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Going to a Festival? Here’s what to take

http://studentsalike.com/2012/06/21/going-to-a-festival-heres-what-to-take/ by adminJohn http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7262/7406821988_65d391377b.jpg

Festival Loving! (Photo credit: Surminga)

First thing’s first, what do you wear? Music festivals can be either very hot or very cold, and in some cases both in the space of one weekend. What you will need to bear in mind is the weather and the forecast for when you are packing clothes and deciding on what you will wear.

Cold?

• A waterproof jacket.


• A jumper or fleece.


• 2 pairs of trousers that dry quickly.


• Boots, trainers.


• Lots of warm socks.

or Hot….

• A pair of shorts.


• A hat.


• Sandals or flip flops.

Bearing in mind you need to pack all your clothing you need to think about everything else! Booze, sleeping, eating etc. Here’s a big list of what you might need to take with you, some are more important than others.

• Money and your cards! How will you buy anything otherwise and remember to keep these on you and safe at all times.


• ID .


• Lager and cider.


• Tent, sleeping bag, blanket, and a pillow


• Condoms.


• Paracetamol and a small first aid kit.


• Sun cream.


• Tin opener and bottle opener.


• Toilet Roll.


• Torch.


• Toiletries and a towel.


• Hair brush, hair bands and a mirror.


• Lip balm.


• Toothbrush and toothpaste / some chewing gum/mints for during the day.


• Bikini or trunks for the showers.


• Wet wipes for when you just can’t be bothered with a shower.


• Wellies.


• Camera.


• Mobile phone & charger, however many festivals these days offer areas to charge your phones.

Food and Living

• Small camping stove and pans to cook in.


• A mug for tea, bowl, plate, spoon, knife & fork.


• Washing up liquid.


• Water container.


• FOOD! Pot noodles and packet meals etc will go down best.

Finally

• Don’t forget your wristband or tickets either!

June 21, 2012 at 12:08PM



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Green Tea Anyone?

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Who’s Going To Win The Euro’s? Poll

http://studentsalike.com/2012/06/13/whos-going-to-win-the-euros-poll/ by Surminga http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/04JR5DO4NX01c/150x100.jpg

So the Euro’s are well and truly underway, we have had 10 games with several more to come. The first round of group games are over but do we have a

KHARKOV, UKRAINE - JUNE 09: Klaas Jan Huntelaar of Netherlands tries to chip the ball over goalkeeper Stephan Andersen of Denmark during the UEFA EURO 2012 group B match between Netherlands and Denmark at Metalist Stadium on June 9, 2012 in Kharkov, Ukraine. (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)

better idea of who is going to win the final of the tournament? We don’t think so. So far we have 25 goals scored from 10 games which has shown quite a good and strong start to the tournament.

We have had a couple of shock and un-needed wins for countries vying to win the tournament such as Denmark beating the Netherlands but this has left it a great tournament for the neutral fans of the tournament.

So with 25 goals, under half way through the group stage matches who do we think will be overall winners?

Whats your thoughts -

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Euro 2012 Related articles from the Web

• You: Euro 2012: Why Netherlands vs. Germany Could Be the Best Match of Tournament (bleacherreport.com)


• Euro 2012: Krohn-Dehli’s goal lifts Denmark to surprise win over Netherlands (thestar.com)


• Netherlands vs Germany: How Important Will This Match Be for Both Teams? (bleacherreport.com)


• Euro 2012: Five great soccer apps for Google Chrome (onsoftware.en.softonic.com)


• Euro 2012 Results: Teams That Must Improve in Order to Avoid Elimination (bleacherreport.com)


• Poll :: EUROS 2012 x Miss Universe Contestants – GROUP B – Who ya got??!! (theoriginalwinger.com)


• Dunne: Ireland can win Euro 2012 (talksport.co.uk)


• Schweinsteiger wants Germany to show ‘fighting’ spirit at Euro 2012 (goal.com)


• Euro 2012 In Pictures: Netherlands vs Denmark (kickette.com)


• Ronaldo must deliver for Portugal (iol.co.za)


• Poll: should the England band be banned at Euro 2012? (telegraph.co.uk)


• You: Euro 2012: 10 Things We Learned from the First Round of Group Matches (bleacherreport.com)


• Poll :: EUROS 2012 x Miss Universe Contestants – GROUP C – Who ya got??!! (theoriginalwinger.com)


• Get Ready To Download: Official UEFA EURO 2012 Application (91mobiles.com)


• Ronaldo must deliver as Portugal fight for Euro 2012 survival (thehindu.com)

June 13, 2012 at 02:00PM



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10 Skills That Will Get You A Job As A Graduate

http://studentsalike.com/2012/05/30/10-skills-that-will-get-you-a-job-as-a-graduate/ by Surminga http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7086/7301514470_428864e9fb_m.jpg

Graduate employers spend a lot of time and scrutinise CV’s and applications when searching for candidates with the right skills and competencies for

Graduate (Photo credit: Surminga)

their organisations and business’. Depending on the career sector and profession you choose to work within, there could be very specific skills, abilities and knowledge needed to for the job which you are applying for.

However, complementing these are general competences and behaviours that are essential for successful working. They are often overlooked by candidates, but they are the things recruitment professionals want to see evidence of noted within your CV and application

So what are the skills recruiters might be keeping an eye out for with a plethora of applications for job positions? Here are 10 we have listed for you -

1. Commercial awareness (or business acumen)

This is about knowing how a business or industry works and what makes a company tick. Showing that you have an understanding of what the organisation wants to achieve through its products and services, and how it competes in its marketplace.

2. Communication skills

This covers verbal and written communication, and listening. It’s about being clear, concise and focused; being able to tailor your message for the audience and listening to the views of others.

3. Leading a Team

Graduates need to show potential to motivate teams and other colleagues that may work for them. It’s about assigning and delegating tasks well, setting deadlines and leading by good example.

4. Working within a Team

You’ll need to prove that you’re a team player but also have the ability to manage and delegate to others and take on responsibility. It’s about building positive working relationships that help everyone to achieve postive goals and business objectives.

5. Negotiation and persuasion

This is about being able to put forward your way, but also being able to understand where the other person is coming from so that you can both get what you want or need and feel positive about it.

6. Good at Problem solving

You need to display an ability to take a logical and analytical approach to solving problems and resolving issues. It’s also good to show that you can approach problems from different angles.

7. Organisational Skills

This is about showing that you can prioritise, work efficiently and productively, and manage your time well. It’s also good to be able to show employers how you decide what is important to focus on and get done, and how you go about meeting deadlines.

8. Able to work under pressure

This is about keeping calm in a crisis and not becoming too overwhelmed or stressed.

9. Be Confident

In the workplace you need to strike the balance of being confident in yourself but not arrogant, but also have confidence in your colleagues and the company you work for.

10. Perseverance and motivation

Employers want people to have a bit of get-up-and-go. Working life presents many challenges and you need to show employers that you’re the kind of person who will find a way through, even when the going gets tough.

May 30, 2012 at 02:05PM



via StudentsAlike http://studentsalike.com/2012/05/30/10-skills-that-will-get-you-a-job-as-a-graduate/

Stay Clear Of Dehydration

http://studentsalike.com/2012/05/29/stay-clear-of-dehydration/ by Surminga http://farm9.static.flickr.com/8144/7293581254_867a87c776_m.jpg

Summer is quite nearly here, the most common problems during this time is dehydration and can happen quickly in this summer heat. Be sure that you

Dehydration - Drink Water (Photo credit: Surminga)

have water or juice handy whenever you will be in the heat for a long time either out in the park, walking the dog or playing in the garden.

Don’t forget about children and the animals too – they may not ask for water. Be sure to take frequent water breaks during the kids’ summer activities, and always have a few bowls of water spread around the house for your cat’s and dog’s.

The main causes of dehydration relate to any of the following -

• heat exhaustion


• heat stroke


• vomiting


• diarrhea


• high blood sugar


• exercise


• drinking alcohol


• infection

The main solution in which to be dehydration is to take in plenty of fluids and sugary drinks, symptoms of dehydration can be seen in the following ways -

• dizziness


• headache


• dark urine (strong smelling)


• inability to urinate


• dry mouth and nose


• weakness


• nausea and vomiting

Be careful when out running, walking and playing guys – take in plenty of fluids.

May 29, 2012 at 10:05AM



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How to make Mint Sauce

http://studentsalike.com/2012/05/07/how-to-make-mint-sauce/ by Surminga http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7053/6998366580_5815d5c63f_m.jpg

Ingredients for Mint Sauce

• 1 large bunch of mint (leaves stripped) (40g)


• 2tbsp sugar


• Large pinch of salt


• 90 ml boiling water


• 3-4tbsp white wine vinegar

Step-by-Step

1. Finely chop mint leaves with the sugar to help keep the colour


2. Place chopped leaves into a jug with the salt and then pour over boiling water


3. Add the vinegar slowly and taste


4. Add a little more vinegar or sugar if necessary for a good balance of flavours


5. Serve over roast lamb

May 07, 2012 at 02:15PM



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Things to do before your Exams to prepare

http://studentsalike.com/2012/05/04/things-to-do-before-your-exams-to-prepare/ by Surminga http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7126/6992729692_9dcacb5789_n.jpg

Let’s start with the usual and very generic methods in which you have probably been told to do previously.

First, get plenty of sleep. Do not drink too much water, especially before a multiple choice or written exam. You don’t want to be up and down to the toilet every 10 or 20 minutes – plus some Universities or school will only allow you to visit the toilet once per exam. You should also eat well the night before and try not to eat those things that will upset your stomach, and may cause poor memory. Blueberries are great for memory. You shouldn’t take an exam on a full stomach – it is not fun being bloated whilst sitting trying to stay concentrated and relaxed.

Also eating before an exam can leave you may having a tired look and feeling.

Here is a few of those which you may not have heard of and which you should possibly try.

We fail to exercise our brain cells before doing battle with an important exam. So light brain exercise will be in order. Some visualization training will set a pretty good start before an exam. Just opening and closing your eyes can give you some relief. Fruits and vegetables would be nice to eat before an exam, but do not overdo it because fruit has a lot of water.

Do not forget to bring adequate supplies.

Be on time and wear comfortable clothes – being late to an exam is not acceptable. You have to be ready to take the exam. Arriving at least 15 to 30 minutes to the exam is highly recommended in order to give you time to relax and read notes once over.

Depending on the test, you may want to make sure that you have already purchased practice tests and have gone over that material several times.

It really depends on how badly you want to pass the test in relation to how much work prior you put in, some students choose to use hypnosis and self-hypnosis. Hypnotists use relaxation techniques in order to make sure that a student is totally relaxed. Self-talk and self-hypnosis can work for you as well.

We all operate differently, has anyone else got any tips which are different from ours?

May 04, 2012 at 02:26PM



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Writing Your Dissertation Tips

Dissertation Introduction

A dissertation is an essay of between 10,000 - 12,000 words on a subject of the student's own choice. It is open to any student to write a dissertation. Instead of looking at it as 10,000 words, try thinking of it as writing 5 or 6 essays of 2,000 words. It doesn't seem as bad that way, and becomes a much more manageable task as well. A dissertation tests your ability to manage a research project, and write it up in a clear and orderly fashion. The most important requirement is that the dissertation be on a subject you want to spend a year writing and thinking about.Your aim should be to write a piece that contains elements of originality or distinctiveness, that is, something that is more than a summary of other people's ideas. There are a number of advantages to writing a dissertation:
You will have greater control over and flexibility in the use of working time
Mistakes can be corrected through the assistance of the supervisor
It reduces the pressure during exam time
It results in the creation of a piece of work, which can be taken away and shown to prospective employers
Above all, it allows for the detailed study of a subject of particular and perhaps long-standing interest

THE REQUIREMENTS

If you are required to write a dissertation as part of your course, then in your second year you should:
Write a dissertation proposal - identifying the key question you wish to address - 200 words. Use the form provided by the department.
Take this proposal to an academic you would like to act as your supervisor. If they approve of your proposal they will sign it. Then leave the completed form outside the departmental office. Steps 1 and 2 should be completed by the end of the second term.
Register for the dissertation module in the same way.
You can only take the dissertation if you have had your proposal signed.

Seven Steps to Success - Step 1 - The Preparation

The step to successful dissertation writing is all in the preparation. Considered preparation and organisation can make the difference between a good dissertation and a mediocre one. So, consider the following things you must know before you start on the bulk of your work:
When is your dissertation due in?
How must it be presented?
Who is your supervisor?
What kind of research are you required to do?
These practical pieces of information will affect your approach to your dissertation. Read your dissertation module handbook through carefully to make sure you know exactly what is expected of you. If anything is unclear ask your supervisor.

Step 2 - Your Chosen Subject

Selecting a subject to focus your dissertation is not always easy. As with any piece of research work, you are choosing to research something without knowing what the outcome of your research will be, or how wide a scope it may cover. There are some general rules, which, if you follow them, will help you to select your specific topic:
Choose something manageable - nothing too large-scale or greatly time consuming.
Choose something in which you are interested. This will help to motivate you and give you encouragement to study.
Choose something, which doesn't overlap too much with other assessments you have submitted. For example, if you have already handed in an extended essay on a topic, don't choose it for your dissertation topic - you could be accused of self-plagiarism.
Discuss your choice, and your reasons behind it with your supervisor who should be able to give you an indication of the feasibility of the study.
Although rules and regulations preside over all dissertations, there is scope for you to undertake a wide range of work within a dissertation - just be sure to discuss any plans with your supervisor first.

Step 3 - Your Supervisor

When you undertake a dissertation module, you will be allocated a supervisor. Your supervisor is there to do just that:
Check that things are going OK
Give you advice
Point you in the direction of relevant source materials.
Your supervisor is not there to:

Tell you what to do,
Chase you up if you fall behind, or
Read and correct your dissertation before you submit it.
A dissertation is a piece of self-directed study, so your dissertation supervisor cannot get too involved with the work you are doing, and is likely to be one of the people who mark it. However, your supervisor can be of great use in giving you guidance, support, and advice, and you should make the most of this important resource.

Ultimately students must take responsibility for their own studies.

Your subject area will give you guidelines about how much of your supervisor's time you are entitled to.
Make good use of your supervisor - prepare for your meetings, and turn up when you have arranged to do so. Submit an agenda so that the supervisor can prepare for the meeting and which will also remind you of what you wanted to discuss.
Be sure to maintain contact with your supervisor - don't hide from him/her because you haven't done as much work as you had anticipated.
You may want your supervisor to comment on a piece of work, which you have completed. It would be helpful to let them have this in advance.
Get problems sorted out at an early stage - go and see your supervisor if you get stuck, or encounter any major problems with your work. To delay could be catastrophic.

Step 4 - The Plan Of Work

Planning is a key element in undertaking a dissertation. You not only need to plan the content and structure of your piece of work, but also the time in which you have to complete it. Planning the content of a dissertation is not always easy at first; you are often unsure of what your research will reveal. However, if you have done some basic research into your subject area before deciding on a topic, you should have a fairly good idea of what your dissertation will need to cover. Often, subject areas will give you specific advice on what they expect to be included within the dissertation, and this is an excellent guide to planning your work.A good way of starting is to try and do a rough, long term plan. This could include time planning for the following things:
By when do you want to have each chapter completed?
How much time will you need to complete any primary research?
When do you want to have all your research work completed?
How long will you need to write up your dissertation and check it for errors?
Will you need to get your dissertation bound in any special way? Is this going to take time?
By making a rough plan of the above long-term goals, you can often make your dissertation a much more controllable task. Remember to be pragmatic about time scales; allow yourself plenty of time in which to complete tasks. If your timetable doesn't go to plan, simply reorganise it. Flexibility is very important in dissertation preparation and writing; your work will not always go smoothly, so you need to regularly review your goals and adjust them accordingly.

If you intend to use questionnaires, interviews, or conduct experiments for your dissertation, give yourself plenty of time in which to get these done. Writing to request an interview with someone two weeks before your dissertation is due in will rarely be of any use; the person may not even agree to be interviewed, which would leave you stuck, with no time to approach someone else.

Step 5 - Ready, Steady, GO!

Once you have a rough plan of what you are going to do, its time to get started. How you go about this will depend very much on your dissertation topic. A good way to begin, however, is to do some good background research into your subject area. This will give you ideas and resources for future work, and get you immersed in the subject. Use as many different types of source as possible; TV, radio, newspapers, journals, CD-ROM, the Internet, interviews, government publications - whatever you find to be relevant and of use.
Always keep your eyes open for material.
Whenever you read something or take notes on a source, always take down full bibliographic details. This will save you time later when compiling your references and bibliography. Using an index card system is useful for this.
Focus your reading once you have a general background picture of the subject - make sure everything you read is for a purpose, not just for the sake of "doing something".
Don't avoid reading just because your project will contain a lot of fieldwork - you will still need to refer to other research in your field, and may even end up having to rely on written materials more heavily than you had first thought. It is a good idea to put your research into context in relation to the work of others.
Try and start writing up as soon as possible. There is no rule, which says you must first do all your research, then spend three weeks writing it up. Writing as you research gives a sense of achievement, and can help avoid any last minute panic attacks.

Step 6 - The Write Up

Even if you have been doing some writing up as you researched, you will get to a stage where you simply cannot research any more, and you must put your mind to getting your dissertation completed. It is extremely important that at this stage you make sure you follow the guidelines given to you by your supervisor about the format required for your dissertation. In particular, make sure you know what is expected of you in the following areas:
References and bibliography - what format should they take? Different disciplines have different requirements.
Layout - do you have to include an abstract? Are you allowed appendixes?
Margin sizes, font, general layout of the dissertation.
Try and follow the points raised below to ensure your dissertation is written well:

Prefer the short word to the long.
Prefer the single word to the roundabout expression.
Prefer short sentences and paragraphs to long.
Never use a foreign, slang, or jargon word unless there is no equivalent in everyday English.
Punctuate sparingly, and remember there is more to punctuation than the full stop and the comma.
Never use an exclamation mark except for the purposes of quotation.
Write in an objective way - be impersonal. This said however, some disciplines do encourage a more personal style. If in doubt, consult your supervisor.

Step 7 - Hints for Success

The following ideas may be useful to you while trying to put your dissertation together, but still remember to refer to your subject area's instructions regarding format and what is expected. Ideas for the Introduction:
a clear statement of your subject
an explanation of why the research is worthwhile
an outline of methods used
an indication of the restrictions of the study
a summary of the chapters to follow
thanks to any person or group who gave you special help
Ideas for the Chapters

each one should answer a major question
each chapter should contain lots of answers to smaller questions
use sub-headings to guide your reader
develop points carefully, step by step
each chapter should make sense if it were to be read on its own
give chapters introductions and conclusions as well
Appendices

are designed to let you include material which could not be fitted easily into any chapter

Summary

When taking your dissertation, do remember that it is only part of the work that you will need to complete in that academic year. Try not to get too engrossed and to spend proportionate amounts of time on other areas of your course.

Check out the original article at  - http://studentsalike.com/studentsalike-blog/352/

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