Hi, my name is Hannah...

... And I have just started studying BA(hons) Journalism at the University of Winchester. As part of my course, I needed to set up a blog, which is strange in a way as I have been meaning to set one up for a few months now but was thoroughly confused as to where to start.

Anyway, I digress, this blog is mostly to be used as a synopsis of what I learn in my lectures, showing my tutors that I have understood what I have been taught and that sort of thing, but I shall also (probably) use it to show you how I'm getting on, what University life is like here and perhaps even comment on current news stories and events, but we'll see. Like I said, this is mostly for my course, which might give you some insight if you're considering applying to this or a similar course.

However, as this is my first post on my first blog for my first year of this course, I feel it's only right to try and share a little about myself, let you know how I'm feeling so far and all that kind of thing. So, like I said in the title, my name is Hannah, which feels strange to type as I, more often than not, refer to myself as Hazny which is a nickname I have held since Year 9 and, in a way, has rather become my identity. However, I've been trying to call myself Hannah, after all, no-one knows me at the moment and I'm doubtful anyone will remember Hazny, despite it being in my blog title and URL, on my bedroom door and on my facebook and twitter profile. I am a naturally shy person, which has caused endless problems since my arrival. I have yet to make any friends or build any kind of relationship with anyone, which has rather depressed me to the point that I have been genuinely considering leaving and going home (which you will know if you've come here from the link on facebook). I intend of staying at the moment, no need to worry or panic or anything like that, but I am seriously lonely and desperately missing me friends back home. I think what hasn't really helped is that I have yet to go out anywhere particularly. In fact, I haven't actually been into town at all, or even to the student bar. I've tried buying tickets to several events which have all sold out before I've managed to purchase any (I know a lot of people here know exactly what I'm talking about) however, I'm looking forward to the ones I have tickets for and also to going out just as soon as I find someone to go out with. You see, I'm not one of those people who has the confidence to go out by themselves and just find people to talk to once they're there. I'm also not the kind of person who goes out every single night and gets off their face for the sake of it; I like going out and I like drinking, but I also enjoy remembering everything the next day and having a nice night in every now and again.

I also like music, mostly of the Rock, Alternative and Indie persuasion but generally I have an eclectic taste in music from Funeral for a Friend to The Feeling, Muse to My Chemical Romance, sometimes a bit of Slipknot, and even Daniel Beedingfield (after all, we're all allowed a guilty pleasure or two). Back home I used to listen to Absolute Radio and Xfm, which should give you more of an idea of what sort of music I like most. I rather miss the radio, but I've managed to find a radio station here I enjoy, which is good. I have never been to a festival or really to any concerts; I went to see Rooster (who everyone has since forgotten) in Year 7 and that's literally it. I do have tickets to see Blink182 in the summer, so it's not all bad.

Another thing about me is that I have literally no interest in fashion. Not even slightly. I like the clothes that I like; ones that I think look nice, suite me and preferably are comfy. I don't tend to wear bright colours either, at least, not unless their with black or other dark colours.

I think perhaps I should talk more about why I chose this course and things slightly more relevant to Journalism...



When looking at Journalism and joint Journalism and Creative Writing courses, I quickly became aware of the importance of BJTC and NJTC accreditation and instantly narrowed down my choices using this information. If you're considering studying journalism at university, you should look to see if your course has either of these.

So, eventually, having looked at many courses, at many universities in many parts of the UK, I applied here. This was the only university that interviewed me and, being shy, this made be very nervous. However, I really enjoyed it, odd as it sounds. I think that has to do with the fact that the lecturers (who were also the interviewers) seem really nice, funny and friendly. And I'm not just saying this because they read this, before any queries are raised, as I've also said it on my facebook page, which I doubt they'll be looking at.

I've just realised how exceedingly long this first blog is; I apologise if I have bored you. If this were for a less formal purpose, I would probably offer a virtual cake as a reward for reading all of this, but I feel it'd be rather out of place on here. Anyway, I shall finish off here just by saying that I hope (desperately) that I'll make some new friends soon, otherwise I'm not sure how ell I'll cope here, even if the course is as brilliant as it seems.