14 student survival tips

1. Learn to budget

   
   Let’s be realistic here – you’re going to be skint frequently during your university years (if not consistently). However, being permanently penniless is something you can avoid if you take the time to work out a budget, and stick to it. Luckily, we’ve got a great guide to help you get your budget sorted.
   A nice option is to get yourself a prepaid budgeting card like this one from Loot (other prepaid cards are available), which is specifically aimed at students. Put a certain amount of cash on the card every month and assign this as your disposable income (for food, nights out and other expenses) so this stays separate from your cash for rent and bills.
   This way, you're much more likely to stay within the budget you’ve assigned yourself (because you have no choice, essentially) and can keep tabs of what you’ve spent by using the app on your phone that's attached to your card (and how much you have left over at the end of the month to reward yourself with for staying within budget!).

2. Know when to call it a night

   
   It's easy to get carried away on nights out. “Just a few drinks down the union” can quickly escalate to something out of The Hangover trilogy (we’ve all been there, and paid the price!).
   Knowing when to say enough is enough is actually quite a tough skill to acquire, and takes some good and solid will power. One way of attempting to control yourself is to only take out as much money as you’re happy to spend, and when that runs dry, hit the road.
   Try not to give in to peer pressure and stay out longer than you intended – you really aren’t going to miss much by going home at 1am, no matter how much it might seem so! Don't let FOMO rule you.
   While we’re on the topic, we’ve got a whole guide devoted to mastering the art of nights out on a budget for your consultation.

3. Start a meal plan

   
   Having at least a smidge of a routine regarding what and when you eat will prevent you from demolishing a week’s shopping in a day or two, and save you a fair wad of cash.
   A great tip is to get into the habit of planning your meals, meaning you do a bigger shop once a week with a few dishes in mind (including one meal that can be divvied up into portions to feed you throughout the week). Don’t forget to factor in a few snackables too though, and some emergency hangover supplies!
   One thing to ensure is that you never go shopping when you’re hungry, as you’ll only end up buying things you don’t need. Temptations are so much higher when your tummy is rumbling along the aisles, meaning you’ll end up spending a lot more than you can afford.
   We’d also recommend trying the supermarket downshift – don’t waste money on overpriced food, and don’t be fooled by any of the supermarket’s sneaky tricks they use to get you to spend more.

4. Avoid tricky seminar questions

   
   So you haven’t done the reading, but couldn’t afford to miss another seminar? This situation calls for some serious blagging and deflection tactics!
   First rule: don’t make eye contact. Pretend to be completely engrossed in your notes, perhaps even adding to them as you become more involved in the riveting discussion going on around you (even if you’re writing complete nonsense and haven't a clue what's going on).
   Get actively involved in group work, listen out to what others are saying and try to form something to say out of what's being discussed in these small groups (although, do NOT just copy what someone else in the group has contributed unless you fancy making enemies in class!).
   Then, when the class floor is open to discussion, try to speak out as early as possible (or when there's a question you can confidently answer) to get it out of the way. If you keep quiet too long, you might get nailed with a tough question near the end of class, so the trick is to get in there first!
   If you’re put on the spot and have no clue, we're afraid the only option left is to get your blag on. And next time… save yourself the hassle and just do the reading?

5. Control your bladder

   
   We all know what it's like to have to hold it in throughout the duration of the most boring class known to man. You're desperate, but you just can't bear the thought of running to the loo in front of a packed lecture hall.
   While we wish we could tell you there's a magical solution for this, there isn't really. You've either got to (wo)man up and take the bladder pain (it all comes down to mind over bladder), or try to wee when you have the opportunity.
   Try fitting pee breaks in before every class and lecture – even if that means leaving the house 5 minutes earlier in the morning to make sure you arrive with enough time.
   Bet you never thought you'd have to re-toilet train yourself when you went to uni, eh?

6. Speed read

   
   If you have the balls to show up to your class without having done the reading, a quick speed read can help bring you up to date with what's going on (not to mention how it can help for revision).
   We wouldn't suggest speed reading an entire novel (*cough* Wikipedia *cough*) but for articles and short chapters, it's certainly better than doing no reading at all.
   Use a highlighter to bring out any important sections or quotes (or at least what you think seems important in the 10 minutes you've spent swatting up on the topic). This means when you're in your seminar or exam, it won't look like you haven't done absolutely nothing.
   If at any point you get put on the spot, you can divert discussion towards one of the ‘interesting' passages you highlighted when you read the article ‘thoroughly' the night before.

7. Asking for help

   
   This goes for all areas of your life – if you're struggling to keep up with coursework (hence all the speed reading and blagging your way through tutorials), speak to your tutors. If you don't speak up about this stuff, the situation will only get worse as more deadlines pile up.
   Likewise, if you're having financial stress (our student money survey this year suggests that the majority of you struggle to make ends meet at uni) it's really important for you to reach out and get some help.
   Asking for some financial support from your ‘rents can be a tough situation for some, but it's also worth remembering that the government calculates how much maintenance loan to give you based on your parents' income.
   Therefore, if you're in the lower student loan bracket because your parents have a decent income, it's expected that they will help supplement your loan.

8. Cooking basics

   
   It's not that difficult to eat properly at university. You just have to spend a short amount of time working out the basics and mastering a few really simple meals, and you'll be able to feed yourself and save a whole loada cash in the process.
   Throwing some pasta and pesto together can make a meal that tides you over for dinner and lunch the next day – you don't have to rely on microwave meals (because they usually taste like crap), or takeaways (because they're expensive, although we have a few tips to get them cheaper now and again!).

9. Figure out the washing machine

   
   Throwing your clothes into the washing machine probably doesn't cross your mind very often, and you'll probably be avoiding it as much as possible because:
   a) the last time you did it your whites came out pink
   b) it can be such a hassle finding somewhere for them to dry when you have various other housemates with the same idea.
   The basic rule is: when you're pulling random items out your drawer to wear purely to avoid doing any washing, it's time to pull your smelly socks up.
   Be brave and just get on with it! If your elderly technophobe relatives can handle it, there's no reason you can't too.

10. Know your limits

    
    We all know booze is just a part of student life, but being the drunkest person in the room is never gonna do you any favours.
    Knowing what your limits are when it comes to alcohol will make your life at uni a million times easier – easier on your wallet, easier on your social life, easier on your ability to keep up with course work and easier to actually make it to lectures.
    Stick to one type of alcohol throughout the night if you can. If you're knocking back the vodka and mixers, don't decide to switch it up with several shots of whatever, before moving onto beer. It won't do you any good, and your head won't thank you for it in the morning (but just in case, these hangover cures might come in handy).
    If you've had enough, don't just carry on drinking because you don't want to look boring. We can assure you that dancing without a drink in your hand is a lot less boring than feeling like you're going to be sick and as though your brain is about to vacate your skull.

11. Deal with chores before they get out of hand

    
    You have to clean your own mess now – isn't life unfair! Unfortunately cleaning has to be done from time to time, otherwise your house will end up completely rank and you'll be ashamed to ever let anyone through the front door.
    We would suggest using a cleaning rota so everyone mucks in, but sometimes this won't work and can cause arguments if you have any particularly lazy housemates. So, our advice would be to clean together.
    Put some music on, have a laugh and promise each other a little pizza party once the mess is cleaned up (make sure you eat out of the box to prevent more mess, mind). This method is way more fun and gets the job done in half the time.
    And if you're worried about having to be the one to splash out on expensive cleaning products, check out this guide to alternative cleaning products and methods that will cost you next to nothing.

12. Don't just ignore any difficult housemates

    

    Unfortunately, it's not always hunky dory. If you find yourself living with someone who's making things tricky, talk it out with them. Ignoring the situation will never result in it ‘sorting itself out', and could result in a nasty passive-aggressive atmosphere.
    Understandably, it can be harder to deal with problematic housemates if they also happen to be your friends. You don't want to nag them or jeopardize your friendship, but not addressing the issue could just as likely lead to this.
    If things get really out of hand, or you feel you can't deal with it yourself, talk to your landlord. You don't deserve to be unhappy in your own home.

13. Learn how to sniff out a good deal

    
    Taking advantage of student discounts is pretty much our number one budgeting tip for uni – this is the one time in your life where you'll get discounts for being skint, so take advantage of it!

14. Hold your own

    
    When it comes to things like dealing with landlords and paying bills, the sad fact is a lot of people will see what they can get away with if they think you're an unsuspecting student.
    Don't let people walk all over you though – it's painful, demoralizing and you've got enough washing to do without all the extra footprints. Do your research so you know your rights and try your best to come across confident, even if you're squirming inside. Remember, you're no mug!
    For a few wise words of guidance on how to hold your own at uni, make sure you know your rights as a tenant, learn how to haggle on your bills and check out our guide on how and when to complain.
    Basically, if you've got a feeling you're being treated unfairly, do some research – your instincts could be right!

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16 types of guys you will 100% date at university

Avoid 'the male feminist' for he is the absolute worst.

By Paisley Gilmour

Obviously not all men are the same and they can't all be put into neat little categories. But there are 16 very real stereotypes that a hell of a lot of guys fit, and we can assure you, if you're on a dating hype at uni you're going to end up meeting a fair few of them.

1. The gap year guy. Yep, the one who's always banging on about how he 'found himself'. Often seen wearing harem pants and/or sandals even in winter. Has a tie die wall hanging in his room and thinks the most profound moment of his life was when he took Ayahuasca in Peru.

2. The inexperienced sweetheart. He may not know his way around a vulva but he is such a good dude. Your job is to help build up his confidence and send him off into the world, like a proud parent, equipped with life-changing oral tips and fingering moves. Future women will thank you for your contribution.

3. The faux intellectual. Wears box knit cardie and tiny, thin-framed glasses that five years ago would have be laughed at endlessly. Often heard quoting Nietzsche to strangers. His apparent 'wisdom' blows your knickers off initially, but then you start to find him smug and very, very annoying.

4. The king of bants. He's a massive laugh, super popular and always out boozing and being ridiculous. His stories are the best (that time his mate set his fart on fire and his butt cheeks got second degree burns), but when sober he absolutely cannot hold a normal conversation. Babe, get some interests other than drinking.

5. The male feminist. He thinks Joss Whedon is God ("It's so great he created Buffy, putting a strong woman at the center of a TV show for once") and is always telling you just how much he "loves to go down on women". Eventually you'll twig it's because he considers himself the Orgasm Donor and his whole feminist thing is actually a way to get into girls' pants.

6. The guy (and his gf) who want a three-way. At first you think you've met a cool couple who want to be BFF's, but then one night, when you're alone in their flat, and you've finished the bottle of Tequila, she'll lean over and touch your inner thigh.

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7. The best mate who's actually in love with you. You've done everything you can to make it clear you're just pals. You constantly fart in his presence, tell him about your hairy legs and go into detail about the guys you actually fancy. Then he goes and makes a move. FFS dude.

8. The really trendy (read: pretentious) guy. He makes you feel pig ugly and uncool AF in comparison until you just can't take hiding your love for Little Mix anymore. Sorry, you don't know who Gucci Mane is, and frankly you don't care.

9. The negger. He seems charming and maybe a bit arrogant but after a few pints with him, you realize you're feeling a bit glum and OMG it's because he's been subtly putting you down for two hours. Avoid like the plague.

10. The secret posho. He rocks tatty Vans and ripped jeans, but he's got a huge telly, a Chesterfield (in perfect condition) in his living room and an en suite. Plus, you think you spotted a legit Hockney hanging in his hallway.

11. The guy in a long distance relationship. He wants you to go over, watch films and eat pizza but nothing sexual EVER happens. Then you find out he's got a GF who's at Cardiff uni, and they're engaged, and Christ alive he's just trying to replicate the comfort of being in a relationship without actually cheating.

12. The absolute don of shagging. With him you come harder and more often than ever before. He's always saying you've got a banging body and how he loves your calves. But, sex aside, there's approx zero connection between you. Perfect for boosting your confidence, and orgasm quota, then sending you off glowing into the sea of babes you do actually get on with it.

13. The second-time fresher. He's instantly 10 times more attractive because he's a year older than you, but he failed first year (seriously, is that even possible? Don't you have to get like 10% to pass?) and is therefore obviously either an utter dunce or total waste-man.

14. The absolute bullshitter (aka the narcissist). Every story he tells sounds like something out of a Jack Kerouac novel. And, thinking about it, he sounds way too good to be true. That's because he is. He's a sociopath and you need to run the f*ck for the hills before you're in too deep.

15. The drug-lord. At first he seems way fun because when you see him out he's always loving life and full of enthusiasm. Then you go to a house party and see him going back and forth to the toilet all night and realize he's buzzing his tits off on more narcotics than Super Hans.

16. The clinger. You made out under the harsh neon lights of Oceana one time, at 4.45am, because all your pals had gone home and left you. Next thing you know, he's trying to get you to meet his parents over Skype. Your vagina seals itself up just thinking about him.

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How to survive university if you're in a serious relationship

How to make that relationship last to graduation and beyond.

University life and serious relationships don't traditionally go hand in hand. What with living away from home for the first time, dubious drinking games, and, oh yeah, studying for that degree, there's no time for any of that mushy love stuff, right?

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Well, let's be honest – whether you're a high school sweetheart determined to make it last, or you've already fallen for your roommate (not the best idea FYI), some of us just can't help getting loved up at uni. But how can you make it through the turbulence of 9am deadlines, 2-4-1 tequila shots and the disgusting campus annual traffic light party?

1. Don't listen to your single mate's opinion

There's always that one friend who's always single, up for 'playing the field' and who's breakin' hearts on a daily basis. Every time you get drunk with them they'll try and argue that university is the time to be 'getting life experience' and persuade you to break up with your partner. Don't listen to them. They just want someone to double date with.

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2. Do make time for your friends as much as possible

You might rather spend Saturday nights Skyping your long-distance bae or cuddling up on your single halls bed watching TV, but uni IS the time for going out and having fun. There will always be time for phone calls or Netflix marathons another day, and you won't spend the rest of term living with FOMO after seeing your flatmates' pictures from the "amaaaazing" foam party.

3. Don't worry about each other's social life

The first term of uni is notorious for the rate of fresher flings, but don't spend your nights out Whatsapping your partner who's on a bender without you. Firstly, your mates will get sick of you quick. And secondly, nights out at uni are for going out, meeting new people and having fun! You're way more likely to meet your life long bezzer in the kebab shop at 5am, rather than while you're rushing back home to snuggle.

4. Do socialise as a couple

One of the best things about being in a relationship at uni is that you have a whole new group of friends to hang out with. Make sure you spend time socialising with each others' mates – if only to hook up your friends with their housemates.

5. Don't move in together

DONT!!!!!!!!!!!

Like seriously, don't. University is stressful enough, and you'll need your own space for writing that 5000 word essay, watching your guilty pleasure TV shows (Dance Moms, anyone?) and nursing your hangover with a 4pm lie-in. As soon as you move in together, there's ALWAYS going to be someone there, and your alone time will be a rarity.

6. Do make sure there's a double bed if you do

A single bed might be 'cute and cosy' two nights a week, but if you're sharing 24/7, expect two hour shouting matches at four in the morning because their foot brushed against yours, or because you're hogging the pillow.

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7. Don't forget the reason you're there

Apply for all the jobs you want to, in all the cities and countries you want to live in. Bagged that dream internship in London but your partner's staying in Manchester to do their masters? Well, you did go to uni to get a career, not a life partner. If you love each other, you'll make it work without having to sacrifice career opportunities.

8. Do remember - long distance takes hard work

After spending three years going to the same bars, having the same friends and living on the same campus, suddenly having distance in your relationship is going to be a bigger shock to the system than surviving without your student loan. It's not impossible, of course, but it will take hard work.

9. Do make sure your uni years are fun As F##k

Because as soon as that mortarboard goes on your head, you step into that scary world called real, proper, grown-up life, and your amazing uni memories will make it all the more bearable. Make friends, join in or you might regret it.

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19 small boobs bra hacks you need to know

Finding bras for small boobs can be a nightmare - but thankfully, we've spoken to the experts to bring you the information you need to know about finding a better fit. These are the bra hacks for girls with small boobs...

Small boobs? These are the best bras for you

1. GET FITTED!

We cannot stress enough how important this is. You might think you're a 34A, but you could discover you're more like a 30C, for example. "We recommend you have a bra fitting at least every 6 months just to ensure you haven't changed size," says Suzanne Pentland from b.tempt'd. "Diet, stress and exercise and hormones all effect our breast size so ensure you get fitted regularly."

2. So what should you look for?

"A correctly fitting bra should sit firmly but comfortably around the body," explains Suzanne. "The underwires should lie flat against the rib cage, and contain the whole breast. The breast should be contained within the cup with no puckering or bulging in the cup fabric." Mimi Holidays Sarah Jenkins adds: "Buy a bra on the loosest hook and eye to account for stretch; throughout its (long!) life you may want to take it in to the tightest setting."

3. Don't be restricted by what's in the shops.

Seriously. If you're quite petite on top (take note if you're usually a size 8 or below in tight tops), chances are you might be a 30 or 28 band, which you won't find stocked in most underwear shops. But there are a whole host of brands that will cater to your size and trust us, you'll be grateful you're in a comfy bra, even if it means you can't just buy a standard high street set.

4. Material can make all the difference.

Certain materials like lace can fit tighter than stretchy synthetic fabrics, so if you find a brand you LOVE but it's just a tad too big, try a style in a different fabric. "Rigid lace and embroidered bras can fit firmer, but some bra styles also feature stretch lace fabrics," so lace isn't always tighter, explains Suzanne. Sarah agrees: "A heavier lace will tend to fit a little more tightly and provide more support than a thinner lace with more stretch."

5. Make a padded bra work for you.

"With padding, make sure you're scooping your boobs into place on top of the padding. You don't want the bra just sitting on top like a pillow," says Boux Avenue buyer Lisa Annand. "Some bras will have the boost at the bottom, so you will need to lift your boob upwards and sit it on top of the pad. This is common in balconette style padded bras, which create a 'shelf effect' cleavage, where your boobs are pushed upwards. Whereas, padded plunge bras often have padding at the side and so you will need to scoop your boobs in towards the center of your chest and sit them in place. This will create a nice central cleavage."

6. You might even need to go up a cup.

Sarah says: "Check the fit closely - is it sitting smoothly and snugly around the body and no over-spill on the cup? (Yes, over-spill can happen on a small bust too!) Buying a padded bra can mean going up a cup size - never think your size is concrete."

7. Getting gapes? Try another style.

From our humble experience, if you're getting that annoying gap between the top of your cup and boob, it could mean a few things. But most likely, either your cup is too small or the band is too big. "If a bra is heavily padded, you will need to ensure it is a firm fit at sides and back to prevent the padded cup standing away from breast," explains Suzanne.

8. But all breasts were not created equal.

"Small boobs still have variation in shape, so try try try until you find a bra that's perfectly you!" says Sarah. "Certain styles will just suit more than others, so experiment with shapes."

For example, in our experience, if your boobs are further apart, plunges and push-ups will be ideal to create cleavage. But if you have a fuller, rounder shape and find straps dig in around your armpit, try a multiway or triangle style, where the straps sit further in and can be adjusted more easily. Or if you're getting a lot of gaping, it may be that your boobs just don't suit a standard plunge or T-shirt bra, especially if there's more volume at the bottom of your boob than the top. Try a half cup or balconette design instead.

9. When it comes to strapless and bandeau styles, make sure it grips properly.

"Silicone strips around the band help to provide extra grip, so your bra sticks to the skin slightly and it won't be as likely to slip," says Suzanne. "Silicone is the best," agrees Sarah, "but it can be uncomfortable. If you can get away with just elastic (on smaller cups) I'd recommend this."

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10. Bras with boning in the side can add structure and shape.

"It pushes the breast to the center of the chest for great shape, and can help maintain the longevity and structure of the bra, too," says Sarah. Suzanne adds: "Side boning anchors the bra to the frame, preventing the sides from collapsing helping you to feel supported."

11. Tired of push-ups but want some cleavage? Try contouring.

Start off by using a slightly darker powder or bronzer, a couple of shades darker than your natural skin tone. Brush this from between your boobs out and around the top in an outward C-shape (basically outlining the shape of your boobs). Then, apply a shimmer or illuminator to the rounds of your boobs and on your décolletage to catch the light and create a 3D effect.

12. Puckering at the nips? Try a few in the same size.

"The majority of bra-lets are single layer fabrics, which are very unforgiving when trying to fit," says Lisa. "This makes it very hard to get something to fit skin tight and can result in creases and puckering in the fabric. This could either mean there is too much space (or not enough, depending on the cut), or that the seam is slightly too long. Try a couple of different bras on if this happens as each garment could alter very slightly."

13. Straps keep slipping off? There's a few reasons why.

"Always look out for bras with fully adjustable straps," says Suzanne. "Your bra straps should be tight enough that you can put only 2 fingers underneath the straps. If you can pull your straps away any more then they are too loose." Lisa agrees that the first port of call is to try tightening them or to position them closer to the neck to reduce the strap slipping off the shoulder.

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14. But a racer back may be your best bet.

"Some people with narrower shoulders may experience slipping straps, especially in smoother fabrics," says Boux Avenue's Lisa. "This is because the strap can't anchor itself on the shoulder. In this case you could try a T-back bra, which are also good for reducing strap slippage." Suzanne agrees: "Racerback and T-strap styles are really versatile for wardrobe and help to give increased support."

15. In fact, you can turn any bra into a racerback.

"You can invest in a racer back converter," adds Lisa "These pull the straps in at the center back and stop the slipping." Feeling thrifty? A simple paperclip (softer plastic ones are safer) can do the same job:

16. If your straps are digging in, your band might be too big.

Yep, another sign you may be in the wrong bra size. "If the straps are digging in then they will need to be loosened," says Lisa. "The straps are there to keep the bra from flopping down, they are not the main support. The main support comes from the under-band and the cups."

17. Even small boobs need support.

"Research has shown that even the smallest amount of movement (we're talking millimeters) can cause the elasticity in the breast tissue to decrease, leading to sagging," explains Lisa. So, while going bra less is a massive small-boob perk, just don't do too many star jumps while you're at it, okay?

18. And you still need a sports bra.

"Regardless of breast size, a well-fitted sports bra can make the world of difference to your workout, as well as your general health and well-being," says Professor Joanna Scurr. Dr Nicola Brown, a senior lecturer at St Mary's University, adds: "A good sports bra for A cup-sized women will reduce breast movement by 53% when compared to not wearing a bra."

19. Speaking of sagging, try a cream for some added oomph.

If you just want to give your boobs a bit of something extra, try using a lotion that'll help tone, lift, plump and tighten. Mio Skincare are great for this and while it can't promise an extra cup size, it can help firm and brighten your cleavage.

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Photos: Enugu Police allegedly arrest two girls for improper/indecent dressing

According to an eyewitness report online, Men of the Enugu State Police Command allegedly arrested two young ladies for indecent dressing.

The incident is said to have take place on  Monday,  November 20, at Garrison area of Enugu City.

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