THIS PAST MONTH: MARCH 2016

Ally Pally Springfest

Looking back at what I did in March reminds me of what a great month it was. I hope you enjoy my highlights…

I handed in my first assignment of semester 2. Saying I submitted my first assignment of semester in March feels very strange. I honestly feel like I’ve constantly had work to do since returning to university after Christmas.

‘What have you been doing then?’  You may ask. Well, let’s talk about my favourite topic – placements! I’m finally making progress (hooray). For the sandwich year of my degree I need a minimum of 24 weeks of work placement to pass the year. According to my calculations I only have four weeks left to find to secure my placement year credit. It is such a weight off of my shoulders. Placement hunting is so much harder than I ever could have thought. To the point where I have to stop myself thinking about it in the evening or I’ll be awake all night worrying. But opportunities come from unexpected places. The hard work has paid off and it’s finally falling in to place.

My Dad, Sister and I walking in the Peak District

At the beginning of March I went to the Peak District with my family. We stayed in a converted barn near Bakewell. It was a really lovely weekend; eating lots of tasty food, enjoying time away from my usual city surroundings and generally seeing my family after not seeing them for months.   

Tilly in the converted barn

Another highlight from last month was Springfest at Alexandra Palace, a huge German beer festival on Good Friday. 2016 has been the year that I have discovered a love for Bierkellers and steins. Seriously, the Bierkeller in Sheffield is so much fun. The beer festival was such a fun day/night, lots of beer consumed and shapes thrown over an eight hour period made for some sore heads the next day. 

The view from Alexandra Palace

Travelling home to Newcastle for Easter break and travelling back from my friend Lucy’s house after the festival meant that I spent quite a lot of time alone on long train journeys. Is it weird that I actually really like travelling alone on the train? Yes, the form of public can be stressful at times and I’m no stranger to dragging heavy luggage along platforms but the actual journey is a chance to just sit and relax by yourself. I usually read on train journeys but in March I dipped my toe in to the mysterious world of podcasts. I have become absolutely hooked on ‘Serial’. One of the most popular podcast series, it’s a real crime tale where the narrator explains everything that happened and what her investigations have uncovered. Fans of Netflix’s ‘Making a Murderer’ should definitely give it a try. I was sceptical about how I’d like the format of a podcast but Sarah Koenig’s narration is so engaging I was quickly engrossed in the complex story.

Speaking of Making a Murderer, I have finally watched the series. I was late to the party but my Mam and I watched it over Easter and it is so worth the hype! I’m not sure if I really need to recommend it since everyone seemed to watch it before me but if you still haven’t watched it, you should give it a try. Another Netflix pick that I got addicted to in March is 'Jane the Virgin'. Man this show is so addictive, it somehow manages to be hilarious, serious and romantic all in one. I love it!

How’s your April going?