Wednesday, October 9, 2013

New in town, does not require new things!!

Many students start moving out when they enter university, mainly to get closer to the campus, exchange/international studying abroad or they want to become independent and start living by themselves!

Moving out requires a lot of paperwork, effort, time and certainly money! So once you've found you're apartment/house fit for you living...then you have to put appliances, beds, television, tables, chairs etc. Unless of course you are renting a studio with all of the above supplied then thats a different story!

So for those who don't have it the easy way...here i will provide some places to find goods at low costs but can work perfectly fine compared to those branded items!!

Firstly, lets start with the larger expensive goods! This includes fridges, washing machines, television, and larger furnitures such as sofa and beddings.
  • Don't spend thousands of dollars buying from extremely branded departments stores! GO CHEAPO and go to the nearest second-hand shop and you can find a decent fridge or washing machine that is half of the full price!! 
  • With advance technology these days going to most large electronic department stores like Dicksmith, Bing Lee or JB Hi Fi, you can get yourself a full HD LCD/LED under $1000. There is no need for the big brands that costs well over $5000, most of the generic brands can do the same job!
  • Add http://images.getprice.com.au/products/Bimgdick-smith-ge6823-31.5inch-hd-led-lcd-tv.JPG
  • Furniture such as sofa and beddings can be an issue! Many of don't want to spend the night or day sleeping on a second-hand, not knowing where it was from or who may have slept on it. That leaves us to buying them BRAND NEW! So, if we go searching online and in-store malls with low prices such as Ikea, Homemart or furniture department stores we should be able to find a reasonable price and quality that will help us sleep better at night!!

Secondly, home appliances used around the house from hair dyers to the microwave and other household goods (i.e. crockery, utensils or office goods)
  • Home appliances and other household that are essential for everyday use can get pretty expensive, if bought at extremely expensive stores! That's why for small electrical items, we should consider buying them from department stores such as Target, Kmart or BigW because they are low-cost and yet the products are fit for everyday use, not to mention can be quite stylish. 
  • http://origin.getprice.com.au/images/content_images/kmart.jpg
  • Some other stores could be OfficeWorks or even a local dollar store - they provide a large range of low cost affordable goods that can be used around the households.
Thirdly,food and grocery - where to buy??
http://blogs.extension.iastate.edu/foodsavings/files/2012/08/aldi_logo.jpg
  • Having takeaway or eating out all the time isn't cheap nor healthy! There are digital and printed recipes that can be bought in most stores or online, not to mention there are also free recipes that can be found online or in magazines! 
  • Check websites to compare prices for specials or limited offers for groceries or food. Websites like ozbargin.com.au regularly shows popular discounted goods from the two leading supermarkets (Coles and Woolworths). 
  • If possible switch to "homebrand" or "generic branded" goods. The Aldi supermarket generally sets their prices lower than the two major competitors since its opening in Australia OR buy in bulk at Costco (NB: membership is required) and share with flatmates or friends! 


Going to Parties: How to be safe

One of the joys of going to university are the social life. This may include clubbing, attending a concert or festival, having a party at home or going to a party at a friend’s house. However, every year, people get hurt in the process. Here are some suggestions that will help you stay safe while you’re having a good time. Most of those are obvious when your sober, but it is quiet hard to follow them when drunk, so remember them and make them your second nature
  1. Know where you’re going and how you’re getting there, stick with your buddies to ensure safety
  2. Plan how to get home – for example, take enough money to share a taxi or nominate a driver to stay sober. This is important to avoid dangerous behaviors such as drink and drive
  3. Decide with friends to stay together in a group and look after each other. Remember, safety in numbers
  4. Don’t leave drinks unattended and don’t accept a drink from a stranger. Don’t take your eyes off your drink. Since this can give people a chance to spike your drink
  5. Don’t get into a car with a driver who has been drinking. This is important to avoid turning a night out into a tragedy
  6. Leave for somewhere safe if you feel unsafe at a venue or party, this could avoid any confrontation, which will definitely ruin your night out
  7. Don’t go off with a person you’ve only just met. Stay in the public place. If they interest you, get a phone number.
  8. Don’t get into a verbal argument if someone aggressively confronts you. Walk away
  9. If you are having the party at home, register your party with your local police and tell your neighbors at least one week in advance to avoid any trouble at the party
  10. Insist that the party is ‘invitation only’ to reduce the risk of party crashers; this could lead to potential violent confrontations. Also avoid the spreading of the words via social network.
  11.  Don't accept anything that look suspicious from strangers and friends, since you have no idea what's in it or whether it's legal or not. This is important as you might need to go to the hospital, or getting busted for illegal drugs, both might effect your future employment  and travelling opportunity


Follow these tips when going to any party or social gathering and enjoy your social life at your university

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Handy tips to rent a unit!


It has been a semester since you started university, and living on university accommodation is not a viable option anymore. It may be too expensive; your housemates might be too noisy; your roommate is just too dirty; whatever your reason is, your time has come to move out to a place you can truly call home..

#1 Choose the unit you want to rent from your local realty agency.





#2 Pay careful attention to your tenancy criteria
This is a very important step since you are fighting a bunch of other applicants for the unit. Every individual that would be living in the unit will need to include a copy of their own application documents (i.e., 3 person unit, 3 application documents). Also, make sure there are sufficient funds in your bank account to increase your chances!

source:http://www.tracyyap.com.au/rent/tenancy-application-form/
  

#3 Pay your bond immediately if your application is successful
Upon confirmation of your application, pay your bond right away (amount differs based on rental fee). Make sure your bond payment is paid to a specific account, not your agency/landlord’s personal account!






#4 Internet/electricity provider

Select your internet/electricity provider carefully. Some providers charge extra fees upon signing up (e.g., installation/registration fees), make sure you choose the most affordable one by comparing different providers before signing up. Lastly, remember to read your contract carefully to avoid liquidated damages.



I need more space!

You’re in your most dreaded class, trying exasperatedly to be engrossed in the words that had been spoken monotonously through the lips of your teacher. No matter how hard you try, your mind seems to escape to it’s own wonderland, visualising a future without the constant nagging of your teachers, parents, grandparents; one without curfews, the constant freedom to whatever and whenever to your own will.

One day it all comes true. Only, it is far from what it seems. Your dorm is a crammed mess, with dirty laundry lurking in every corner and speckles of dust concealing the cupboards. The thought of responsibility had never occurred to you until you catch sight of the condition of your room. This is when reality hits you – it’s time to clean and reorganise.

Now, this may seem like a back-aching and daunting task, but it’s worth it. Plus, it gets you in touch with your innovative side where you are able to use the bits and pieces that had been loitering in your room to do so. Might as well make use of the things that you are not willing or bothered to throw!
_________________________________________________________________________________

It gets really frustrating when you’re born a shopaholic and you do not own the luxurious walk-in closet that you’ve always dreamt of. Let’s face it – in a dorm room, you’ll never be able to have rows of individual shoe racks and colour coded garments that are hung exactly five millimetres apart from each other.

So to save closet space...

#1 Soda can it!

Ever had soda can tabs that you’re, for some weird unknown reason, unwilling to throw? Awkward as it is if you don’t actually have them, here is a heads up – start collecting them! (Now, this is not to encourage you to drink as many canned drinks as possible) These soda tabs will enable you to create closet space so you’ll be able to hang as many layers of garments as possible. Simply hook the hangers through the holes of the soda tabs and voila! More closet space!

Source:http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/180ec74m2z5wsjpg/original.jpg


#2 Use the Alternatives - Chains and S-hooks!

Same deal as the soda can tabs, hook your hangers through the loops, there you have it – vertical space!

Source: http://i-cdn.apartmenttherapy.com/uimages/boston/FLTFUUBFPBKYS4S.MEDIUM.jpg


Don’t deny it, we all hate tangled cables! No matter how long or short or what the purpose of these cables are, they can single handedly ruin lives. 

So to organize cables....

#1 Clip them to the edges!

Start getting hold of binder clips and simply clip them to the edges of your desk. This way, cables will not tangle nor cross paths with each other!


Source:http://resources2.news.com.au/images/2013/09/03/1226709/907506-a68ec416-143d-11e3-b6c0-49e0e4b36986.jpg


#2 Store your cables in toilet paper tubes!

You can finally make use of those good-for-nothing toilet paper tubes and turn them into useful and efficient storage spaces. This method goes for the bulkier cables that are not often needed. Simply put different cables in different paper tubes and organise them in the most suited way!


Source:http://petapixel.com/assets/uploads/2011/10/toiletpaper_mini.jpg


Study desks are not even remotely equivalent to large meeting tables that are able to withstand important people to discuss important issues that will determine the lives of citizens.

So to organise your miniature desks...

#1 Chair Pockets!

Try saving up for these dandy little things known as *drumroll* Chair Pockets! These help create extra space for any supplies that threaten to roll down or fall of the edge of your desks. Simply slip them to the back of your chairs and you’ll earn yourself more study and workspace!



Source: http://blu.stb.s-msn.com/i/9A/60A63838D47F4EF82238F5E9972BE5_h400_w300_m2_bblack_q99_p99_cgIhaOmWa.jpg

#2 Your junks!

Fill the empty space underneath your bed with all the unnecessary freebies or bits and pieces of junk that you intend on keeping but do not intend on using. Let’s be honest here, uni students love freebies, no matter what it is or how relevant it is to our lives. But remember to clean that area once in a while if you still have the fear of coming face to face with monsters underneath your bed. 


Source: http://www.slumberslumber.com/prodzoomimg1076.jpg

Monday, October 7, 2013

Ways for you to save your money now!

Ways for you to save your money now!


Being a full-time/part-time uni student can create a lot of financial stress! Money is the barter for everything, from textbooks to buying lunch!!

Here, is short list of some useful ways on how to save your money so you can save it for future use!!





  • Don't touch that PLASTIC CARD - If possible try using only cash when making a purchase. If not, use a Debit or Eftpos Card but stay away from the CREDIT CARD!
source: http://static.skynews.com.au/elements/img/article/638x359/skynews_905610.jpg
  • Move Savings into the bank to earn INTEREST - Once your income enters your bank. Immediately transfer the "extra" dollars into a nominated savings account! The earlier you transfer your money into a savings account, the more interest can be earned and in the future it'll accumulate to a larger sum of money $$$
source: http://www.youngentrepreneurs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/saving-money.jpg
  • Keep track of your SPENDING - Create an Excel document or note down in a diary/list of all your bills that need to pay. With technology, you can now also download applications that help you manage your savings. i.e. trackmyspending
source:http://a3.mzstatic.com/us/r1000/083/Purple2/v4/99/f8/d4/99f8d4e7-4b4b-4aaa-0403-e4345157ebc8/mzl.mllyvkfs.png
  • Compare prices and select the BEST DEAL - Search online or in-store for the lowest deal before making the final purchase. This is especially important when purchasing more expensive items i.e. car or laptop
source:http://ebookfriendly.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/price-300x234.jpg
  • Always question yourself whether or not it is a NEED or WANT?! - We are constantly thrown with commercials targeting us to buy their products. But if we can fight them with the questions before buying. It'll help us save money! So make sure you can afford to buy it and if can is the product a need or want?
source:http://www.brainpickings.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/needtowant1.gif

Cheap Pasta Meals

It is cheap, fast, delicious and easy! Pasta is said to be the top university student dinner of choice, and here are 3 recipes that will tingle your taste buds!

#1 Pasta with salmon, lemon and creme fraiche


Source: http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02681/salmon_2681518c.jpg

-Splash of olive oil
-One clove garlic, chopped
-100g pasta
-60g smoked salmon
-2 tablespoons creme fraiche
-Squeeze of lemon juice and zest of half a lemon
-Black pepper


1. Heat a pot of boiling salted water and cook pasta
2. Fry garlic with olive oil in a pan until golden
3. Add in creme fraiche, lemon juice and zest, salmon
4. Cook with medium heat until sauce thickens slightly
5. Stir in pasta and top with black pepper


#2 Chicken cheese pasta


Source: http://sr-recipe-images.s3.amazonaws.com/main/8fb730d8a45b824c2c3179f4f7fca6c9-chicken.jpg


-Splash of olive oil
-One serve of cheese (any kind that melts quickly)
-100g pasta
-60g chicken
-One clove garlic, chopped
-Pinch of salt, pepper, chilli powder, cinnamon powder
- Half an onion, and some parsley


1. Heat a pot of boiling salted water and cook pasta
2. Fry garlic with olive oil in a pan until golden
3. Add in sliced chicken with salt, pepper, chilli and cinnamon powder
4. Add in sliced onion and parsley 
5. Drain the pasta, and quickly add cheese into pasta while hot
6. Mix pasta with chicken, onion and parsley

#3 Sausage and tomato pasta




Souce:http://img4-3.realsimple.timeinc.net/images/food-recipes/recipe-collections/0506/hot-italian-sausage_300.jpg

-Splash of olive oil
-100g pasta
-One clove garlic, chopped
-2 sausages
-Few baby tomatoes, cut in halves
-2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
-Small bunch of basil leaves 
-Salt and pepper

1. Heat a pot of boiling salted water and cook pasta
2. Fry garlic with olive oil in a pan until golden
3. Add in cut sausages
4. Add in tomatoes when sausages are nearly cooked
5. Stir in vinegar
6. Mix in pasta and basil leaves, and add salt and pepper

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Buying a car..?

You have recently settled down as a university student, and you realise its getting harder to move around. Late buses and crowded trains is really pissing you off, and daddy is not going to buy you a brand new shiny car for your birthday. So you wake up one day and decide that's it, you are getting a decent secondhand car, but you have no idea where to start...

#1 Research

Work out your budget, choose your favourite car brands, list out a few car models you are interested in and let the search begin! You can use websites like CarSales to search for cars, in there you can customise your search to price, transmission, colour, mileage, and so on.


Source: http://www.businessworld-australia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/carsales.jpg



#2 Make appointments

Start calling/texting car owners to set up a meet to get a feel of the car. Test drive the car, play with all the toggles, and do not make up your mind after just one appointment, test drive a few and so you get to compare.


#3 Evaluate the car

You have your eyes on a car, and now it is time to make sure the car is in decent mechanical condition. If you have a mechanic friend, great! Bring him along for a second inspection and let him evaluate the car. If not, there are insurance companies that provides vehicle inspection services (e.g., NRMA), usually a detailed report would be provided at the end, stating almost every mechanical aspect of your car to number of previous owners. This is a potential money-saver, where you can address any problems with your car before you actually purchase it.


Source: http://www.mynrma.com.au/media/products_services_motorserve_vehicle_inspection.jpg


#4 Buying and insurance

So all is good, time to actually buy the car! You don't want to be lugging around huge amount of cash, so a cashiers cheque would be a good idea. After buying the car, remember to get your optional third party insurance right away! You can buy it online from various companies, namely NRMA, Just Car Insurance, Allianz, just do a little research to see which one best suits you! You certainly do not want to risk paying for a light pole that costs thousands if you accidentally knock one over (no offence to your driving skills).


Source: http://trackbattle.com.au/adgp/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/just_car_logo_white-300x150.jpg

Surviving First Year of Uni

Your first year at a university will be fun, exciting, challenging and at times, very unfamiliar as you walk into a situation you've never experienced. There is a multitude of activities, programs and support for you to choose from in most university, and we have given you the below tips to help you to navigate during your time at the uni.
1. Don’t be shy. A lot of other students won’t know anyone either. Say ‘hello’ and you might just make a new friend.

2. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you are struggling. uni provides a large range of service

3. Make the most of every opportunity. uni life is not just about academic study. Check out all the society and clubs available at your university, it’s a great way to make friends and gain skills outside class

Get Involved 2013 Hero
image via http://www.mq.edu.au/on_campus/get_involved/student_groups/student_group_directory/
4. Know the important dates that relate to you, and set reminders for them! This will be extremely important as once you miss it, you will not likely to get another chance

5. Explore the area of your university, find all the locations, not only will this help you when you go to class, but you may also find your favorite park to study, or a path you would like to run on

image via http://www.mq.edu.au/pubstatic/custom/files/media/sustainability_planningdevelopment_lake_image.jpg
6. Plan your time and be organised. University study is a lot more independent and self-directed than high school. Always keep a unit planner at hand, they should be free from most university library, if not, buy a diary with unit planner.

7. Interact online! Join the uni’s Facebook page, follow the university on Twitter . Most university society will also have their own Social Media account, so join them and explore

8. Check out the cultural and artistic life of the University. Most University has regular art shows, theater performances and museum exhibitions, join in if you wish, if you don’t like performing, just go and watch will also allow you to meet new people

Conception Day 2013 Student Act Competition Hero
image via http://mq.edu.au/
9. Understand Uni terminology. Most university websites have a glossary page somewhere, go have a look, it might save you a lot of time when doing uni work


Living By You Self: Safety

Living alone is not all that glamorous it is made out to be. Despite what Hollywood chick flicks and sitcoms will tell you. For many students in university, living alone is not a choice as much as a compulsion. When faced with the grim reality of washing dishes, doing laundry and being lonely, then living alone doesn't seem all that glamorous it is made out to be. Here are some very basic tips from personal experience that may help you during your period of living alone.

No city in the world is free from criminal; therefore, safety is the biggest threat when it comes to living alone. Make a duplicate copy of your house key and hide it somewhere close by, just in case you come home late and locked yourself out, you don’t want to walk the streets alone at night.





It’s important to befriend some neighbors you feel you can trust. Steer clear of the ones who are suspicious. If strangers knock on your door at any time of the day, no matter day or night, open your door slightly while they detail the nature of their visit. When you are home, keep the key hanging from the lock in case you want to quickly lock the door due to emergency. Keep a list of important numbers like ambulance and police at an easy to see location. Also keep the numbers of people you might need in an emergency on speed dial in your home.


                                                         Image via Microsoft Word Clip Art
Another thing to be cautious of are gas leaks and fire hazards. Living by you can often cause negligence due to laziness, but your life is worth the extra effort to make sure your safety, after cooking, remember to check you turned off the gas, and when you leave for long trips, turn off all the power points in the house, keep in mind to turn off switches when you are done using them.

    Image via Microsoft Word Clip Art

While these points are very basic, many people fail to neglect them, while most get away with it, some are unfortunate enough to suffer as a result. So be careful, your life is worth it!




Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Laundry? Ain't nobody got time for that!

Laundry. I don't know about you, but just the word elicits a groan from me even on the best days. But alas, it's something that all university students (and adults. I'm sorry to break it to you) have to deal with no matter how much we put it off. Eventually, that laundry basket in the corner starts accumulating into a mountain of clothes that you can't ignore any longer.

So now, the job begins. But it doesn't necessarily have to be a boring task or one that makes you annoyed. Believe it or not, there are actually some ways to make it more enjoyable and tips to help you out. Yes, I am being completely serious.


#1 Plan Ahead!
Don't just wait until you absolutely have to do your laundry. Because most of the cases, you end up wasting time waiting for the machine to finish its cycle so you can dry those clothes you've been wanting to wear for that party. Instead, plan to do your laundry at a time when your favourite TV show is on. That way, it doesn't seem like you're waiting ages for your laundry and you get up to something productive (well, sort of) while you wait!


Source: http://www.appliancesonlineblog.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/ironing-watching-tv.jpg


#2 No More Things Going Missing!

It's the mystery all of us have most likely dealt with: the case of missing items! In a laundry sense, of course. Ever had those times where you stuff your gym socks in the machine along with your clothes only to find at the end, one of them is missing? Say goodbye to those days! Invest in a laundry bag to put all socks and similarly sized articles so that they can stay accounted for. Feeling a little cheap? Use a binder clip to clip socks together, does the trick too!


Source: http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/17gcn1gvw0lkojpg/ku-xlarge.jpg


#3 Folding Like A Boss!

Five seconds. That's the time that it takes for you to read this. It also could be the time it takes for you to fold a T-shirt. Just learn this quick technique and you could be on your way to folding shirts like a folding machine! It may sound like a pointless skill to have but think about it: the less time you spend folding (which come on, we all don't really enjoy), the more time you can spend doing... other things.

Source:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZRd5ulBna4


#4 Say Bye-Bye To Stains!

The worst thing is when you wear your favourite sweater out to dinner and it becomes a victim of a mustard attack because you just had to eat that hotdog. You don't have to let that ruin your sweater though! Here's a guide on how to remove stains before you pop them in the laundry machine (because you can't always just rely on the usual detergents):



Source: http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/18ixfn9cqkcy9jpg/ku-xlarge.jpg

#5 Wrinkle-Free

Getting laundry done is one thing, but ironing?! Who has time for that? Well, as a uni student, there are times when you have to look presentable. If you have an iron, good for you. You should be well-aware on how to get rid of wrinkles. But what if you don't? Here's some thrifty alternatives using items you probably already have lying around in your room:



Source: http://img.wonderhowto.com/img/52/12/63498563670728/0/remove-wrinkles-from-clothing-without-ironing.w654.jpg

Guide to secondhand textbooks!

Why buy new textbooks when you can get secondhand ones and sell them off again after just one semester? Here's a quick guide on how to get your hands on secondhand textbooks..


#1 Social Networks

Use your social networks to get your secondhand textbooks! E.g., there are groups within Facebook where university students put their old textbooks up for sale. Locate the group for your university and search away!




#2 Public Websites

An example of a public website is Textbook Exchange. Textbook Exchange is the largest Australian secondhand textbook site! Simply key in your subject code within the search columns and list of textbooks will be provided!


 
 
#3 Notice boards (walls) around campus

You may sometimes find notices regarding textbooks sales posted on your campus's walls/board, especially the start of a new semester!




P.S. Always meet your seller in public places, stay safe and happy buying everyone!

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Keeping up with the Uni Life!!

Having to handle all the social activities along with work in the uni lifestyle and can be seriously stressful!!
The amount of time and effort required for each section must nearly be "equal" to one another.

There are many ways we can fight these common problems by keeping ourselves organised at all times. 

3 Simple Steps to keep Organised: 

Get updated real time by using technology!!!

  1. Use a digital diary planner or calender application - write down all the important assessment dates, social events and the days needed to work. Nowadays, our apple & android phones allow social networks such as Facebook to access and update our calender app at real time!
  2. Use note applications like Evernote or reminder a to-do list app - like a shopping list, list all the important tasks that are to be completed. Once completed ticked them off!
  3. Keep files saved and updated at real time - with use of clouding networking software such as dropbox, skydrive or google drive. It enables users to access and update from any computer, phone or tablet. 



Follow the 3 easy steps above and it will help you keep up with the uni life!



Monday, September 16, 2013

Cheatsheets that come in handy!

Missing your favorite home cook food? Worry not, embrace that inner master chef in you as we are about to teach you how to cheat in the kitchen in the wittiest way! oh, and ladies, don't forget that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, so quick, grab a pen a paper and get ready to have a simpler uni life! 

Lets face it, converting measurements is not a very fun subject, and googling for the perfect answer to your question in between each cooking session where the cooking book usually makes a lil or perhaps no sense to you is beyond troublesome. So let's not be shy, print out these measurement conversion cheat sheets and paste it on your fridge because it will no doubt assist you in many ways.

 
Source :  http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/18x14pkbmrazajpg/ku-xlarge.jpg

Source: http://thumbnails.visually.netdna-cdn.com/cooking-conversion-chart_5041344fc5765_w587.jpg

 Source: http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mc9mnrefw21qfmlgk.jpg

For more convenience, here are some more information on the shelf life of food! Most of the uni students fail to commit to freshness, consuming over night food or even keeping that piece of free meat pie you took from some club during your uni's open day in your refrigerator for months! Stay healthy , eat fresh and most of all don't let your mama worry. Trust me, you don't want that five hour lecture phone call! 

 Source: http://thumbnails.visually.netdna-cdn.com/TheShelfLifeofFood_512f96cbed064.jpg

Source: http://thumbnails.visually.netdna-cdn.com/TheShelfLifeofFood_512f96cbed064.jpg