous free cookies that the Entrada has to offer, well I do suppose that safety does come first.

 

The Woodlands Resort & Conference Centre

Now the important part of this title is the location, the Woodlands resort offers a beautiful slice of paradise in the Texas heat. The Woodlands will probably remind you more of Mexico than any part of the USA, with intense heat and beautiful palm trees. At $150 a night for a two-bedroom room, the Woodlands will offer you the perfect piece of marriage relaxation, as your kids are pre-occupied with the dual waterslides and multiple little hobbies. Now the resort can actually boast an all-new bamboo mattress, I could spend this entire passage talking about the quality of bamboo so just check these reviews of bamboo mattresses.

 

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort

The Cabana Bay Beach Resort is a true blast from the past boasting a 50s themed aesthetic, the look is bound to show your children some memories of your own childhood. As the name would suggest to you the hotel is actually located just next to Universal’s Orlando resort. The 50’s styled diner plays host to a cool vintage style menu, which your kids are bound to enjoy. The hotel is also built on the steps of the new Universal Orlando waterpark giving your children a taste of the future, you will be able to once more enjoy a piece of your past, this hotel is risk-free and is bound to be fun for all the family.

 

Red Cliffs Lodge

To take this passage back to Utah we have the Red Cliffs Lodge. Based on the Colorado river the lodge will offer you and your family a litany of outdoor activities. With everything from horse riding to hiking, while still offering you and your families the modern excitements of a swimming pool and a five-star restaurant. You and your kids can play cowboys in the saloon-style bar and restaurant, or you can leave your kids to play while you and your partner test out the on-site wine testing facilities. For a quiet time away from the city Red Cliffs is an absolute must.

 

Kingsmill Resort

Finally, we have the Kingsmill resort of Williamsburg, Virginia. Perhaps the most all-around inclusion in this list is the Kingsmill, based on the James river the Kingsmill has everything your kid will need. Offering a number of different activities to keep your family busy. For your kids, there are movie nights, camp out nights, and sports pitches, while the parents will have the opportunity to play on the resorts 18 hole golf course. The Kingsmill is the perfect location for any family offering a safe space for the perfect family vacation.

The Best Holiday Destinations for Athletes

Traveling the world is one of the most rewarding things you can do. The benefits of traveling for the mind, body, and for your general intellect have been well documented time and time again. And traveling need not be a fully-fledged holiday abroad, it can simply be taking time to appreciate your own country as well. It is surprising how much is hidden away in your own back yard, so to speak. Regardless of where you go though, travel broadens the mind and opens your heart to new and exciting experiences.

But traveling abroad need not simply be for a vacation. For many athletes, the chance to travel is the chance to take your favorite sport to a new locale and experience it in a new and exciting way. A change of scenery or an added challenge due to terrain is the ultimate thrill for an athlete. But where are the best places to go if you are looking for somewhere new to play? Below we are going to look at some of the best destinations for athletes.

Australia

The great world of the Downunder. Australia is known the world over for its fierce athletes, scorching heat, deadly insects, and beautiful vistas. And it is a hotspot for many exciting sports that bring athletes from the world over every year. The two biggest sports that Australia is perfect for are surfing and diving. So much so that the sports have become national symbols, which most people would agree to highlight the beauty of the country as a whole.

Australia boasts the most luscious beaches anywhere. Clear blue oceans with fantastic waves that will capture the heart of any budding surfer. So its no surprise people flock in their hundreds. And when it comes to diving, make sure you are geared up with all the best equipment from diving picks because you do not want to be caught unprepared when you see the amazing reefs. Diving amongst them is an honor. Keep in mind though they are fragile and need protection.

England

The home of football (Or soccer if you prefer.) England is often associated with stuffy gentlemen, bad weather, and tea. But it boasts a rich and deep history of sports. Famous for sports such as cricket and rugby, alongside football and tennis, England is home to many athletes and some of the finest arenas in the world. England is also home to some lesser-known sports, such as polo and, oddly enough, cheese rolling.

England has a rich tapestry of sports history and activities on offer. For any athlete looking to expand their historical information about a sport or hoping to try something new, England is definitely worth your consideration. The country offers some of the best educational programs too, meaning anyone looking to approach the more theoretical aspects of sports is in good hands in England.

 

Japan

Japan might not be the obvious first choice, but it is the home to the world-famous sumo wrestling. One of the most interesting and unique sports. On top of that, the country is home to some amazing martial arts programs and schools. It is a country of discipline and honor.

To that end, any athlete visiting Japan to hone their skills can expect to find a rich well of resources and information at their disposal. The country does not take things lightly and will make sure you are being taught how to increase your own self-disciple and hone your body and mind as one. On top of that, it has some of the most beautiful scenery, rich history, and fascinating cultural attractions you will ever see.