6 Tips for Finding Your Dream Job after University

Looking for a job after university can be challenging. It’s difficult to put yourself out there and try to find the next step after finishing your degree. Here are a few helpful tips when entering into the whirlwind of job hunting.

1. Be Original, Make Yourself Stand Out

Most employers don’t like vague applications. They want to see your skills, interests and what you could bring to their company. When you choose jobs that fit into your interests and even passions, your application is more likely to reflect that. Additionally, if you were to get an interview, being genuinely excited about the role will help you shine and stand out.

When writing your CV, try to make it flow well together. Find ways to showcase your skills and display how all of your experience would be useful to the employer and the role. Don’t be afraid to continuously develop your CV, making changes depending on the type of job, the company and what the job description is.

2. Do Not be Disheartened if You Don’t Find the Perfect Job Right off the Bat

When you finally cross that finish line at the end of University, it’s normal to want to find the perfect job straight after you graduate. But the truth is, this doesn’t always happen. It can be difficult finding jobs when you first finish your studies and depending on your degree, there may only be a select number of ‘perfect jobs’.

It’s important to remember that your first job doesn’t define what the rest of your career will look like. In our generation, we have the option to move on from jobs when it feels right or stay for as long as we want. We have the chance to try out different jobs and experience a variety of jobs.

Additionally, it can be extremely difficult to find motivation for your job search, if you have the added pressure of finding the all defining perfect job. Instead, think more about what you would like to be doing in the next 12-24 months.

The most important thing is to get your foot in the door. If you can find a job that will enhance your skills and further your development, you are already one step closer. The more experience you can build, the more likely it is that you won’t be looked over in the application process.

3. A Masters Degree Does Not Guarantee a Job

Deciding to carry on higher education to receive a Masters degree can be a difficult decision, which entirely depends on the individual's position. However, completing a Masters degree does not guarantee that you'll get the perfect job. In some roles, the experience you can gain in a graduate job position will be more important for your future. If you decide that completing a Masters is not the right step for you, there is nothing wrong with that.

For some, studying a masters could offer unique skills and experience that would be difficult to find elsewhere. And for others, finding a job and getting their foot in the door could be a better alternative.

4. Make the First Step and Get the Ball Rolling

The internet is filled with a variety of resources and social networking opportunities. Utilising platforms such as LinkedIn or Twitter can give you visibility of specific companies, providing you with the opportunity to see when they are hiring and whether you would fit the role.

Social networking is a great way to communicate with employers and begin to get your name out there. Many businesses, small companies and creators use social media as a way to promote their company but also tend to scout out new talent and fresh ideas.

Another thing to remember is to keep your social platforms clean. Research suggests that 40% of employers use social media to check up on applicants and screen potential candidates. It’s important that everything you have online paints a good picture of who you are.

You can also use your social media platforms to display your work and knowledge. You could start a website representing what you are interested in, your skills, achievements or projects, ensuring that employers will experience more of who you are when they go looking.

5. Be Proactive and Put Yourself Out There

When it comes to looking for jobs, the more time and effort you put into it, the more likely you will be noticed. This is your chance to take control of your career so take the time to fully commit to the process and give it your all.

Try following these steps:

Know the Industry

Find out what employers and companies are doing in your field of work. Stay informed using social media and always grow your knowledge of what businesses are out there and who you would like to work for.

Search out Employers

In this industry, the power is always in the hands of the employer. Often they’ve received dozens of applications and have a sea of choice. Don’t just wait for adverts. Getting your face out there and proactively searching and meeting employers could mean that if a job does arise, your foot is already in the door.

Make Contact With People who Already do the Roles That you Want

People in the role that you are interested in can give you advice on the trade and even connect you with employers. Many companies often hire someone who is recommended by a trusted source, so by getting to know others in your field of work, you are more likely to be recommended when jobs come up. In time, you will have grown a wide network of people who can recommend you.

6. Never Give up on Your Dream Job

It is important to understand that the competition for graduates finding a job can be very high. That being said, try not to get disheartened when looking for the next step. Remember what your dream job is and keep hold of it. Chances are, one job will lead to another, and the skills and experience you gain will bring you closer to your dream job.

By finding jobs that are in line with your ideal career path, likely, you will eventually be able to find something down the line that is perfect for you. Sometimes, it just takes time. But do not give up, and believe that you have what it takes to find a job and be confident in your skills and what you could bring to a company.     

And remember, it’s fine to be unsure of what you want to do with your future. Chances are, your ‘dream job’ will change over time. Our interests change and the job market also morphs and develops. Enjoy this time you have to discover what you are passionate about, learn, and gain new experiences and skills.

For those still at university, finding accommodation that suits your requirements will be a big priority, especially as the next academic year approaches. Unihousing are here to help students find their ideal accommodation at university, including houses, studios, flats and apartments. We also offer student accommodation for couples. Contact our reception today to find out how we can help you. 

Unihousing: Finding the Best Accommodation for You

As the academic year finishes and the new one is just around the corner, it is never a bad idea to start thinking about future accommodation. Whether you are just starting your degree or continuing your studies in the Birmingham area, it’s important to consider all of your options.

With versatile properties such as studios, flats and houses, Unihousing are one of the most trusted student landlords based in Selly Oak. We are here to help you find the property that meets your needs and your budget. Currently, we are listing new, must-see properties for the start of the 2020 academic year.

Is Unihousing right for me?

It is never too early to begin thinking about accommodation and housing. By starting early, you can have plenty of time to find student accommodation in the location that you desire and for the best price. With our wonderfully diverse properties in ideal locations, Unihousing is sure to provide you with the best-suited properties, which can meet your requirements.

As one of the best registered-landlords in Selly Oak, Unihousing has a strong track record in providing properties that fully satisfy the needs of students and professionals. We pride ourselves on offering personal service and a responsive maintenance team who deal quickly and efficiently with any problems that may arise in your home. The best way to find the ideal accommodation is to start by having a look at our extensive list of professional and student lets in Selly Oak, Harborne and Kings Heath.

Studios to Let in Birmingham

For some, the idea of sharing a space with others can seem quite daunting. If you are looking for spacious living that is solely for you, a studio could be the right option. Our modern open plan studios provide all that you would need including a double bed, desk, attractive kitchenette and an immaculate washroom. These 1 or 2 person studios are excellent for someone who enjoys having their own space and desires privacy and quiet.

Our studio spaces in Selly Oak boast high standards of comfort and convenience. We offer spacious properties, complete with appliances and all of the necessary amenities. Additionally, a Selly Oak studio includes double glazing, laminated flooring throughout, central heating and all the necessary furnishings, including a washing machine.

Flats and Apartments

Whether you are looking for a 2 or 1 bed flat in Selly Oak, our professional and student flats are another superb option for a quieter living space. Similarly to studios, our apartments have a semi-open plan design. With separated private bedrooms, these properties also provide a spacious common room and kitchen area. If you would enjoy a little more space and having friends over from time to time, a flat/apartment could be the best choice for you.

Shared Houses

Our houses to let in Selly Oak are great if you are craving a bigger space, ideal for hosting and spending time with friends. If you are someone who loves the community and thrives with people, our shared houses could be the best fit for you. Commonly consisting of 3-5 rooms in Selly Oak, these houses offer privacy for all tenants, whilst also providing large communal spaces.

Why Selly Oak?

Selly Oak truly is the prime student location to live in. With its excellent facilities and reliable transport, our Selly Oak properties are brilliantly located near the University of Birmingham. With a multitude of shops and supermarkets, a wide variety of cafes, pubs and restaurants, Selly Oak provides all that you could want or need.

Whilst being near to the University of Birmingham, our student properties are also very close to the local train station and bus routes. This provides easy and quick access to the City Centre and beyond. In the city centre, you will find numerous high street shops, activities and entertainment, along with the busy nightlife of Broad Street and Brindley Place.

Selly Oak is also close by to other villages like Moseley, Kings Heath and Harborne, filled to the brim with culture, activities and fun nights out. While Selly Oak has several local parks and hotspots, located not too far away are some other wonderful places to visit; including Cannon Hill Park, the Midlands Arts Centre, the Edgbaston Cricket Ground and even the Botanical Gardens.

What's Next?

Finding somewhere that is best suited for your requirements is important. It is never too early to start thinking about accommodation for your next academic year. If you wait too long, you might miss out on your ideal accommodation.

Unihousing, commonly referred to as "the best landlord in Selly oak", are here to help find the right property for you. Have a look at our website and the properties that we offer to find your ideal accommodation.

Don’t miss out on your choice of the best student accommodation, contact our friendly reception team today and they can help you find your ideal let in Selly Oak.

7 Things All Students Should Do While Studying in Birmingham (Once Quarantine Ends)

The city of Birmingham has a rich history and culture. Even though it’s second in population to London, Birmingham is more ethnically and culturally diverse than the capital. This mix of different people and ways of living has produced a range of interesting places to visit, foods to eat, and sights to see.

Below, we look at just a small selection of things available in Birmingham that all students should experience. After the COVID lockdown, you could go down this list and choose something to do with your friends to catch up. Alternatively, something on this list might make a nice date experience for you and your significant other.

1) Dive into the National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham

The National SEA LIFE Centre makes for a wonderful day out, with loads to see and experience. With over 2,000 sea creatures, you’re very likely to find your favourite animal. Some events take place throughout the day including talks and feedings. You can also enjoy a close-up look at the sea life by walking through the 360° ocean tunnel. The SEA LIFE Centre is very easy to visit, being just a short walk away from Birmingham New Street.

2) Indulge Yourself at Cadbury World

Located in Bournville, just up the road from the student village of Selly Oak, visiting the famous chocolate factory is a unique experience. On a self-guided exhibition tour or the factory, you can learn about the history of the brand, how the chocolate is manufactured and shipped around the world and have a go at making chocolate. Of course, there will also be plenty of opportunities to eat chocolate along the way!

3) Get Spicy with a Balti

One of Birmingham’s claims to fame is being the birthplace of the classic Balti curry. While there are copious Indian restaurants in the UK that can cook up a Balti, to get the full experience you’ll need to visit one of the original ‘Balti Houses’ that make up the ‘Balti Triangle’ in the south of Birmingham. Luckily, this is just a short taxi ride away, or you can catch a couple of busses.

4) Peruse the Custard Factory

The Custard Factory is a great place to spend a day looking around shops and finding interesting experiences. This beautifully restored Victorian factory is a creative hub for many different independent shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. The Mockingbird Cinema & Kitchen is a great place to visit for your first time at the Custard Factory. You can easily walk to the Custard Factory from Birmingham New Street.

5) Treat Your Taste Buds at the Digbeth Dining Club

Birmingham’s award-winning street-food market is a popular event in the Midlands, where food traders around the UK come together to provide a quality dining experience. Whatever you’re fancying, whether it’s burgers, hotdogs, waffles, pies, or burritos, there’s likely to be a vendor for you. Digbeth Dining Club is just a short jaunt away from the Custard Factory, making it easily accessible for students via Birmingham New Street.

6) Learn Something New at the Library of Birmingham

The Library of Birmingham is the largest public library in Europe, spread over 10 floors with over 800,000 books and numerous collections. The architect referred to the building as the ‘people’s palace’, and it’s easy to see why, with so much knowledge freely available to the public. The library also includes other facilities, such as an outdoor amphitheatre, garden terraces and a panoramic viewing gallery at the very top. Located in the city centre, you can easily visit the library from Grand Central.

7) Partake in Beer and Hotdogs at the Christmas Market

The Frankfurt Christmas Market is yet another result of the cultural diversity in Birmingham. The market is a great reminder that Christmas is on the way and is a great way to spend time with friends. You can find all sorts in the German Market, including carol singing, classic German food and drink including pretzels, schnitzels, bratwursts, glühwein and Weissbier, and handcrafted decorations and toys. The Christmas Market runs from mid-November through to the 23rd of December each year.

Having a bucket list of the things you’d like to see, try and do while living in Birmingham is a great idea, but first-things-first, you’ll need somewhere to stay during your studies. Unihousing offer student accommodation in Selly Oak, just a short walk from the University of Birmingham. We have a selection of studios, houses and apartments which can fill your requirements. We can also cater for student couples, with one of our twodio properties.

Don’t miss out on your choice of the best student accommodation, contact our friendly reception team today to register your interest and book a viewing.

6 Tips for Effective Home Study

During this strange time, many people are having to work from home. While some of us are used to home study, this can be difficult for others. Distractions, poor working environments, and a habit of procrastinating are all potential causes of ineffective home study. It’s become more important than ever to find a solution to these problems so that you can continue to learn and develop your skills.

There are a number of steps that you can take to give yourself the best chance for effective studying. Some of these are as simple as giving yourself a good area to work in, whereas others are more about tricking your brain into “studying mode”. Giving yourself the best chance possible to study effectively will help you retain and improve your knowledge until you get back to uni.

1) Keep to a Routine

Losing your daily structure can massively impact your ability to retain information. It’s very easy to accidentally switch to holiday mode, and start waking up later, but this can hurt your studies. You should focus on getting up at the same time each day and stick to your normal routine for attending lectures and studying, minus leaving the house.

Keeping to a daily structure can help your motivation and maintain your mental health. A good routine also means that you can fit in some exercise, and still have time for relaxing in the evening. Not to mention the ability to regulate your sleeping schedule, which can often deteriorate when you lack a routine.

2) Don’t Succumb to Laziness

We all know how tempting it is to spend all day in your pyjamas when you know you don’t need to go out. However, getting dressed in a fresh set of clothes each day can trick your brain into work mode, and give you an energy boost. This also has the same benefits as the previous tip; keeping to this routine can help you stay motivated.

3) Take Regular Breaks

It can be easy to fall into the trap of studying all the time while you’re at home. Without the need to go anywhere, and without the clear divide between home and university, you may find that you’re studying for a lot longer than you realise. This can cause extra stress during this already stressful time, which will hurt your ability to study.

Taking a break regularly, and finishing your studies exactly when you should, can help you maintain the uni/home divide. A break can involve simply going for a walk around the house and getting a cup of tea. Alternatively, you can make your break more involved, by doing something more active such as yoga, or watching an episode from whatever show you’re currently on.

4) Create a Tidy Working Environment

Your working environment can influence your ability to retain information. Studying in a messy or crowded area can cause distractions or may lead to you not being able to study to the best of your ability. This extends to your digital working space as well; by reducing the number of distractions on your computer when you’re studying, you’ll be able to study more effectively.

You can start by having a clean and tidy desk to do your studies from. You should remove any distractions and give yourself plenty of space to write any notes or read any books. If you find that you’re spending too much time on your phone, try putting it in another room and only checking it when you have a break.

5) Use Technology to Help

Technology really can help make your life easier when studying. Several companies are also offering free access to their services during the coronavirus outbreak; make sure you do your research as to what’s available, and how trustworthy the company offering the service is. For example, Zoom, while easy to use, has many security flaws.

If you need to work on a project with other people, Google has lots of resources that can help. Google Hangouts allows you to talk to your project members, while Google Docs and Google Drive can help you collaborate on your work. There are also programs such as Google Calendar which you can use to manage your time.  

6) Stay in Touch with Your Friends and Family

Now, more than ever, we should be spending time keeping in touch with our friends and family. Reaching out to people can help if you feel alone being at home, and you may find that you’re helping others by giving them someone to talk to. This is especially important if you’re still staying in your student accommodation and haven’t returned home.

Staying in contact can be as simple as giving someone a call, but you can also use apps to video chat with your friends and family. Facebook Messenger and Facetime are both free apps that you can use to video call with other people. You could make this a regular part of your routine, which can give you something to look forward to.

Unihousing Student Accommodation

Being prepared for the next academic year at university can help reduce some of the stress caused by the COVID-19 lockdown. Unihousing is still open and can assist you in finding your ideal student accommodation at the University of Birmingham. By contacting our reception team, they can take down your requirements and send through details of any properties that may suit you.

All our Unihousing student accommodation, including our Selly Oak studios provide good working environments for home study. Our quality student lets feature a spacious study area, with enough room for your computer and any study material. Many of our student studios also include free internet in the cost of the rent, so you can study effectively and stay in touch with loved ones.

Talk to our friendly reception team today so you can find your ideal student accommodation for the next academic year.

Contact Unihousing Today to Discover What We Can Do For You!!

How to Turn Your Student House in Selly Oak into a Student Home

Moving away from home to study at university is a big change for many people. It’s important to look for the special touches that can help make your student house feel just like home. This will make your time at university less stressful and can help you enjoy living in your Selly Oak student house. Getting this right can be a game changer for you to lead a happy and successful lifestyle whilst you are studying at university.

We understand the importance of being comfortable in your living environment. That’s why all of our properties have double glazing and gas central heating, and come with white goods such as a washing machine and fridge/freezer. Having these essentials provided in your student house will help to make you feel right at home. Some of our properties include en-suite bathrooms and open plan living areas for added comfort and convenience.

Sometimes we can do without the stress of paying utility bills, which is why some of our properties come with bills included with the rent. This helps to reduce the hassle when renting with us. In addition, all our properties are located within walking distance of the University of Birmingham and the useful amenities on Selly Oak’s Bristol Road. This means you can enjoy short walks to and from lectures and easier grocery shopping.

We aim to provide a homely feel to our Unihousing student houses. By using colour and lighting correctly in each room and using quality décor and furnishings, this helps to create a space where you can feel relaxed, at home, and studious. This space is going to be your home for the academic year, so it’s important that it fits your definition of home.

How Lighting Can Create a Homely Environment

It is amazing how creative use of light can transform a room. Most places will only have one central light to illuminate your room which is usually in the form of a typical ceiling mounted light. This can make the room feel small and often colder than the room actually is. Our student homes use spotlights which create a more modern and open environment helping the rooms to feel more spacious, light and airy.

You may wish to add a personal touch to your room by using coloured fairy lights. This is such an easy, cost effective way of making your room feel cosier and more enjoyable to be in. Desk lamps are an essential when you are studying to help you see what you’re doing, and make you feel more studious. Lamps can also add a nice little bit of extra light to your room if you have it on during the evenings too.

However, you don’t have to entirely depend on artificial light. Try and have your curtains open with natural light coming in as much as you can. Studies have shown people are more productive when working in natural light, so keep that in mind when you’re studying. You can maximise natural daylight by using free standing mirrors and any mirrors that may already be provided.

Using Colour to Express Yourself

Using colours to express yourself can really help make your student house in Selly Oak feel like a home. Our student homes use a neutral tone to the paint work and all floors have laminate wooden flooring. This means you can use your own taste in colour to brighten things up the way you like it. You can add accents of colour by using the before-mentioned coloured fairy lights, as well as cushions, rugs, photo frames, and of course your choice of bedding.

Adding a touch of nature can also be a good way to make your student accommodation feel more homely. Plants are always great for student rooms, they add a lovely colour and help make the air feel fresher. If you’re worried about keeping the plant alive, you could invest in some artificial plants for the same affect.

Enhance Your Room Using Photos

While some may view this as cliché, especially in this digital age, using photo frames to display photos of your friends and family is a wonderful method of making your student house feel more homely. Most of our Selly Oak student lets come with a pinboard ready to use to display your photos and happy memories. If this is too old-fashioned for you, you could invest in a digital photo frame to display a selection of photos.

Make Your House Smell Like Home

Another great way to add that homely touch is by using fragrance. You can buy plug-in fragrances, sprays or potpourri. Please be aware however, that candles are often not allowed in student accommodation. A good alternative is a diffuser, which can provide a large number of scents and fragrances to help make your house smell like home.

Live with People You Enjoy Being Around

Choosing your housemates is an important decision, as you’ll be spending a whole year around them. You should make sure that the people you’re living with are tidy, responsible, and respectful about boundaries and your space. Of course, you should choose people who you know you’ll enjoy being around as well.

Living with people who refuse to clean, are noisy at unsociable hours, or help themselves to your leftovers in the fridge without permission can create a stressful environment. Just because you are friends with someone doesn’t necessarily mean that they’ll be a good housemate. Once you’ve got a group of people to rent with, you should look at the following things to help smooth over the house search:

Agree on a Budget

No matter how nice the place is, staying inside a realistic price bracket is fundamental when choosing your student accommodation with Unihousing. Some of our Selly Oak properties are inclusive of utility bills, however, for those properties that are not inclusive, we recommend establishing and agreeing to keep to a budget for those utility bills. Don’t forget you will also need to budget for food and any other daily or weekly expenses you have.

Have a Look for Yourself

Perhaps the most important part of house hunting is to see the property for yourself, and preferably during daylight hours. This will give you the best idea as to whether you can see yourself living there. By seeing it in person, and not just through images on the Internet, it’ll also give you a chance to ask the current tenants about the house/landlord and any issues they’ve faced.

Brush Up on the Legal Bits

Contracts:
Taking on a Unihousing property means signing a contract. You have rights as a tenant, which you can speak to the Student’s Advice Centre at university about, before you sign all the documents. The tenancy contract is a legally binding document, because of that we recommend you don’t sign it until you have been to view the property and are sure you want to live there. If you are renting with friends, it is advisable to come to an agreement around finding another tenant if you have to move out before the contract terminates.

Rent:
Your contract with Unihousing will specify how much the rent is, when it should be paid and if utility bills are included or payable separate. It may also include any instances where you will be charged extra fees for replacing lost keys, late payment of rent or calling out the landlord for problems caused by the tenants.

Tenant’s obligations:
This section normally takes up a large part of the tenancy contract. Unihousing contracts will define what you are responsible for when it comes to the home you’re about to sign for. As a tenant, your responsibilities typically include general maintenance, keeping the property clean and tidy, behaving in a respectful manner towards neighbours and how the property is to be handed back at the end of the tenancy. Read these clauses carefully and ensure you fully understand them before signing the contract.

Landlord’s obligations:
In the contract it should state what the landlord is responsible for. This will normally include any major house repairs and maintenance, and ensuring the safety of gas, electric and fire at the property. According to Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, a landlord should give 24 hours’ notice before entering the premises, unless it is an emergency. Most of Unihousing’s properties come fully furnished and with all appliances. If any of the appliances become faulty or there is an issue with furniture such as beds, you can raise the issue with our dedicated maintenance team.

Deposits:
Typically, your contract should acknowledge receipt of the deposit, which should be similar in price to a month’s rent, and how it will be returned to you at the end of your tenancy. If the contract doesn’t say anything about this, then get your landlord or letting agent to amend the contract or provide you with a written receipt.

Visit our website to find your student home for the next academic year. 

6 Apps That Will Make You More Productive at University

Sometimes it can be prudent to take a look at making your life a little more organised. You can do this using a few helpful apps, which could be used to make your uni experience run a little bit smoother and hopefully, make you more productive. It can be easy to fall into a slump and start procrastinating, but hopefully by using one of the following apps you can improve your productivity.

1. Evernote

Note taking isn't everyone's favourite method of organisation, but it can be the ultimate time-saver. By taking detailed notes in lectures, workshops, one-on-ones with tutors and while conducting research you can save yourself extensive hours of looking up certain facts or info you might need down the line. We can’t remember everything, so taking notes can give you more mental space for more important things.

Evernote is a useful, free note-taking app, ideal for fully customisable note-taking. With this app, you can add images, audio, and files from Google Drive and even little sketches and handwritten notes that might help jog your memory. Evernote gives you the ability to use whatever medium best suits you and the project at hand. Additionally, you can add tags to organise your material and even create reminders within the app. This would be extremely helpful for remembering all the important things that could otherwise be forgotten, like deadlines, lectures and even household chores or needed groceries.

Evernote also offers a range of extensive templates to choose from, including a menu plan, daily planner, travel calendar and even a personal stress log. With this app you can ensure that all areas of your life are organised and in one place, which means everything is easy to find and maintain. It can also help relieve a lot of unneeded stress in your life.

2. Google Drive

Uni work can be a hassle when you are working on bigger projects and using bigger files. Google Drive is an excellent asset for file storing and sharing and is widely recognised. Particularly for group projects, having a program where you can all share files in one place and have access to everything is hugely beneficial. You can also create Google Docs which can be edited by multiple people, meaning that you don’t all have to be in the same place. From extensive videos, photos and other media, to PDFs and word documents, this app has you covered.

Do you have a backup of your work? If you don’t, you should get a backup of all your university work onto Google Drive. If the worst comes to pass, and your computer is either broken or lost, a backup will save all of your work. Losing your work can be disastrous and stressful; so save yourself that stress by making sure you have a backup.

3. Forest

One of the main difficulties with university life is the constant over-stimulation and stress from your phone, computer, and the rest of the world around you. Forest is a brilliant app to help you disconnect from your phone and other technology that can be preventing you from focusing and creating your best work. Though it’s important to have time to chill out, it’s also crucial to disconnect when there’s work to be done.

Forest’s whole premise is to help you focus on your work while simultaneously helping the environment and making a positive impact on the world around you. When you open the app, you plant a seed and leave your phone to go concentrate on your work. If you leave your phone for long enough, you’ll receive a reward and your seed will grow into a tree, which can become a real tree via the app’s partner, Trees For The Future. So, you are not only using this app to focus on your life and work, but you are also contributing to the development of nature and our ecosystem.

4. Todoist

As your projects, essays and lectures can start piling up high, there are apps out there to help you manage your tasks and reduce your stress. Todoist helps you organise your tasks and projects in priority order, by managing your important dates both in university and in your personal life and can also help track your process against your own goals. In order to better organise each task, you can also create and add sub-tasks, to plan out your projects and goals step-by-step.

Starting is always the first and hardest step, and it can be daunting looking at a blank sheet of paper, unable to figure out where to go or even where to start. Todoist allows you to break your assignments down, helping you focus on all your work step-by-step in a way that feels organised, stable and easy to maintain. You can create simple steps and goals to give you the confidence to keep moving forward until your projects are finished and your goals are achieved.

5. 24me Smart Personal Assistant

For some of us, we can get lost in starting up an organiser and/or a planner. They can feel overwhelming at times and don’t always have all the helpful features to help keep you organised and on top of life. 24me Smart Personal Assistant is a personal organiser that stores your calendar, all your tasks and notes in one place so you can easily view and manage your upcoming dates and deadlines. Sometimes we end up having too many apps for too many different things, but with this app, you can bring it all together in one.

Knowing your weekly, monthly and even yearly plans can give you back a bit of your sanity. If you are plagued by that feeling of forgetting something you know was important, this app could be for you. By having the ability to quickly add and remove tasks, dates and deadlines, 24me is sure to help with your productivity and will save you much needed time.

6. Google Calendar

We have reached our final app on this list. To round off the best apps for organisation and staying on top of your dates, Google Calendar simply has to be added to the mix. If you are needing a clearer and simpler calendar app, this app does wonders in keeping track of daily events and appointments. One of the main features is the ability to sync your university timetable to the app, allowing easy access to the times and locations of all your lectures and classes.

Since this app can be connected straight to your email, it can also automatically add certain events/dates like appointments, flights and birthdays. You can also set tasks for yourself and receive reminders throughout the day and week to help you get on with your schedule and stay in tune with life and all its’ busyness.

Another interesting feature that Google Calendar offers, is the ability to combine/sync your calendar with someone else. You can create mutual calendars with family members, partners or friends, as a way of staying connected with other people’s schedules and events that are useful for you to know. This app has a lot to offer and can add a significant amount of organisation and stress-free living to your day to day life.

Staying on top of university life can be extremely challenging to do on your own, so why not try some of these helpful resources, and see how much your stress level can decrease and your organisation skills can increase. Don’t let the busyness of life take you over, but instead, control it and make it work for you.

Another way you can reduce your stress at university is by sorting out your student accommodation for the next academic year. Whether you're looking for a 1 bedroom student studio or a shared student house, we can help. By contacting us today, you can make sure you get the best choice of accommodation, and reduce your stress during the exam season.

Contact Unihousing today to find your ideal student accommodation!

4 Reasons Why it Can be Hard to Revise

Now that the Spring term is in full swing, have you gotten back into a normal routine? If not, it’s important to identify what’s causing this so you can get back to your revision and studies. It’s completely normal to feel anxious and to struggle with motivation, especially during this time of year. Below, we look at 4 possible reasons why someone can struggle to get into a normal, healthy routine, and what can be done about this.

1. Denial

It can be hard to face reality, especially after the hype of the Christmas holidays. It’s extremely common to experience a sense of denial as your schedule fills up once again and your responsibilities begin piling up in front of you. It can be tricky to start revising and preparing for your exams and course work when you feel like this.

So how do you deal with it?

Though revising can be a really daunting thing, deep down, you know that the earlier you start, the better. By starting to revise as soon as you can, you will ease the pressure and have more time for breaks and rest as you go along. Your motivation is more likely to be higher and you will also feel more confident going into your exams, since your brain won’t be racing around and telling you that you didn’t start revising early enough. Studying with friends can also help with this.

2. Procrastination

This is probably one of the most difficult hurdles to overcome. After giving your brain time to relax from your studies, it can be extremely hard to get it back into gear. It’s common to struggle with an intense wave of procrastination, where you physically feel like you can’t and don’t want to get back into revising and studying in the new term.

What can help with this?

Try writing to-do lists and set goals for yourself. It could also be helpful to fill out a timetable for yourself including all of your exams, lectures, meetings and hand-in dates. This can really help get your brain in gear without over stimulating it with hours of revision. Creating lists, timetables and written goals can also help you be more excited about the year and might even give you a kick of motivation. Additionally, the act of finishing a goal or ticking something off gives your brain a healthy dose of success and satisfaction, which then helps you gain confidence and energy to keep going.

3. Panic

Something else you might experience is a sense of panic as you get back into university life and your weekly workload. Sometimes when we first look at our exams, projects and all the work we have yet to do, it can be extremely overwhelming and even disheartening, and it’s then very easy to give up before we’ve even started. Sometimes we don’t start revising early enough or put certain things off unnecessarily, but this is not the end of the world and you can get on top of your studies again.

What should you do?

Similar to the previous issue, it’s massively helpful to sit down and plan ahead. It can be so overwhelming to keep all of your ideas, plans and dates all in your head, so make sure you bring them out either on paper or in digital form. When you have big projects coming up, it can be extremely helpful to create specific plans for that project, whether that’s creating a timeline of events and goals, mapping out your ideas or creating lists to ensure you deliver all of the desired criteria. This applies to exams as well; by creating a revision plan you can ensure that you are revising all the sections that you know are important.

We commonly panic when we haven’t truly assessed our situation, which can then make us feel like our heads are no longer above water. By planning everything out, you can physically see what you have to do and that it is possible to finish it all before your fast-approaching due dates and exam dates.

4. Burnout

Getting back into normal university life can be tiring, so much so that you might feel like you’ve lost all your energy. With the intense workflow and being thrown back into university life, burnout is a common issue. It can be difficult to avoid, particularly when assignments begin piling up without your control and you need to start juggling several things at once.

How do you get through it?

Though burnout is very common, this doesn’t mean there is no way to get out of this phase. Rest is a huge factor. With our busy lives, it’s extremely important to ensure you are taking time for yourself, whatever that looks like. It’s also vital to separate yourself from your work when you are done for the day, whether that’s seeing friends, having alone time, exercising, watching films or taking a walk. Make sure you disconnect from your assignments when you are done, otherwise you could start feeling overwhelmed and uninspired. University work is extremely important and should be a main focus, but people do their best work when they are also taking care of themselves day to day.

Relief and satisfaction

Once you’ve handed in your assignments and finished your exams, you should feel a huge amount of relief and satisfaction. It’s important to remember that the stress and anxiety you feel about your studies is only short-term, and as long as you take appropriate measures to combat the issues listed above, you can definitely make it through your revision. If you feel like you need help, your tutors are also there when you need it, so don’t be afraid to talk to them about what you need to improve on for future projects and exams. Most importantly, make sure you enjoy the good moments; they keep you going through the harder times.

Remove the Stress of Accommodation

A big source of stress for many students is finding somewhere to live during the next academic year. Like with many things, the sooner you get this sorted, the less stressed you’ll be later. You’ll also have a much bigger choice if you start looking now. At Unihousing, we have a number of student houses and studios that are suitable for those attending the University of Birmingham. Fully furnished and fitted with everything a student could need, don’t miss out on finding your ideal student accommodation.