I’m Evelyn Robinson, 22, studying International English and History at the University of Leeds, UK, and if I feel like I can't concentrate or present my thoughts properly, article for sale helps me with that..
My passion in life is to write and communicate, so I launched puravidastudent.com in 2012 as an outlet for creative writing during my time at university. Here I publish a variety of materials such as "Empowering Students: Collaborative Approaches to Academic Integrity", which will be interest to both schoolchildren and students, as well as alumni, you can also write to us and publish your ideas, or share them in the comments!
My blog is inspired by the Costa-Rican phrase ‘pura vida’, which means ‘pure life’. Travelling in South America 3 years ago, I discovered that the phrase is often used beyond the bounds of its literal translation to mean ‘relax, everything will be fine’. So I started puravidastudent.com with this in mind- no matter what happens in this inconstant and unpredictable student life, everything really will work out in the end.
The main thrust of my blog muses upon student life in Leeds and beyond, covering the most typical aspects of student life from partying to student living, to the more testing aspects like academia and studying abroad.
Following my study abroad year in South Carolina I tend to think of myself as a transatlantic hybrid of a student who likes country music and the Southern drawl just as much as the Arctic Monkeys and British sarcasm. My year abroad added an unexpected dimension to my blog, as I started writing about new and exciting topics like feminism, travel, American culture and the study abroad experience.
I’ve enjoyed some great moments since launching puravidastudent. Highlights include being voted by Cision as the UK’s number 1 student lifestyle blogger and as South Carolina’s Best Student Columnist 2013 by the SC Press Association. Other arm-pinching, dream-come-true moments have been writing blogs for The Guardian Students and being re-tweeted by Yorkshire Tea. Okay, maybe the last one wasn’t a lifelong dream, but it was pretty cool.
I hope you enjoy reading my blogs as much as I enjoy writing them!
Comments and feedback are much appreciated, so get in touch:
Email:
Twitter:
Pura vida!
Hey Eveie! Didn’t realise your blog was on wordpress, moi aussi…http://theoldcuriositybookshop.wordpress.com/. (It needs a bit of work though :/ )
Looking forward to next dose of Pura Vida!
Lotte xxx
Eveie, don’t forget you are 21! Did you get our card? Aunty A and Uncle L
Thanks Aunty A and Uncle L! I will change that now! I haven’t checked my post for a week (I have to go to my student union postbox) because I’ve been struck down with a bad case of the flu and haven’t left the flat, but will be checking it this weekend! Thanks so much :)
Hi! I’m a prospective student looking to study history at Leeds this coming September, I would like to say your blog has really helped me out with gaining insight and looking at the kind of things studying does to your prospects. I’d love to study abroad for a year (its my dream to travel and to do so whilst studying something I’m so passionate about would be the best thing I could ever do!). I love your blog. :-)
Hi Nicole! I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed my blog- and especially that it’s been helpful! Studying abroad was the best year of my life and it’s all thanks to Leeds. Leeds History Society (@LeedsHistorySoc) is also incredible, it keeps growing every year with a whole range of events offers trips and socials throughout the academic year, which has been the cherry on top of my decision to study history at Leeds. Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions- I could talk about Leeds, history and the study abroad experience all day! Thanks again :)
Thank you so much, it’s been a pleasure corresponding with you. I’ve got to get AAA to be accepted onto the course which is obviously a high grade boundary, so I’ve been biting my nails since doing my last exam. I’m specifically interested in Tudor history, and was wondering about how flexible the course actually is? In an ideal world I’d be going on to do a masters and hopefully a PHD in Tudor History.
In regards to studying abroad, does it cost more money? I’m in that unfortunate situation where I don’t classify to have maximum financial support, but my parents don’t earn enough to support me once I leave.
I apologise for being so persistent, but I have had my heart set on Leeds for as long as I’ve decided to go to university!
Again, thank you so much. :)
No problem it’s my pleasure! As I’m a joint honours student my studies are split equally between English and History, and I’ve never studied the tudors, but tweet your question to @LeedsHistorySoc and @comingtoleeds and I’m sure they will reply. Alternatively, find Leeds University History Society on Facebook as people post questions on there all the time, from what modules to take to selling books. But from my perspective I have always been happy with the varied range of modules available to study at Leeds, and that’s the primary reason I chose to study there. There’s also a third-year dissertation, module called ‘The Tudor Discovery of Russia’ which might interest you.
You do get the same student loan that you get in England to study abroad, but yes it does cost more money. If you stick to English speaking universities in European countries you can go with the ERASMUS scheme which gives much more funding than worldwide destinations. If you plan ahead you can also apply for loads of different scholarships!! :)
Let me know how everything goes! If you could share my blog on twitter and/or facebook that would be great, thanks!
Thank you that helps so much. I did English Language at A-Level and although I’m studying History it was my best subject – I heard that you have to take an additional course in your first year, is this true? If so I would preferably chose English. Even though I took language my love for history is shared equally with a love for books.
I’d gladly share your blog on twitter, however I don’t have facebook! Is it worth getting in regards to communication with other prospective students and possible flatmates?
I’m not sure about the extra course! There was a ‘Studying and Researching English’ one that we had to take but it was only 5 extra credits and was all done through answering questions online, it was super easy!
Thanks I’d love it if you could share my blog! And yes I would 100% get Facebook to stay in touch with all things leeds and History! I found my flatmates on Facebook before first year!
Ah then someone, somewhere is trying to make us more worried for university! Must have been a false rumour.
I’ve shared it on my twitter feed, although I haven’t that many followers. I really appreciate you taking the time to talk to me!