​A student Q&A with Poppy Deyes

Going to university can be a stressful time, and the kind folk at John Lewis have pulled together three influencers – and former students - to answer some of the most frequently asked questions!

​A student Q&A with Poppy Deyes

Poppy Deyes lifestyle blogger offering tips around how to make the most of storage, items that can be multi-use and how to decorate your room sensibly. She graduated from Kingston University in 2014 in Fine Art. Poppy has put together some bedroom, decorating and flat living tips in an article for John Lewis.


What's the one thing you know now, that you wished someone had told you before starting university?

It's all gonna be okay. I mean, well, people did tell me it, over and over again… But university is SO full of ups and downs that sometimes it's hard to believe, especially when you're living off takeaways and have done three all-nighters in the library… BUT honestly, it really is! You've just gotta do everything in your own way and know that you'll work it out in the end.

What should I pack and bring to university with me?

Everything & anything…I remember not only packing up my entire bedroom, but also making sure I'd scanned my family home for anything I could sneakily pop in to my bag! Obviously all the basics are a must, you know, the pots and the pans, the plates and the cutlery, but honestly, I think the things that are most important are the things that make you feel comfortable, that make it your home away from home and feel like yours. The magazines you love, your favourite note book and ear plus, don't forget the ear plugs… Sleep is a must and sometimes just because you have an early lecture doesn't mean your flat mate does too!

What's your advice for getting through exam season?

Be calm and don't put too much pressure on yourself. Those library all-nighters are a killer, so try and remember to give yourself some down time too. Never compare what you're doing to others and just try to stick to your own plan and your own routine. You've got this.

Why should you get involved in your students' union?

To meet people. To explore. To try something new. The reasons are endless…it's a perfect excuse for you to be surrounded by new faces, all whilst having a common interest!

What are your top tips for making friends at university?

Be patient. Just because you're in the same flat or building as someone doesn't mean you're necessarily going to click and be bff's forever. You could meet friends anywhere, from the SU, to where you have lunch every day, to right in your lecture hall… Just remember everyone is in exactly the same position as you!

What's the one thing you didn't do at University that you now wish you did?

Travel more, definitely. A couple of my friends did a year abroad and looking back I would have loved to have done a little more exploring. It's the perfect time to do it and seeing as I was studying Fine Art, I think it would have been great for my work too!

Bedroom specific

What's the best way to organise my desk and wardrobe space at university?

Be organised, yet creative. Obviously everything needs to make sense, it's gotta be practical so you can get your work done, but also make sure that you create a space that you love. Fairy lights are great, as are all the highlighters and all the post it notes. You can never have too much stationary!

As for wardrobe space, all I can say is prioritise. I used to separate my summer and winter clothes into two, leaving half back in Brighton. This meant maximum clothes space at Uni and no faffing when ten minutes late to a lecture… winwin!

How can I decorate my bedroom walls without losing my deposit?

Most rooms that I've seen come with a pin board. Now initially when seeing said pin board I thought it would be useless, but oh was I wrong… Within a couple of days I had filled it with photos of family and friends. It's just about using all space you have…. Hang bunting across your bed, buy tons of cacti (they live forever!) and just get creative!

Author

Tom Inniss

Tom Inniss Voice Team

Tom is the Editor of Voice. He is a politics graduate and holds a masters in journalism, with particular interest in youth political engagement and technology. He is also a mentor to our Voice Contributors, and champions our festivals programme, including the reporter team at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

We need your help supporting young creatives

Recent posts by this author

View more posts by Tom Inniss

1 Comments

  • Luke Taylor

    On 16 October 2017, 12:25 Luke Taylor Contributor commented:

    This is handy advice!

Post A Comment

You must be signed in to post a comment. Click here to sign in now

You might also like

The place for creativity in the corporate world

The place for creativity in the corporate world

by Guest Contributor

Read now