Monthly Archives: May 2025

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Disruptive Marketing Innovations

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Disruptive Marketing Innovation

Individual Report

01/05/2025/Ian Tobosei/Leave a comment

Student code – 202327272

Figure 1

The day I almost quit the gym, What Changed my mind?

My Personal Journey

 

In my young teenage ages, I was an energetic athlete taking part in several sports including football, athletics and tennis. This was seen as fascinating in the eyes of people in my age group. I was thriving and even having periods of going on trial at big football clubs such as Crystal Palace which got me a two-year period at the football club.

Until…

A young me got his priorities all wrong and fell in the path where football wasn’t a priority, and the focus was on having fun which led to my release at the football club. Fast forward few years later and I find myself in the University of Hull studying Marketing which I have a passion for. After all those years I saw myself not exercising or doing any physical activity and my new flatmate encouraged me to take part in a run one morning.

The breaking point:

It was a cold morning in Hull, and I stood outside the running track, my breath was visible in the air which made me debate whether to go back to my warm room with a Hot chocolate by my bed side. As soon as I set off for the run, the spark was gone with every inch if my body in agony, but I kept going and refused to stop. After the difficult run a switch flipped in my brain. I wanted to change my body and improve my life.

The turning Point:

When I wanted to begin my new fitness journey, I was looking at information to increase my motivation. The benefit lists looked bright including 150 minutes of intense exercise reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease by 20-30% in young adults (World Health Organization 2023). In addition, a UK fitness report was published explaining how 19% of gym goers ages 19-24 are 30% more energized linking to their mental wellbeing (Pure Gym UK report 2024). This information was a huge relief as in this period my mental wellbeing was in an all-time low with family stress and life hitting like a brick. I saw this as an opportunity to escape this feeling and an additional benefit of being able to improve my physical health also. This made me see that I can gain a joy in each gym session rather than focusing solely on solo workouts.

Table 1: Summary of Gym Effects
AspectProsCons
MentalBoosts mood and reduces stress: Exercise releases endorphins, improving mental health by 20-30% (NHS, 2022). Enhances focus and memory, which aides academic performance (ACSM, 2024).Can cause initial overwhelm: Gym intimidation affects 8% of young adults, leading to anxiety (Pure Gym, 2024). Overtraining may lead to burnout or low motivation.
PhysicalImproves strength and longevity: Resistance training increases muscle mass by 15-20% in 19-21-year-olds (JSCR, 2022). Reduces chronic disease risk by 20-30% (WHO, 2024).Risk of injury: Improper form can cause strains or sprains, especially for beginners. Time-intensive: 150-300 min/week needed for optimal results (NHS, 2022).
SocialFosters community: Group classes boost adherence by 26% due to social bonds (Sport England, 2024). Great for networking, especially for students studying abroad at Hull University.Potential for comparison: social media or gym culture can lead to self-doubt. Crowded gyms may feel isolating for shy individuals, especially during peak hours.

 

The Game Changer: The rediscovery of fitness through friends and the community –

I started my journey on my own and it benefited me hugely with minor progress made. However, I felt there was a small spark that I wasn’t finding the enjoyment that I was looking for which led me to start going with my friends within the gym community. My first group session was a spin class which in my head I thought it was for people way out my age range. This session changed my whole perception of gym, it wasn’t just lifting heavy weights and looking at yourself in the mirror. The pulsating music and the instructor’s constant energy reignited the young side of me that I have never felt. Unlike my solo sessions, I felt a sense of happiness in the gym. A study was conducted in 2024 (Sports England 2024) where they found that group exercises boost adherence rates by 26% in comparison to solo workouts. After this first session with people from the university and the public I made sure it fitted in my busy schedule. It was an amazing experience as I made connections from people over the country and international students, which got me out of my comfort zone which I didn’t know I would have been able to do. It was no longer just exercise sessions it was building connections which boosted my mental health, and I saw myself happier and more energetic every day.

Creative solutions:

The road to being a gym goer was a real test and a real mix of trying new things which meant experimenting with new ideas and routines. These are the main strategies that I feel can keep another aspiring gym goer like me.

  1. Cross-Training: As a young man myself I thought the best way was to do endless weightlifting and looking muscular. This was my idea of things till I got myself involved with spin classes, yoga and outdoor running as it improves overall fitness and builds endless number of connections with new people.

2. Gym social influencers: They play a significant role in supporting new gym goers by offering motivation and guidance. This is especially through showing workout routines and nutritional advice. I felt an emotional connection especially with MattDoesFitness as he is an engaging and enjoyable content creator mostly aimed at young enthusiasts.

 No procrastination, Start your fitness journey today!!

1.The ultimate beginner’s guide to the gym | Blog | Fitness First

2.8 Tips Before Your First Spin Class | Gateway Region YMCA Blog

3.Nationwide Gym Chain, The Gym Group, Launches Dial-A-PT Hotline For January Fitness Motivation – Sustain Health Magazine

Feel free to provide feedback. 

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References

Figure 1 – Push Gym (2018). Why People Quit the Gym. [online] Push Gym & Physical Therapy. Available at: https://pushgym.com/blog/why-people-quit-the-gym/ [Accessed 1 May 2025].

http://www.supersonicplayground.com (2024). Three-quarters of gym-goers report boost in mental health, report says. [online] Future Care Capital. Available at: https://futurecarecapital.org.uk/latest/gym-goers-report-boost-in-mental-health/.

NHS (2024). Physical activity guidelines for adults aged 19 to 64. [online] NHS. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/physical-activity-guidelines-for-adults-aged-19-to-64/.

‌ Chow, H.-W., Chang, K.-T. and Fang, I-Yao. (2021). Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Outdoor Fitness Equipment Intervention in Achieving Fitness Goals for Seniors. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(23), p.12508. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182312508.

Home, Lifestyle, Nutrition, Study Tips, Wellbeing

The £20 Meal Plan: How Students Can Eat Healthy on a Budget

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Posted by Olivia Gregory

Lets be real – university life is expensive. Between textbooks, rent, social nights and the occasional cheeky takeaway, budgeting becomes an extreme sport. Add trying to eat healthy on top of that? You might feel like it’s impossible. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to sacrifice your health to stick to a student budget.

Why Nutrition Matters for Students

University life can be demanding – a whirlwind of lectures, deadlines, social events and part-time jobs. Amid all this, it’s easy to underestimate the importance of eating well. Research consistently shows that good nutrition is directly linked to academic performance, mental health and physical well-being – all of which are vital for student success.

Nutrition Supports:

  • Cognitive Performance: The brain consumes about 20% of the body’s energy, so it’s no surprise that what you eat affects how well you think (Gómez-Pinilla, 2008).
  • Mental Health: Eating high-quality food nourishes the brain and protects it from oxidative stress (Selhub, 2022).
  • Energy and Physical Health: Students who regularly skip meals or rely heavily on takeaways often experience irregular energy levels, poor sleep, and a higher chance of illness (Pengpid and Peltzer, 2020).

Long days of lectures, commutes or part-time jobs demand physical stamina. Nutrient-rich foods help (NHS Health Scotland, 2023):

  • Stabilise blood sugar, reducing energy crashes.
  • Support immune health, reducing the risk of illness after freshers week!
  • Improve sleep quality, which is essential for memory consolidation

Perhaps most importantly, university is often the first time students take full control of their own diet. The habits you form now can last into adulthood, influencing your long-term health, risk of chronic disease and relationship with food.

The £20 Breakdown:

Estimated prices based on Lidl UK (2023):

CategoryItem ExamplesApproximate Cost
Grains & CarbsOats (£1.25), Pasta (£0.75), Rice (£1.29), Bread (£0.79), Frozen Jacket potatoes (4-pack-£1.25)£5.33
Protein SourcesBananas (£1), Apples (£1.25), Frozen Veg (£1.65), Tinned Tomatoes (2x £0.40)£4.70
Fruit & Veg6 Eggs (£1.29), Tinned Chickpeas (2x £0.40), Greek Yoghurt (£1.69), Chicken Thighs (500g – £2.49), Minced Beef (500g – £2.79)£9.05
Pantry StaplesPeanut Butter (£1.29), Oil (£1.25), Baked Beans (2x £0.40), Spices (£1)£3.94
Total £22.32

Note: While this slightly exceeds the £20 goal by £2, you can bring it back under budget by:

  • Swapping Greek yoghurt for a cheaper plain yoghurt.
  • Buying smaller meat portions or skipping mince.
  • Dropping optional extras like peanut butter.

Sample 3 – Day Meal Plan

Here’s a realistic, easy-to-cook plan for students:

Day 1:

Breakfast: Overnight oats with banana and peanut butter.

Lunch: Boil pasta and mix with tinned chickpeas and tomatoes. Add garlic or mixed herbs.

Dinner: Pan-fry chicken thighs with oil, garlic and herbs, serve with rice and veg.

Picture Source: (PixaBay, 2016)

Day 2:

Breakfast: Greek yoghurt with chopped apple and cinnamon.

Lunch: Use leftover chicken and rice in a wrap or with bread.

Dinner: Beef mince stir-fry. Cook mince beef with frozen veg and soy sauce or paprika. Serve with rice or pasta.

Picture Source: (PixaBay, 2016b)

Day 3:

Breakfast: Peanut butter toast with banana.

Lunch: Veggie omelette with toast. Just 2 eggs + frozen veg = power lunch.

Dinner: Jacket potato with baked beans and cheese (optional).

Picture Source: (PixaBay, 2020)

Best Places to Shop for Students

  • Lidl or Aldi – Budget-friendly staples and meat.
  • Tesco Everyday Value / Asda Smart Price – Affordable store brands.
  • Local Markets – Cheap fruit and veg (especially near closing time).
  • Pound Shops / Home Bargains – Good for spices, kitchen tools or tinned goods.

Tip: Sign up to loyalty cards (e.g., Tesco Clubcard) for more deals and always bring your own carrier bags!

Save More with Meal Prep & Smart Swaps

Meal Prep Tips:

Plan Ahead: Know what you’re eating before you’re starving.

Batch Cook: Make dinner, save half for lunch the next day.

Freeze Leftovers: Works well with pasta, curry, soup and rice.

Picture Source: (Dreamdecko, 2025).

Ingredient Swaps:

  • Use lentils to bulk out mince.
  • No lentils? Use chickpeas or beans.
  • Alternate meat days with plant-based protein like eggs or beans.
  • Buy cheaper cuts like drumsticks or chicken thighs.

Cooking doesn’t need to be perfect – it just needs to work for you.

Bonus: Mindful Eating = Better Living

It’s not just about eating cheap – it’s about feeling better. Cooking your own meals:

  • Reduces stress
  • Helps you focus
  • Saves you money
  • Builds confidence

If you can prep a week’s worth of healthy food for £20 now, imagine what you can do with a full-time salary later.

Tip: Try pairing your meals with a short walk, water bottle refills, and decent sleep. Small Changes = Big Wins!

Student Voices

“Meal prepping saved me at least £15 a week compared to eating out! Now I find it easier to save money to spend on things I enjoy”

– Josh, 2nd Year Psychology Student

“I Stopped skipping meals once I knew I had food ready in the fridge. Meal prepping helped me become more organised and less stressed”

– Amelia, Final Year Nursing Student

“I used to skip breakfast to save time and money, but once I started prepping overnight oats, I noticed I had more energy for my 9am lectures”

– Cameron, Third Year Physio Student

Try this £20 Meal Plan This Week!

Want to see how far your food budget can stretch? Try this 3-day plan and tag your creations with #StudentFuelChallenge. Let’s normalise healthy eating on a student budget.

Question for the readers: What’s your go-to cheap and healthy meal at uni? Drop it in the comments below!

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Read More!

Student recipes | Good Food: The £20 Meal Plan: How Students Can Eat Healthy on a BudgetMeditation and Sleep Made Simple – Headspace: The £20 Meal Plan: How Students Can Eat Healthy on a BudgetSave the Student – Student Money, Discounts and Jobs: The £20 Meal Plan: How Students Can Eat Healthy on a Budget
Fitness, Wellbeing

Stronger mind stronger body, the power of the gym.

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Have you ever thought about why so many people go to the gym?

 

I have, the gym is a safe place for people to work out their stress from the day and clear their mind. While going you become stronger physically and it also helps your mind become stronger which is a hidden side effect. It can help you if you are a student working on essays or if you have a job and working and need some mental rest and the gym can be your sanctuary.

The hidden bonus of the gym

When we first think about the gym you think about like bodybuilders or influencers. While these are great outlooks for going there are other benefits to going to the gym.

There are physical benefits that get attention and noticeable to others, but the mental health benefits need attention as well, because this gets overlooked.

When exercising you brain is working to the same level you are. According to Dr Wendy Suzuki “Exercise is the most transformative thing you can do for your brain today”. Dr Wendy Suzuki is a neuroscientist at New York University.

In a world where anxiety and burnout are on the rise. The gym has now become more than just a place to build muscles, it is becoming a tool for mental clarity, and daily stress relief. When you become stronger so does your mind.

 

Personal experience

So, my own personal experience in the gym was that when I was younger, I chased the gym to get fitter and personally look better, so was chasing a better look and not a better mental state. Then after a few weeks of going to the gym I was able to sleep better, my mental clarity was better and when in a stress environment like exams I was able to think clearer. This was a huge help when it was in exam season with all of the stress of grades and getting into university or getting into 6 forms.

Now gym for me personal has now become less able achieving abs but feeling strong mentally and physically whilst looking better.

Why it all works – The science behind the sweat

So, the reasoning and science behind how it make us feel so good is that it goes down to the fundamentals like the brain chemistry and biology.

Research 

According to different clinical research it shows that a 30 minute exercise 3 times a week can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. That would lead to helping improve mental strength.

A psychiatry study has found that if you exercise regularly it can reduce you bad mental health days by 43%. 


The endorphins and chemicals

When exercising the brain realises natural chemicals which effect the body in a positive way. The hormones that are released are dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is also knowns as noradrenaline. These are all neurotransmitters that affect the body mood, attention span and its motivation.

Minimising stress hormones

The main stress hormone is cortisol, and when you do any physical activity, it helps minimise it. So regular workouts means that it trains your body to be more effective at handling any pressure or stress that you endure.

Growing your brain

Sound impossible right? To grow more brain cells but it is completely possible. To achieve this all that is needed to do is aerobic exercises. Examples of this is cycling, running, swimming these are only a few examples that will help grow some new brain cells within the hippocampus.

The hippocampus is part of the brain that controls the memory and learning.

There are also some studies that show that regular workouts can improve memory and cognitive function over time.

The way it makes you sleep better

Sleep and your mental state are closely related, because when you sleep it processes your memories from the short term to the long-term storage.

Working out is one of the most effective way of getting the best sleep naturally. This would mean that deeper sleep and better-quality rest would mean clearer thinking and a better mood. The best rest would also lead to not burning out.

Boots focus and eliminates brain fog

After a workout you get a post-workout clarity, or I personally do.

When exercising it increases your heart rate which elevates blood flow, this leads to more blood flow around the brain which increases your focus and will improves your reaction time.

All of these would improve your ability to make decisions which especially helps in high pressure situations like work deadlines and exams.

Video

Below is a video on more for the brain chemistry and how exercise will help your mental well being.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFbeFLLJbWo

Challenge yourself

You have now read some science of it, you have heard my story, so now it is your turn. It doesn’t matter if you have never been to the gym or getting back into the routine of the gym. Just what you need to remember and keep in mind everything you do regardless of if it is running or weights is investing in your mental heal and mental strength, and not just your muscles.

So, just start with half an hour a few times a week, even just walking for 30 minutes. After than you will definitely notice how you sleep, think, feel, and act different. Remember you don’t have to train for perfection just improvements.

Your brain will thank you in the end remember.

Summarise

To summarise this blog the gym isn’t just for muscles it’s a tool to increase your mind. Then regular exercise releases feel-good chemicals like endorphins and dopamine, reduces stress, and increases new brain cell growth. It improves your sleep which makes your memory increase and boost your mental health and wellbeing. So regardless of why you’re going to the gym whether you’re dealing with stress, brain fog, movement is going to be your medicine.

Make your goal feel strong mentally and physically.

Please leave a comment below about your thoughts of the blog, and if any of it helped.

 

Travel, Uncategorized

Saving the world, one flight at a time

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Leave a comment at the end!

Source: Unsplash.com

If you’re like me, then you’re starting to find it hard to justify getting on a plane and jetting off on holiday with the current eco-crisis. This blog is here to help put your mind at ease, so you can go away and enjoy your time guilt-free. It will highlight the most eco-friendly airlines right now and show you what companies are doing to make air travel more sustainable—helping you do your part to save the world for the future.

The problem

 

Source: Statista

 

Traditional airlines have been under scrutiny for carbon emissions with the global warming effect becoming a serious issue. Currently, the aviation industry is responsible for 2-3% of global Co2 emissions and with the rise in popularity of air travel across the world this figure is only set to grow. There are however a few airlines who are taking this issue upon themselves and finding solutions.

Source: Unsplash.com

 

Meet the airlines

The most eco-friendly airline in the world is United Airlines, the American company primarily offers flights from major American cities to major European cities. Their CEO claims “We’re embracing a new goal to be 100% green by 2050 by reducing our greenhouse gas emissions by 100%” without relying on carbon offsets, the first in the world. It looks like they are on the right track, in 2024 the airline invested $200m into start ups trying to decarbonise air travel. If you are interested in flights to the states then consider this airline. Here is a direct link to their website: https://www.united.com/en-gb/flights-from-united-kingdom.

Here is a video that goes more in depth on United Airlines efforts:

https://youtu.be/BcLcyo21NIo

 

If you’re in the UK then you would like an airline close to home. Luckily for us British Airways also makes efforts to make their airline more eco-friendly. The global airline runs an initiative called BA Better World which highlights their roadmap on how to become net 0 by 2050. Additionally, they aim to reduce cabin waster, become more fuel efficient and are investing into a biofuel plant. British airways flights can be discovered here: https://www.britishairways.com/travel/home/public/en_gb/ .

Here is a video that goes more in depth on British Airways efforts:

https://youtu.be/DQhlijmZ5dI

 

What does the future look like?

Source: Unsplash.com

As we can see, there are measures being taken to reduce carbon emissions—but what about completely new approaches? Eco-conscious travellers should keep an eye on ODYS Aviation. ODYS are developing technologies that not only produce 0% emissions but also increase air travel efficiency. Innovative VTOL (vertical take off) technology is being used on commercial passenger jets for the first time, eliminating the need for runways and the vehicles required for taxiing and monitoring take offs and landings. This company can already replace 52% of current US domestic air routes and many more globally, handling both regional and international flights. Furthermore, without needing a runway, these flights can land in more places than conventional airlines, better connecting communities.

Leave a comment to tell me where you’re flying off to with these airlines!

Saving the world, one flight at a time
The problem
Meet the airlines
What does the future look like?
Fitness

Attention Athletes! Real Life Super Soldier Serum?

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Make sure to leave a comment at the end!

How athletes can produce super human performances:

Source: Dreamstime

What if I told you there’s a legal super soldier serum for athletes? You’d probably think it’s a steroid or some made-up scam, right? But actually, there’s a supplement—heavily tested and already naturally made in your body—that boosts performance… just by drinking more water! Sounds good, right? Keep reading to learn more.

So, what is the secret?

The wait is over—say hello to creatine! It’s a natural compound your body makes in small doses to fuel your muscles during intense workouts or heavy lifting. You can get a bit from fish and red meat but for peak performance, supplements are best. It’s actually “One of the most heavily researched supplements around” so there is no need to stress about side effects. Creatine’s job is to help your body make more adenosine triphosphate (ATP)—the stuff your cells use for energy. When you’re doing short, explosive exercise, your ATP runs out quickly and that’s when you feel fatigued. Taking creatine boosts your phosphocreatine stores, letting you hold more ATP and regain it faster. I’ve used it in my own training, in boxing and weightlifting lifting and it’s helped me build strength and size without the unwanted fat. The recommended dosage is 20g a day for 4–7 days to load up, then 3g daily to keep levels steady. Since creatine pulls water into your muscles, it’s important to drink more water to stay hydrated and avoid cramps or bloating. Creatine also comes in the form of gummies and tablets for convenience. If you’re into the good science stuff like amino acids and formulas then check this out: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/586.

Source: Unsplash.com

Benefits

Creatine is most popular for building muscle strength and size so athletes and lifters who use it can gain between 5% and 30% more strength and muscle than those who don’t. It’s great for bodybuilding and powerlifting, but it’s not just for those sports, creatine also boosts performance in Sprinting, CrossFit, and any sports with short bursts of energy. Plus, research shows it helps reduce muscle damage after workouts, speeding up recovery and lowering the risk of injury. But creatine isn’t just for muscles—it’s good for the brain too. Since the brain also needs ATP, creatine can help with mental fatigue, sleep deprivation, and interestingly to support brain health in conditions like Parkinson’s.

Source: Shopify.com              Source: Unsplash.com

Any risks?

There are no medical risks for healthy individuals taking creatine. Individuals with kidney problems should consult a doctor before taking the supplement as they should before taking any supplements. The only real drawback of creatine for athletes is the temporary increase in weight which can be an issue in sports with weight categories.

Source: Unsplash.com

Conclusion

I think a great new idea to experiment with creatine is in its delivery system. Developing a wearable patch that delivers micro-doses in response to your bodies needs would be great for athletes performances and eliminate risks such as forgetting to take the supplement. What do you think to this idea? Let me know in the comments!

To end, if you are looking to easily improve your athletic performance, creatine is the super soldier serum for you! Try it now!

Attention Athletes! Real Life Super Soldier Serum?
So, what is the secret?
Benefits
Any risks?
Conclusion
Study Tips, Wellbeing

Master Your Studies: Essential Tips for Success at Hull University

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Have you been thinking about studying Business, Marketing, or Digital Marketing at the University of Hull? This blog will give you essential study tips to ensure your success during your studies. Whether you’re just starting your undergraduate journey or coming back for a master’s, this is your one-stop guide on creating positive study habits for success at Hull. Did you know that around 20% of students are distracted while trying to study? (Walck-Shannon, Rowell and Frey, 2021) If this sounds like you, then look no further.. As a second-year marketing student at Hull University, I’m sharing the best study tips that I didn’t know before starting university, so I’m giving them to you to make sure you are ahead of the game.

Why Choose Hull?

Hull offers students excellent academic support through lecturers, the Hubble portal, and the library team. (University of Hull, n.d.). As well as this, the City of Culture 2017 offers affordable living for students while offering a city packed with culture and opportunities. Fun Fact: Hull is ranked the 12th cheapest student city by The Times (Bhardwa, 2017).

  1. Plan Your Study Schedule Early

Uni Life is busy from lectures to assignments to social events and even work, planning is essential to avoid drowning under the pressure of work. A great way to create a schedule is by using planners such as Google Calendar or Microsoft Excel, as these help keep you afloat and under control.

Personal Tip: I break down big assignments into smaller tasks and take regular breaks, as it helps the work feel less daunting and a chore to get started with.

2. Make use of the University’s Study Resources 

The Brymor Jones Library is much more than any old Library, with a dedicated skills team and the social seventh floor as well as all the books you could dream of. But that’s not just it, the Library website has access to dozens of databases to support your studies.

3. Find your Ideal Study Space

Everybody studies differently; it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. What may work for somebody else may not work for you. At the University of Hull and the surrounding areas, there are many different environments to test your perfect study atmosphere.

4. Manage Your Time Like a Pro

I know from experience that uni deadlines come up fast, so you need to develop good time management skills so you can stay ahead of the game. These skills are essential as they can be transferred into careers post graduation.

Recommended methods

Pomodoro Technique- Work for 25 minutes- break for 5- (Learn  more – watch this quick video).

Use apps that lock your phone to keep focus ( Forest).

Set Weekly Goals for work you need to complete.

5.  Work With Your Classmates

As a second-year student, I can tell you that group work is common across all business-based courses. You will need to develop teamwork skills as these are essential to come out with good grades. Here are some opportunities to develop them.

Joins HUBS ( Hull Uni Business Society)

Attend Hull uni HEY! Marketing ran events

Collaborate on assignments and share lecture notes.

Personal Experience: Once you break the ice with your group members, you can end up with a tight-knit group of friends.

6. Look After Your Physical and Mental Health

Academic success comes from more than just studying. Keeping healthy is essential.

The University of Hull has the Allam Sports Centre, which features a state-of-the-art gym and numerous courts to play sports on.

For mental health, practice mindfulness with apps such as Headspace or Calm.

As well as this, Sleep, nutrition, exercise and resting time are just as important as your deadlines.

Personal Tip: If you feel yourself getting stressed out or mentally fatigued from work, go to the gym to let off some steam and feel refreshed.

7. Use Technology to Your Advantage

As a marketing student, I quickly learned how powerful digital tools can be. There are many different tools that you can use, you may not know where to start so I have listed the ones I use the most.

Grammarly– this can help polish your assignments by improving grammar and flow, as well as suggesting different words to use.

Chatgpt- this AI chatbot can help you start your long essays by giving you key ideas that you could develop in your work. As well as this, it can help rewrite parts that don’t make sense or suggest things that could be better.

MyBib– This tool is a reference generator, essential for getting references correct.

Five Useful Apps For Students!

1. Notion– Good for keeping all your notes in one Place- Free (Save the Student, 2024)

2. Simple Mind– Good for organising your Thoughts through mindmaps- Free (Save the Student, 2024)

3. AppBlock– Good for staying focused when you’re trying to study- Free (Save the Student, 2024)

4. Microsoft 365– Good for accessing your work anywhere across multiple devices- Free with uni office accounts(Save the Student, 2024)

5. Google Calendar– Good for planning study schedules- Free

 

Final Thoughts: Success Starts Now!

Studying at the University of Hull is a fantastic opportunity to build not only your specialised skills for your degree, but you will also grow your confidence, independence, and career skills!

Here’s a small infographic summarising some of the tips I have discussed in this blog. Generated by (ChatGPT,2025)

By following my essential guide for surviving university, you will be planning, making use of resources, staying healthy, and using technology, you’ll be ahead of the game and be on track for success in your Business, Marketing or Digital Marketing degree.

Call to Action

Are you a Hull Student or perhaps a student across the UK with your study hack?

Don’t be a gatekeeper- Drop a comment below and share your best tips!

Do you want to swap and learn other people’s study strategies or connect with fellow UK Students? Add me on LinkedIn– Let’s build a network of support.

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Was this blog helpful? Got a tip I missed and you want to share it?

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Beauty, Lifestyle, Wellbeing

Glow on a Budget: The Student’s Guide to affordable Skincare and Haircare

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✨ Glow on a Budget: The Student’s Guide to affordable Skincare and Haircare     

 

For many university students, maintaining a consistent beauty routine can seem like a luxury rather than a priority. Between lectures, late-night study sessions and part-time jobs, carving out time for self-care often falls to the bottom of the list. But the truth is, looking after your skin and hair doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With the right approach and a few smart choices, you can achieve a radiant look and feel confident every day, all while sticking to a student budget.  

The Foundation of Radiance: Smart Skincare for Student Life 

Skincare isn’t just about appearances—it’s about protecting your skin from environmental stressors, preventing breakouts, and fostering a sense of personal well-being. Establishing a consistent skincare routine is the most effective way to nurture your skin and no, it doesn’t require an arsenal of luxury products or ten complicated steps. Below is a simple step-by-step skincare routine with cheap recommendations for all the essentials. 

Cleansing 

A basic skincare routine begins with cleansing. For students juggling a hectic schedule, a gentle cleanser is both practical and essential. It helps remove dirt and oil without stripping the skin’s natural barrier. Micellar water is a great low-maintenance option, especially on nights when you’re too tired for a full skincare routine. We also love Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser  

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is a dermatologist-developed formula that effortlessly removes makeup while being exceptionally gentle on your skin. This soap-free cleanser maintains your skin’s natural moisture balance and pH, leaving it soft and protected. Trusted by dermatologists for years, t’s fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and suitable for all ages. 

Moisturising  

Moisturising follows cleansing and is crucial even for those with oily or acne-prone skin. Lightweight formulas that include ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin are perfect for maintaining hydration throughout long campus days. A great moisturiser that delivers on hydration but won’t break the bank is Q+A Hyaluronic Acid Moisturiser. 

Sunscreen 

Perhaps the most often overlooked but critical step is sunscreen. Even on cloudy days or while working indoors it’s non-negotiable when it comes to daily skincare. But why? Not only does it protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, but it also helps to keep your skin looking more youthful for longer. Make sure to look for a broad-spectrum SPF that protects against UVA (the rays that age your skin) and UVB (the rays that can cause skin cancer) and wear SPF 30 as a minimum. It’s recommended to use two fingers’ worth of product to protect your face and neck – don’t forget those often-overlooked areas like your ears or your lips. Here is a list of the 10 best sun creams in the uk  

Affordable, student-friendly brands like CeraVe, The Ordinary, and even Superdrug’s own skincare lines offer effective solutions to every skincare step for under £10. These products are often dermatologist-approved and focus on functionality rather than marketing frills. For example, The Ordinary’s niacinamide serum is widely praised for reducing inflammation and helping to control oil production—ideal for managing stress-induced breakouts. 

 

Navigating the Ingredient Jungle 

Understanding skincare ingredients is empowering. Instead of falling for the latest TikTok trends, you can make informed decisions based on specific skin type and concerns. Ingredients such as niacinamide are helpful for calming redness and boosting the skin’s barrier, while hyaluronic acid helps retain moisture without adding heaviness. Salicylic acid is beneficial for acne-prone skin, as it penetrates deep into pores to clear blockages and prevent breakouts. Vitamin C, meanwhile, is excellent for brightening dull complexions and fading pigmentation over time.  

On the other hand, students should steer clear of alcohol-heavy toners and products with synthetic fragrances, especially if they have sensitive skin. These can strip the skin and cause irritation, exacerbating rather than solving skincare problems. Always remember to patch test new products—a simple yet often forgotten step that could prevent discomfort and inflammation. 

To break this down we have created a handy chart below:                                 

 

For those eager to dive deeper into ingredient knowledge, websites such as Paula’s Choice ingredient dictionary provide reliable, science-backed explanations of product labels. 

 

Haircare Without the Hassle 

While dry shampoo and top knots are staples of student style, your hair deserves just as much care as your skin. Over washing is one of the most common haircare mistakes, washing your hair two to three times a week is sufficient for most types and allows your scalp’s natural oils to maintain balance. 

Heat protection is non-negotiable if you’re using straighteners or curlers. Just a few seconds of applying a heat shield spray can prevent long-term damage and keep your strands strong. Deep conditioning once a week can work wonders, especially during exam season when stress and lack of sleep take a toll on your overall health—including your hair. 

DIY treatments  

Can offer nourishment on a budget. A simple hair mask made from ingredients like coconut oil and honey can restore moisture, while a mixture of yoghurt and lemon is ideal for oily scalps. These natural remedies are not only affordable but also avoid the harsh chemicals often found in commercial products. Here are 13 at home treatments to try! 

Styling  

Styling your hair on a student budget doesn’t mean compromising on style. With smart choices and affordable tools, you can achieve versatile looks that are both trendy and wallet friendly. Below is a Pinterest board we created full of the best student friendly styling tips and hair styles.  

Student Freindly Hair Styles Pinterest Board  

The Power of Positive Beauty 

Ultimately, beauty is about more than looking good—it’s about feeling empowered, confident, and ready to face the day. In a university environment where pressures can come from many directions, taking care of your skin and hair is a small but powerful act of self-care. It provides structure, encourages discipline, and boosts self-esteem. 

📣 Your Turn: Share Your Tips! 

Have a skincare product you swear by or a hair hack that saves your life on lecture days? Drop a comment below and share your best tips with fellow students. You can also link your favorite tutorials, product reviews or add your favorite styles to our public Pinterest board! 

 

Lifestyle

QRazy for food

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QRazy for food.

Imagine a world where you could effortlessly access all the nutritional information of your food with a simple scan or effortlessly track your diet by recording your meals and calculating the calories, fat, carbs, and protein you consume per meal.

Luckily for you, you don’t need to imagine, as with the latest technology, new apps are being developed where all of these things are now available right at the tip of your finger. QR code scanning and online diet trackers are taking the nutrition industry by storm; online nutrition and diet tracking apps have accumulated over 200 million downloads, with people aged between 25-44 making up 60% of the users. (Trishita Deb, 2025). Around 50 leading online nutrition apps are available to you, many of them being free, meaning that it has never been easier for you to start your diet.

 

But what makes them so popular?

Their popularity is rooted in their user-friendly nature. Take MyNetDiery, for instance. It’s the fifth most used online nutrition app in Ireland (Sensor Tower, 2024), it’s free, it allows you to set diet plans and weight loss goals and presents your nutritional information in easy-to-understand tables and graphs and it even grades each meal and snack you log to give you a clear picture of its nutritional value.

It even allows you to log food that might not necessarily have a QR code, such as food from fast food restaurants. It has the names and nutritional information from most fast-food restaurants in its database so that even without a QR code, you log exactly what you eat.

My net diary is one of the easiest online diet tracking apps available on the market, in a review by Dr Mark Morris (Dr Morris, 2024) they went on to say how efficiently the data was presented to the user, making it perfect for beginners to calorie counting apps, or experienced calorie counters who appreciate and/or prefer a more simplistic approach.

MyNetDairy is developing an AI camera scanner, where you can simply take a photo of your plate of food; it will analyse what’s there and estimate the total number of calories on your plate. (Ajmera, 2022)

 

Why should I use them?

You can use these apps to get a proper hold of your fitness aspirations as well as make sure that what you eat is best for you without any risk or payment.

They also allow you to make a choice; when you’re looking in the shop for what you want, you can simply scan the foods you are comparing and get a second opinion purely based on their nutritional information, making the healthier option more apparent.

They are also incredibly useful for people with allergies. If you have a peanut allergy, for instance, and you’re not sure if what you are buying has peanuts in it, you can scan the QR code, and it will tell you whether it may contain them.

Most of them are free to download and use, offering core services like QR code scanning and diet tracking. This means you can explore these apps without any financial risk. If you don’t find them useful, you can simply uninstall them without any sense of wasted investment.

 

Is there a downside to them?

Simply put, yes, like anything, there is a downside. The biggest issue with these apps is the danger they pose to people with eating disorders or people who are very self-conscious about their weight. In a study done by Cheri A Levinson (Levinson, 2018). She found that when 105 people with eating disorders used the app, 75% of them used a QR code and calorie-counting app, with 73% of them saying that the app contributed heavily to their eating disorders.

Calorie-counting apps can sometimes have a detrimental effect on their users, who may not understand how to stop using the app when they have achieved their goal. Eating disorders could arise from using these apps or they may worsen the symptoms for a person.

The apps also don’t seem to care about under-eating users. When you put the weight you want to achieve into the app, it will make you a plan on how to achieve it, such as how many calories you should consume a day, and what types of foods you should be eating. If you go over the designated calorie limit, the app will tell you to eat less; however, if you are eating fewer calories, or even dangerously low amounts, it may not give you any warning. Instead, it will just tell you that you will achieve your goal even quicker than expected.

 

What’s my takeaway?

I am personally a chicken korma with pilau rice kind of guy; my girlfriend, on the other hand, prefers a nice juicy burger, but no matter what sort of food you like, it’s now never been easier to log your food and keep track of your diet and weight loss goals.

The future of diets is here, and there has never been a better time to set a goal for yourself. You can be ambitious, or you can start easy and simple, there are no restrictions on what you can do to your diet. No matter what you do, these apps are always going to be here to help you, always changing, always being developed to make your diet more effective.

 

Track your way to a healthier you.

Why don’t you tell me what you think? Have you used one of these apps before? If you think I’ve missed something, please let me know by leaving a comment in the box below.

If you found my blog useful, please give it a thumbs up, and if you have any ideas on what I should write about next, please leave a comment; if I like it, I may write about it.

Just remember, stay QRrazy for food.

Study Tips

Study Smarter: Several Tips for Thriving at University

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Introduction

In the university, many students often feel overwhelmed from their studies. For example, the tight schedule of courses and exams make us feel helpless. Many students are procrastination and always review and write papers at the last minute. This will not only inefficient, but also easily leads to anxiety, insomnia, and even affects the overall academic performance. In addition, the lack of reasonable time management is also a common problem among college students. Faced with many tasks every day, but not knowing how to arrange time reasonably, the result is that work and study are not taken care of.

Therefore, it is particularly important to find an efficient and simple learning method. This blog is helping to improve learning efficiency and reduce psychological burden by sharing some proven study skills. Whether you are a freshman or a student who has adapted to college life but wants to improve further, these methods can bring real help to your learning journey.

Planning Your Study Time

In college study, it is very important to arrange time properly. Effectively management can not only help students complete their learning tasks, but also effectively reduce procrastination and anxiety. Lack of planning may fall into a vicious cycle of cramming and inefficiency, which greatly reduces the learning effect.

A simple and practical method is the “Pomodoro Technique”. This method divides the study time into 25 minutes of focused study and 5 minutes of short breaks. After completing four Pomodoro, a longer break can be arranged(Biwer et al., 2023). This segmented learning can help the brain stay focused and reduce fatigue.

In addition, it is equally important to make a weekly study plan. This can by listing the learning tasks and goals of each course at the beginning of the week and distributing them reasonably to each day, avoiding rushing when the deadline is approaching. Therefore, using a simple spreadsheet or time management tool, such as Google Calendar or Notion will help to some extent.

Effective Notetaking

Notetaking will help to understand and remember knowledges by writing down information. However, many students simply copy the contents from the lectures, and, at the same time, ignore the structure and logic of the notes, which might result in hard to understand in later revision. Thus, good notes should be concise and organized to help with quickly grasp the key points and sort out thoughts.

The first effectively note taking is the Cornell Method that divides the page into three parts. The Main area is used to record the lecture content, the prompt area is used to organize keywords or questions, and the summary area at the bottom is used to summarize the key points after class. Cornell Method is easy to organize and review, which helps to deepen understanding (Thurler, 2019). The second is Mind Mapping, connects related concepts through images and lines to form a clearly structured knowledge network, which is particularly suitable for course content that requires organizing complex information and establishing a knowledge framework.

In addition, using tools such as Notion or OneNote can also improve efficiency to organize the content of different courses, add tags, insert pictures or links, and achieve flexible knowledge management.

Choosing the Right Study Environment

The learning environment has a significant impact on learning efficiency. A quiet and environment can highly improve concentration and learning results.

For example, Libraries usually have quite atmosphere, which is very suitable for long-term and intensive study; but sometimes there may be slight disturbances with the large number of people. In addition, home is relatively comfortable and saves commuting time, but it is also easy to be distracted by mobile phones, family members or beds. Thus, there are several suggestions to create an ideal learning environment. First, using noise-cancelling headphones can effectively block surrounding noise and create an concentrated learning atmosphere. Second, switching your phone to airplane mode or using focus apps when studying can help to stay away from social media interference. In addition, keeping your desktop tidy can also increase learning motivation and comfort.

Choosing and flexibly adjusting a suitable study place according to specific tasks is an important step to improve learning efficiency (Lucas, 1970). Finding the space that makes it easiest for you to achieve greater learning results.

 

Maintaining Physical and Mental Health

Maintaining good physical and mental health is important for efficient learning. Many students sacrifice sleep, neglect diet or sit for a long time under academic pressure. This will not only affect learning efficiency, but also impact physical and mental health. Studies have shown that adequate sleep can significantly improve attention and cognitive performance. Research found students who get enough sleep can improve their performance by 25% (Okano et al., 2019).

First, sleep is the most important way to recovery. It is recommended to ensure 7 to 8 hours of high-quality sleep every day and avoid staying up late to play phone or studying temporarily. Secondly, a balanced diet is equally important for brain function. Eating more high-protein and vitamins foods, such as eggs, nuts, fresh fruits and vegetables, can help maintain energy and concentration. In addition, maintaining exercise every day can also effectively relieve stress and activate the brain.

Conclusion

Efficient learning does not mean investing more time, but using the right method. Start making a small adjustment today, such as making a study plan, trying the Pomodoro Technique, organizing your notes, or going to bed early at night. The accumulation of each small habit will lay a solid foundation for your future learning. Stick to it, and you will find that learning is no longer a burden, but a process of self-growth. Start now, and the future you will thank yourself for your hard work today

Call to Action

You are welcome to share your learning skills in the comment area. Maybe your method can help other students. If you find this article useful, don’t forget to forward it to your friends. Let us develop more efficient learning habits and achieve common progress.

Study Tips

How to get a higher GPA ?

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For many college students, GPA is not only a number, but also an important threshold for scholarships, graduate school, further study abroad and even job hunting opportunities. However, in the face of the increasing pressure of coursework, it is not easy to improve GPA. In this blog post I summarize a set of practical strategies to help college students steadily improve their grades. 

 Understand the components and course weightings 

Understanding the components of GPA and course weights To improve your GPA, it is important to first understand its components.GPA is not simply a grade point average, but is calculated according to the ‘credit weights’ of each subject. It is calculated according to the ‘credit weight’ of each subject. Different courses are graded in different ways. Some courses have a higher percentage at the end of the semester, while others are more focused on regular performance. It is important to be fully aware of these details in order to improve your grades more efficiently. It is recommended to prioritize your efforts on high-credit courses. These types of courses have the greatest impact on the overall GPA. 

Develop a reasonable study plan 

A clear, realistic study plan not only helps you organize your time efficiently, but also ensures that all your study tasks are completed in a limited amount of time. A proper plan can make reduce stress and provide you with a clear direction for your studies. 

  • Pre-course pre-study: pre-course pre-study is often a part of studying that many people overlook, but it is, in fact, a key step in boosting your GPA. Through pre-study, you can understand the basic framework and content of the course before you formally listen to the class, so that it will be easier to follow the teacher’s thoughts in class, and you can also identify in advance what content is more difficult and worth focusing on. 
  • Taking notes in class: Taking notes in class is a basic skill for many college students, but there is a big difference in effectiveness between doing it well and doing it poorly. Through effective note-taking, you can quickly organize the key points and difficulties explained in class into your own knowledge system, laying the foundation for subsequent review and in-depth understanding.  
  • Review after class: Reviewing after class is an important part of boosting your GPA. Many people feel that they can “relax” after class, but in fact, if you don’t review in time, what you have learned will be easily forgotten. Research has shown that the brain forgets a lot of information within 24 hours of learning, and only through timely review can you effectively consolidate your memory. 
  • Stage summarization: It is very important to conduct stage summarization on a regular basis. By summarizing, you can review the progress you have made, identify existing problems, and adjust your learning strategies in time. 

Full utilization of resources 

In our academic life is not only we alone in the fight, the rational use of other resources can be twice as effective with half the effort. 

  • Group work:Many courses have set up a group work program, to actively communicate with a wide range of group members to listen to the views. Reasonable distribution of tasks can reduce the burden of learning can also focus on the work. And other people study in teams, explain to each other, discuss the difficult points, than a person to study alone is much better. Especially when you don’t have an idea, a reminder from others may help you clear your mind. 
  • Tutor help:Tutors are not only experts in course guidance, but also guides in study life. Whether it is in understanding complex knowledge points or encountering bottlenecks in the dissertation writing process, tutors can provide you with valuable guidance. Don’t be shy, actively communicating with your tutor can make your study more oriented and efficient. 
  • Online resources:The internet is an important part of our lives nowadays. Utilizing search engines such as Google allows us to access information in a cost-effective manner. In addition, many platforms provide free online courses, many professors will publish professional courses in these platforms, these courses can significantly improve our knowledge.    

Tips: Be sure to recognize the authenticity of online resources! 

Health and Mind Management 

The physical and psychological effects on learning efficiency should not be ignored.

  • Maintain sufficient sleep time: Studies have shown that sleep plays an important role in memory, especially after learning new knowledge, sleep helps the brain to convert short-term memory into long-term memory. Through a night’s sleep, the information learned is “reinforced”, which is why staying up late to revise is often ineffective. Getting enough sleep ensures that you remember and apply what you have learned better the next day. 
  • Eat healthy: Eating a healthy diet is not only essential for your health, but also has a direct impact on your brain function and ability to learn. Proper nutrition improves concentration, memory, and the efficiency of your brain’s functioning, while poor eating habits can lead to fatigue, poor concentration, and mood swings. A proper diet provides adequate energy and support for your studies. 
  • Moderate Exercise: Long hours of studying can easily lead to physical fatigue, lack of concentration and even anxiety. Moderate exercise not only improves physical fitness, but also helps keep the brain energized and enhances learning efficiency. 
  • Adjust your mindset: In the pursuit of academic success, it is vital to maintain a positive mindset. Learning is long-term, so don’t be defeated by one or two failures. Learn to accept imperfections, allow yourself to make mistakes, and learn from them instead of beating yourself up. Excessive self-blame will only exacerbate anxiety and put you in a vicious cycle. 

Summarizing the learning experience 

Learning is a process of trial and error, adjustment and growth. If you want to improve your GPA, you not only need to work hard, but also need to summarize your experience in practice and find the most suitable study method for yourself. Each course has different content, assessment methods and difficulty, so your study strategy should be different from course to course. 

 

Have my learning strategies helped you? Please leave your comments! 

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