Good Student Health in 2018

It may seem like stating the obvious to say that your health is really important. What is maybe less obvious though is the fact that, when you look into this issue a little bit and give it some thought, getting into good habits to boost your health isn't actually too difficult.


Take a look at this blog for a brief guide to living more healthily from day to day. Also, have a look online to find out more about how to improve your health even further.

Eating Fruit and Vegetables

You've probably heard it before, but getting your 5-a day of fruit and veg' portions is what you should be aiming for. Please note though that unsweetened 100% fruit juice, vegetable juice or smoothies will only ever count as one portion of your 5-a day. So regardless of how many glasses of juice or smoothies you have had in a day, they will only count as one portion of the 5-a day.

Calories

This may be getting a little too complicated for some, but a “diet” section in a “good health” blog would be conspicuously incomplete without a mention of calories. And, just for something to bear in mind, eating and drinking more calories than you use generally leads to weight gain.

On a daily basis, men generally require approximately 2500 kcal, while women generally need around 2000kcal every day. Depending on age, size etc., these numbers can vary. To keep track of the number of calories your food contains, check the packaging of food bought in shops and supermarkets. And look at the menus in restaurants when eating out, as the information might be displayed there, too.

Fish

Perhaps easily overlooked, the impact of eating fish can definitely be beneficial to your health. Fish provides you with a combination of protein, vitamins and minerals, while oily fish (such as trout, salmon, mackerel, sardines, pilchards, herring and fresh tuna) contain omega-3 fats which can help to prevent heart disease. It's recommended by the NHS that you try to eat a minimum of two portions of fish every week, with at least one of these fish portions being oily fish.

Water and Fluids

You should be making sure that you drink 6-8 glasses of fluids on a daily basis. This amount can increase when the weather is warmer or when you are active.

Try not to drink sugary drinks, as these are high in calories and detrimental to your dental health. It is also not advisable to consume in excess of 150 ml of smoothies, fruit juice and vegetable juice.

Exercise

This doesn't have to mean going to the gym regularly. It can quite easily mean simply being active where possible, such as doing more walking or playing more sports. What is definitely key to using exercise to remain in good health is that you will need to do both aerobic and strength exercises every week.

Up to the age of 18, the NHS guidelines indicate that everyone should complete at least 60 minutes of activity from a moderate nature (e.g. walking and cycling) to a vigorous nature (e.g. Running and tennis) every day. And on three days of the week, you should be doing exercises for strong muscles like push-ups, and exercises for strong bones, like running and jumping.

Adults between 19 and 64 should be aiming for a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity weekly such as cycling or brisk walking, along with strength exercises on a minimum of two days that work the major muscles (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms).

Alternatively...

Do 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity like running or a game of tennis and Strength Exercises on a minimum of two days a week that work all the major muscles (see above).

Or

- Do a combination of moderate and vigorous aerobic activity every week, such as two 30 minute runs and a 30-minute brisk walk (This will amount to 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity). AND Strength Exercises on a minimum of two days that work all the major muscles (see above).

Sleep

Another part of managing good health albeit one that is perhaps easily overlooked, sleep is important. Late nights, going-out and studying can all play a part in lowering the amount of sleep you may be getting, but it is still a good idea to know what to aim for and try to reach this standard. The advice of the NHS is to work out how much sleep you need and aim to get this amount. Though 8 hours of good quality sleep is a general requirement for most people, some of us need more sleep and some need less. Aside from a feeling of tiredness and poor mood, a lack of sleep can also cause a whole range of health issues. So make sure you establish some sort of bedtime routine that gets you relaxed, get a good night's sleep and feel refreshed for the day ahead.

Unihousing Student Accommodation

Birmingham student accommodation that is both impressive and affordable can be discovered with Selly Oak-based registered lettings agents Unihousing. Student housing with Unihousing is equipped with a high-standard of full furnishings for the contemporary student lifestyle. With Selly Oak locations that means the University of Birmingham Edgbaston campus is only a short walk away with the nightlife and amenities of Selly Oak nearby too, Birmingham student accommodation with Unihousing is well-worth a look.

Get in touch with Unihousing today to find out what we can do for you!!

Balancing Work and Fun

At this time of the year, you may be feeling that there is some academic pressure building. Taking a minute though to think about how you can tackle these challenges is something that could help you in a big way. This blog explores how you might want to approach your university tasks, whilst also pointing out the importance of chilling out when you finish for the day.

Before You Get Started

Although it will obviously eat into the amount of time you have to revise, planning your revision is definitely a good tip. You might just want to dive straight into getting it done, but a little bit of planning helps you to organise what you do so that you get more out of it altogether. You could say that even though you lose a little time planning how to revise or study, you will actually use time more effectively in comparison as a result of you taking a more methodical approach. Remember, a failure to plan is a plan to fail!

With that in mind then, maybe try picking up your pen or sitting down at your laptop and begin briefly outlining a few key areas that will form the basis of your revision. You might decide to prioritise the topics or areas that are most difficult for you. Then, you can quickly assign each study area with its own time slot. This way you can be sure that no section of your studying will get too little attention or too much. Very soon you will have some kind of schedule to work to. Make sure as well that you take regular breaks; you could maybe put these breaks into your schedule too so you can be sure that you are taking the right amount of breaks- not too few and not too many.

Getting to Work

Study Area!
First of all, make sure you have created a suitable area for your study sessions. It should be comfortable, quiet, uncluttered and arranged in such a way that you can easily get to everything that you need to. Furthermore, it is sensible for this study area to be in a place that is free from unnecessary distractions.

Learning Strategies!
In terms of actually tackling the work ahead of you, maybe try different revision or study strategies. People can learn in different ways. For example, learning through placing an emphasis on visual materials that possibly incorporate specific colours and diagrams is a means of absorbing information that can benefit certain individuals. So maybe try experimenting until you find a strategy that suits you best.

Research!
If your studying session is one that is dominated by a written assignment, it may be advisable to be mindful of not only writing the assignment but also the research process. Being methodical in your approach to research is sure to lead you to impressive results, and listing the type and strength of your sources as you progress through the research process is just one way of going about this. Plus, aiming to get your research done earlier rather than later is an additional piece of advice you might wish to consider.

Putting Your Feet Up

Once you make it to the end of your revision or studying session, doing whatever it is that you find relaxing is an ideal way to wrap the day up. Apart from this being a welcome reward to all of the hard work, relaxing is key to helping you rest, feel good and getting a good night's sleep so that you're ready for the next day and the next stage of your study.

Getting Enough Sleep

It may sound silly, but ensuring you get enough sleep at the end of the day is actually very important. It really does prepare you for a productive day ahead. And while you may feel as though you can survive on a low amount of sleep to get you through a day of lectures at uni', when the aim is to revise and prepare for what is clearly a crucial period of the academic calendar, a lack of sleep is probably not the best of ideas.

You might be wondering what exactly is “enough sleep”. The NHS highlights the fact that most people require approximately 8 hours of good-quality sleep per night. This amount can vary from person to person, but if you are tired when you wake up in the morning and are desperate to have a nap in the day, it is likely that you have not had enough sleep. However, what is perhaps most useful to remember is that you should attempt to find out the amount of sleep that you need and then do your best to get this amount of sleep at night. According to the NHS, a lack of sleep is also detrimental to your health in a variety of ways.

Student Accommodation with Unihousing

The life of a student is not complete without certain necessary things, with one of these things being accommodation. For Birmingham students, accommodation that is both of a high standard and affordable can be found with registered lettings agents Unihousing. Based in Selly Oak, Birmingham, Unihousing offer student accommodation that is equipped with the kind of furnishings that are ideal for modern student living. Unihousing also has its own team of qualified tradesmen to correct any issues you may have with your property. Their selection of accommodation boasts superb locations that place you within convenient distances from the University of Birmingham Edgbaston campus, Selly Oak amenities and nightlife as well as public transport links that get you to the City Centre and elsewhere. For Birmingham students, Unihousing accommodation is well-worth a look.

Get in touch with Unihousing today to find out what they can do for you!

Enjoying Your Final Weeks at the University of Birmingham

You may be feeling as though your university work never stops, but don't worry, the summer break isn't that far away. Here are some ideas of things that are going on in Birmingham to take your mind off all of the studying for a moment. Well-suited to the student budget, these Birmingham activities are a great way to enjoy yourself with friends and relax during your time away from all of the uni' studying. Plus, they may also be a brilliant way to get in the mood for the forthcoming summer break.

The Glee

Always good for a laugh, The Glee attracts some of the best and funniest performers around. They also host a selection of music acts and Special Events. If you fancy a good giggle and some top-notch entertainment in the heart of Birmingham for a very reasonable price, then head over to The Glee in The Arcadian and make the most of their student tickets priced from a brilliant £6 as well as their fabulous offers on food drink.

Cadbury World

One that's sure to get a positive reaction, one of the great things about being a student in Birmingham is the easy access to the chocolate paradise that is Cadbury World. A short walk from the Bournville train station, Cadbury World is a really worthwhile experience that is more than just a well-earned treat for the taste-buds, making the easy journey to Bournville's Cadbury World an enjoyable day-out that can be easily affordable for those studying at university. Cadbury World Tickets can be purchased by students for only £11.40.

RSC

If you are currently enrolled in a drama/acting/performance related degree course, or even if you're not, this one has a certain timeless appeal. With a history that dates back to 1875, the Royal Shakespeare Company are dedicated to creating fine productions of the works of William Shakespeare as well as the work of other writers. To further boost their appeal, as for students, the RSC is offering tickets to students from just £5!

CBSO

The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra- or CBSO for short- are also helping out students on tight budgets by allowing tickets to be bought for as little as £5. This surprisingly affordable offer is available for those who are in full-time education who have a valid student card.

Custard Factory

One place you may not have heard about yet is definitely worth a visit, is the Custard Factory. Located in Digbeth, and just a short distance from Birmingham's Bullring, the Custard Factory is home to an array of vibrant and inviting independent shops and places to eat or drink, all gathered inside a uniquely presented 15 acres of restored Victorian factories. The Custard Factory also boasts The Mockingbird, a cinema that shows classic films alongside the latest releases, and even has its own quirky crazy golf cocktail venue.

A Lot Going On In Birmingham

Studying can be a lot of work and doing a degree course can be a lot of pressure, but being a student in Birmingham can also be a lot of fun, as this blog has pointed out. So bear it in mind as you continue getting through the assignments and meeting university work deadlines as the days go by. And if you do decide to act now in regards to your accommodation, get in touch with Unihousing today and find out what they can do for you.

Student Accommodation Through Unihousing

As the aforementioned summer break is on the distant horizon, you may feel that this is a prime opportunity to begin looking into your student accommodation options. For Birmingham student accommodation, a super starting point for your search is Selly Oak-based lettings agents Unihousing. Unihousing's student homes are furnished with all that is essential for modern-day student-living.

Not only that, but with the excellent locations of much of their student accommodation, being a tenant with Unihousing means you will be able to easily reach pubs and restaurants in the evening, and all of the necessary amenities that you will need to get to on a regular basis. And, as an added advantage of renting their student accommodation in Selly Oak, you will be able to use the frequent public transport in and around the area to get to Birmingham City Centre and other places in the city.

Preparing Yourself For What is to Come at University

Now the Easter break is over, another much larger holiday will not be far away- the summer. Excitement. Relief. Joy. All of these are things you may feel when you finally make it to the big summer break. And while you should certainly make the most of this time and enjoy it to the fullest, you should maybe take a moment now to think about what you have gained so far from this academic year and what could be improved before summer gets here. Understandably, this may not be an appealing idea. It does have its merits though, as this period of time at uni' could go by quickly, so doing your best to make this period as successful as possible before you begin a well-earned break over the summer months is worth considering.

Academic Improvement & What To Do!

First of all, it would be very advisable to look into your academic performance up to this point. Any marks and grades and feedback you have received in relation to your work are worth re-reading and digesting properly. From there you can begin to construct some sort of plan that can help you to enhance your achievements in your studies.

Aside from reviewing the work you have done and highlighting the areas where you could make changes with reinforcement from the marking from your lecturers, you can also reflect on your method of working. The approach you take to your studies and the process as a whole can quite easily influence the outcome of your work.

Research!

A good place to begin checking how well you tackled your assignments or other work for your university course is the research stage. This may be a more laborious part of the process and can be difficult to motivate yourself for. If however, you ensure that the research you conduct is organised and always focused around the objectives of the piece of work you're trying to complete, you should have a solid foundation for a quality assignment. Leave plenty of time to get it done, and if you find you're really struggling with it, ask for help.

Planning!

Going hand-in-hand with the research stage is the planning element of your assignments. Some people may feel that planning isn't necessary, but it is highly recommended. Planning efficiently allows you to gather your thoughts and research together, and to build a structure for your work. It gives you the chance to direct what you are attempting to do towards the set objectives of the assignment. It can also ensure that you remain focused throughout writing the assignment. If you have noticed that your written work is in need of improving, then maybe think about better planning and how this could have an impact on your results.

Putting Pen to Paper

Then there's the actual writing part of the assignment. Everyone is different, and everyone has a preferred way of writing. What is sure to benefit everyone who has written work to complete though are the conditions in which this work is done. To get the right conditions for doing your assignment, sit in a comfortable chair, in a room that has a comfortable temperature and ensures you have no distractions around you. Take carefully scheduled breaks during this period of writing and always leave enough time for a thorough check of what you have written.

At Uni'

In addition to the studying you do at home, the time spent at university is hugely important, too. Bringing this up may seem like pointing out the obvious, but a strong level of attendance at your lectures is essential. And of course, when you are present at lectures, concentrate and try to gain as much as you can. So, if you have missed some lectures in recent times for whatever reason, or haven't focused as much as you could have, now is the time to put this right and increase your chances for academic success.

A Roof Over Your Head

Another reason that having this little break is so useful is that it gives you time to consider your student home and whether you would like a change. If this is the case for Birmingham students, then Unihousing are here to help. Registered letting agents based in Selly Oak, Birmingham, Unihousing offer high-standard student accommodation that comes with affordable price tags and excellent locations. Equipped with all that is needed for comfortable and convenient student living on a day-to-day basis, Unihousing's student homes are an obvious pick of accommodation for your university days.

Best Foot Forward

Whatever your opinions are of how you have been doing lately at university, taking a couple of minutes to think about how you can improve is not a bad thing. And neither is making a decision about living somewhere that is better for you as you continue to make progress in this academic phase of your life. All that needs to happen now is for you to get thinking and put the effort in.

Pubs, Clubs and Birmingham Grub

Want to go out but need some inspiration? Well then, here are just a few ideas of places in Birmingham where you can go and get a bite to eat or have a few drinks with friends without breaking the bank. This is because some of the places mentioned here have special deals that will make going out that little bit lighter on your bank balance.

Jekyll and Hyde (Birmingham City Centre)

Situated on Steelhouse Lane in the City Centre of Birmingham, Jekyll and Hyde is an inviting pub that bursts with its own sense of individuality, making it perfect for those new to the city wanting to see the unique character of a night out in Birmingham. Plus it makes for a very welcome night-out that differs from some of the more slick, contemporary experiences that can be found elsewhere.

At Jekyll and Hyde you will find a splendid selection of ales and cocktails, and throughout the week you have the opportunity to make your own cocktails in the Gin Cocktail Masterclass. Throughout May they are holding special Pint of Science discussions with noted scientists, and, every Monday is Board Not Bored Monday, where you can roll the dice on a number of board games whilst making the most of their cocktail Happy Hour at the same time!

The Sunflower Lounge (Birmingham City Centre)

Not too far from this intriguing little place is the Sunflower Lounge. Positioned on Smallbrook Queensway, The Sunflower Lounge is one of those places that is unmistakably cool. Wander into the Sunflower Lounge, order yourself a drink at the bar and instantly begin to soak up the vibrant yet chilled-out atmosphere all around you. To really get the full experience, pencil in a day in your diary to come along when a band is playing live, and enjoy a mix of drinks, sounds and socializing with your mates.

One Trick Pony Club (Moseley)

Birmingham's nightlife is spread-out further than just the limits of the City Centre, so take the opportunity that being a student in this city affords you and head-off to a town like Moseley, and make a visit to One Trick Pony Club. Alluring to the eye, this people-magnet ably caters to those looking for a fantastic meal or a drink with friends as well as those that want to watch one of the various live acts that perform there. One Trick Pony is well-worth a visit.

Hare and Hounds (Kings Heath)

Another place that's ideal when it comes to exploring the night-out options in Birmingham, Hare and Hounds in Kings Heath is a stylish music venue that gives you the intimate local live music experience and does it all for prices that are nice and affordable for the student budget. A great place to gather for a few rounds of drinks as well, Hare and Hounds is also an easy choice for an excellent plate of food.

Prezzo (Harborne)

Those who have never been to Harborne before will be struck by its delicate charm. It features an array of pretty shops and cafes, yet for those there in the evening, it's a pretty good place get a meal on a student budget. Prezzo can be found neatly tucked away in the School Yard development off Harborne High Street. A slightly more formal setting perhaps, Prezzo is nonetheless a mouth-watering prospect for those with hungry stomachs. And with money off via valid NUS cards, this Italian treat is perfectly affordable for students, meaning you can enjoy some delicious cuisine for an equally tasty price.

Loco Lounge (Kings Heath)

Great food served up in a fun, casual environment is exactly what you can expect at Kings Heath's Loco Lounge. Amongst the hustle and bustle of the High Street, Loco Lounge is a laid-back place that is centered around its lovely tapas dishes. Other delicious meals and tasty desserts are on the menu, too. And to make things even better for students short on the cash, Loco Lounge provides some money-saving opportunities on different days throughout each week.

Kicking off the Loco Lounge week is Cheeky Monday, where you can get a free drink or pudding if you order a special, main or burger from 5pm. Tuesdays are Tapas Tuesdays, meaning that you can enjoy three tapas with a glass of wine from £9.95. And from Monday - Friday, they do the Breakfast Club, which encompasses a Lounge or Veggie Breakfast with a cup of tea or filter coffee for £7.25. Running until 12pm, this should be a nice, belly-filling start to the day for those up in time.

Accommodation with Unihousing

Always worth thinking about if you're a student, is your accommodation, especially with summer on the horizon. For Birmingham students, student accommodation that is both affordable and of a high standard can be discovered with Selly Oak-based registered lettings agents Unihousing. Providing both studios and houses that are equipped with the kind of furnishings that you need for easy and convenient living, and with locations that are excellent for modern-day student living, Unihousing is an obvious option for Birmingham student accommodation.

Get in touch today to register your interest and see what Unihousing can do for you!