Now the assignments are in, time for Band of Horses!

After my stress over recent assignments, finally they are submitted! Its always a bit stressful for everyone on the course when we have 4 different assignments in over the space of 2 weeks but we did it! Some of the weight lifted before starting the next ones.

Also one step further on our event, plans with the venue are looking positive. Hopefully we will have the venue confirmed and booked by next week…yay! Other Uni related goings on are my dissertation, due to the other assignments I feel I have neglected it slightly over the last couple of weeks but getting back on track with it from now, which involves me writing the first draft of my questionnaire. I have found that my Psychology and Sociology A-levels have come in so useful for my dissertation, as well as a couple of other assignments on the course. I never thought they would, but they really have giving me a good background knowledge on topics like motivation and understanding of research methods. Thank you A-levels!   

Its been a while but I managed to get to a gig this week. I went to see Band of Horses at the Hammersmith Apollo. I have unintentionally become a bit of a fan girl as I've seen them quite a few times now, but they are defiantly worth it and if you get the opportunity I would recommend. The support act was a British band called Gold Heart Assembly, quite a similar sound to Band of Horses so I was equally impressed with them. The only let down was it was on a Tuesday night, so energy levels were lagging by the evening. It was the last night of their UK tour so the energy was up and the crowd singing away. The band even threw in a special surprise for the start of the encore, if your not familiar with the Hammersmith Apollo there is two levels, the top level has seating with a balcony overlooking the ground floor and stage. Two of the band appeared on the second tier and played acoustic versions of a couple of their songs. It was an amazing atmosphere and interesting way to use the venue, playing their music acoustically overlooking the majority of the audience, something I've not seen before. J

Source: www.gigwise.com                                                                                                                         Source: http://www.bandofhorses.com/uk/music/mirage-rock                                                                           

Football match and progress with my dissertation

After my worries the last couple of weeks about my dissertation I have finally made some progress and even sorted out conducting my primary research, which I am over the moon about. I will be conducting my research over the Christmas break when I return home. Although this mean I’ll have to get on with some serious work over Christmas it means that I can get my research done nice and early and have plenty of time to analyse and conclude my research and time to work on my dissertation before the submission day, fingers crossed all goes to plan and I receive some good results from my research.

Also, our event is also coming together nicely. Finally getting there with confirming our venue, and also date of the event.  We’ve got a name and confirming several of the elements of the event; it’s all starting to become a little bit more real now.

My other piece of coursework which is due this month turned out to be a bit of a disaster. After starting the essay over a month early I thought I was doing pretty well on it. But after having a one to one meeting with my tutor to discuss any problems or questions I discovered that I was a bit off the mark with my content. But luckily I hadn’t gone completely wrong and just needed to re-jig and be more specific with my content to get me back on track, so all was not lost. A big recommendation I would make to any one is really do ask your tutors if you’re not sure, if I hadn’t for example it would have really affected my grade. But by asking early I have now been able to re-jig the assignment and get back on track, with 3 weeks left till I need to submit.

Source: www.mattmcwilliams.com

As the title of the blog suggests I have been to a football match, the first one I’ve ever been to. Now I may hear you cry…football really you’ve never expressed an interest before. Well you would be correct; I didn’t go for fun I went as part of one of my assignments in the Sporting Events module. I went to see the Charlton Athletic verses Cardiff City game which turned out to be a 5-4 result to Charlton. So it was a pretty exciting match to be sitting with the home fans. I have to admit although I am not the biggest football fan I did enjoy myself and really enjoyed the atmosphere of the game. The only thing I would change would be the temperature, five layers and 2 pairs of socks and I was still freezing. 

Dissertation, dissertation, dissertation

Stressed could be one word to describe how I am feeling about my dissertation at the moment. After writing a plan in year 2 I thought I had nailed down my question and topic. But, after further research I am struggling to get any further with my research and also how I am going to obtain my primary research. So you could say it’s been a bit of a nightmare! But, I’ve had a meeting with my dissertation supervisor and we have made plans of where to go next so that I don’t have to completely change my topic (as I was interested in this) but instead just revise my question. I have contacted a few people about doing my primary research; hopefully they will come back positive, fingers crossed!

 

Source: priyamahida.wordpress.com

On a more positive note, planning is coming along nicely for our 3^rd year event which I and my group are planning. We have decided our concept and have been visiting venues; we think we have found the perfect venue, now we need to look at its availability and negotiation of price. Once we found the venue we all got a little bit excited that it was actually going to happen.  

As I mentioned in my previous blog I went to see Michael McIntyre earlier this month. As expected he was extremely funny, I was cracking up with laughter the whole night, a definite must see if you ever get the chance to see him, or I’m sure the DVD will be out in time for Christmas.

Now I had best get back to doing this research and enjoying the lovely fog outside…..!

 

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/6200209.stm

Start of the year 3…

The beginning of my final year and already I am already feeling overwhelmed with the amount I have to do. But I’m desperately trying to get myself in order so that I can get a start on everything.

One of the main stresses I’m having is the dissertation! Is my topic good enough, how I’m going to do my research, how to write it all and what I need to do before March. But this is why it’s so important to have meetings with your dissertation tutor, mine is great and she is helping me to refine my ideas down and make it into realistic research.

 source: hopkins.typepad.com

This year we also have to plan and execute a live event. Myself and my group are in the idea generating stages at the moment for the event, so I’ll keep you posted on what direction we decide to go! But for now are ideas are in a mass of brain storming diagrams.

 source: sageperformance.com

As well as being back in lectures/tutorials I have also been doing some work experience with a company who I have worked with a few times before. They have been great in letting me assist in the final stages of preparation for their festival, giving me even more insight into the exciting, high pace environment of the events world! As well as some more vital skills which I've been itching to learn.

source: http://www.theo2.co.uk/event/michael-mcintyre-2012-20120926.html

  

Something I’m really excited about, and which will defiantly take my mind off the dissertation is that I’m going to see Michael McIntyre this weekend!! Having brought the tickets about the year ago I almost forgot that I even had them. I’ll try not to embarrass myself with embarrassing laughing fits!

End of summer 2012, looking forward to my final year

Since the Olympics I've been busy working with the enquiry unit team during clearing, and now it’s only a fortnight before the new term begins. Where has the time gone?

A side from working, I was able to get home for the bank holiday weekend and spend some time with my family and friends. It was a lovely weekend, I was spoilt being taken out for dinner and some long overdue catch ups were had, even though it was only for a short time it was worth it. Hopefully I’ll see them again soon.

But now back to the start of term, something for everyone to remember, whether you’re a new or current student, is registering. You need to log onto your online portal and click on your online registration and follow the instructions. You will receive emails giving you instructions of what you need to do to register, as well as your username and password. If you haven’t received this or are unsure about if you can register contact the Enquiry unit on 020 8331 9000 and they’ll be able to help you out.

www.tiresias.org

I have been online and completed mine and am awaiting the arrival of my new 2012-2013 student ID card with that special photo of myself I love so much…….or not love in my case. Alongside this I had to make the decisions on which course option I was going to choose this year, I've considered the options carefully and will make sure that when I start this option course it is the one for me, my tutors are very good and give us the chance to change, if the space is available, to choose another option. The option I have chosen is sporting events, this is an area which over the last year I have become more interested in and would like to expand my knowledge further.

www.celetreipuncte.wordpress.com           

www.telegraph.co.uk

Although it’s a scary thought thinking this is my final year, I’m really excited to get started again, it’ll also be great catching up with everyone I haven’t seen all summer. I have been preparing for my dissertation already, looking into my research topic further and how I am going to undertake my research. Also, I am looking into some further work experience opportunities and finally, to be extra prepared I am looking into getting my CV up to scratch so I can begin my job search when I finish university and enter the big bad world.  Which is proving a bit of a challenge, but I will be sure to use the Guidance & Employability Teams (GET) services to help me do this.

All the best of luck to everyone returning and starting university, remember to enjoy your time cause it will go quick, even if daunting at first you will have the time of your life!  J

My Olympic experience

The Olympics is over and after all the training and preparation it’s the weirdest feeling! But this now means I can finally spill the beans and let you know exactly what it was I was doing, but don’t worry I won’t go into every intricate detail. I was based at the Olympic park, in the Olympic hospitality centre. The main function of the centre was for the use of the marketing partner suites and the exclusive clubs within the Olympic hospitality centre. My role within the venue was part of the front of house team; responsibilities included excellent customer service at all times, front and back of house reception desks, welcome centre, ticket control and working within one of the clubs in the venue. I was working alongside an amazing team, who were all a pleasure to work with, really enhancing my experience, and I hope to stay in contact with many of them. The guests who visited the Olympic hospitality centre were equally as lovely to meet, many included members from marketing partner companies, some famous faces, Paralympic and Olympic athletes. WHO, WHO, WHO! I hear you ask, let’s just say I had a lovely conversation with the Mayor of London and got to see a few gold Olympic medals.

I was also lucky enough to get a chance to experience the games from the spectator perspective. I was able to see one of the opening ceremony rehearsals; the atmosphere was amazing and I was blown away by the performance of the volunteers involved, it was clear to see the amount of hard work, determination and time they had given up. The whole performance gave me Goosebumps and even a few tears at times.
I also got to see some sport, I went to see the Handball bronze medal match between Spain and Korea. Initially being worried about my lack of knowledge of the rules of the game, I really enjoyed it! The game is a really fast moving game with goals being score and players being knocked down, quite violently at times I felt, as well as constant music and atmosphere from the crowd, with extra, extra time then being given at the end of the game in order to crown the winners Spain. I would definitely recommend giving handball a look if you ever get the chance, trust me you won’t be disappointed.

Source: http://www.london2012.com/handball/

Finally, I was lucky enough to get a ticket to the closing ceremony. It was incredible and an amazing finish to my whole Olympic experience. Again, the atmosphere inside the stadium was electric, the performance of the volunteers was inspirational and an array of brilliant performers from the best of British music. But, how can I not mention, my childhood dream came true, I saw THE SPICE GIRLS!!! Much to the embarrassment of my colleague next to me I was singing and dancing like a crazy woman….it had to be done. With the ceremony finally concluding with the historic passing of the flag from the current host nation to the next, Rio and the biggest secret of the night, how they would be extinguishing the flame.


Although it was long hours, hard work and at times zombie like tiredness. I would not change any part of my time at the Olympic Games. I had the opportunity to do, see, learn amazing things and meet some amazing people. Soak up the atmosphere of the games all over London, and have an experience that will not only benefit my future but also one which will stay with me a lifetime.

Now the wrap parties are over and I have to hang up my purple polyester, I’m experiencing what’s being coined the ‘Post-Olympic blues’ but it is lovely to finally have a nice rest!

(I didn’t take many photos, but I’ve put a few which I took mainly at closing ceremony in the blog J)

Good luck to everyone getting their A-level and GCSE results!! J

Butter Beer and the Hackney weekend

Now I’ve got some free time before the madness of the Olympics begins and still awaiting grades back from my exams, I’ve had some time to actually enjoy the summer break!

Source: https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/

Last week I went to the Warner Brothers Harry Potter studio tour in London. Two of my friends from home came up to see me and we headed over to the studio in Leavesden. Getting there was a little bit of a trek taking us a while to make it but it was well worth the travel, and the slightly expensive ticket price. As a big fan of the films I loved the tour, you get a real insight and behind the scenes view of how the films are made, seeing the costumes, the set and loads of the significant props made famous in the films. The tour took about 3 hours and is part guided but mainly self-guided so you are able to look at your own pace and get taking photos, which I did, of literally everything! Also while I was there I got to try the infamous Butter Beer….

I would love to tell you it tasted amazing like how they make it out in the films, but as we all know what  you see in the films is not always what you get…..Butter Beer is awful, which was slightly disappointing.  But don’t be disheartened all you Harry Potter fans, I think it’s a bit of a ‘you love it or hate it’ drink so if you get the chance give it a try!

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/events/e9wmxj

I was also lucky enough to get tickets for the Hackney big weekend, it was such a good day and I got to see loads of great acts, like the Vaccines, Rita Ora and my personal favourites Kasabian. The weather was a constant worry throughout the day with a big grey cloud looming over us and showers happening on and off all day but luckily the weather held out and only began to rain heavily at the end of the day.

The Hackney Weekend was part of the London 2012 festival, which is offering various events and performances across the UK in celebration of the Olympic Games, so it was exciting that I got to be able to enjoy part of the Games celebrations. I would definitely have a look at all the celebrations taking place where you are, there could be something exciting happening near you! 

Wishing the best of luck to everyone still doing exams and waiting on results, hang in there and keep positive! J