Bowling and Reading - My time at University so far

Weird headline, huh?

Well, they're both relevant in their own way. 

University life has been amazing so far, although it's been very different to how I imagined.

Honestly, I don't think I could have better flat-mates. 

We're all very different in the sense of our personalities, tastes in music and just general interests, but it makes life much more spontaneous and enjoyable.

If we were all the same, it'd be a bore.

We have the sports fanatic (me), the suave cool guy, the handyman who can do amazing DJing, the girl next door, the ditzy one and the really cheerful motherly one. (to be fair, all the girls look after us men)

So that aspect of university has been awesome, we're a tight group and when you look at other flats who are clearly disjointed, we're quite lucky.

Bowling -

One of the best things about being at the University of Lincoln, is there's a really, really cool bowling alley called Superbowl just down the road.

I've been there a few times now, and it's so old-school and vintage, it's the beeeeees kneeeeeeees. 

I've been with course and flat mates and it's been pretty decent.

But bowling can come in other forms too, just yesterday night, my flatmates and I made a bowling alley out of coco pops boxes and it was equally as fun.

These spontaneous things that happen at university are my favourites, because the random things you can just make-up to occupy your time are just... hm, interesting I guess? 

Reading - 

So that's bowling out of the way and now there's reading.

I don't mean reading a book, I mean reading people.

Before university I thought one of my biggest skills was the ability to read people, to know where I stand with them right away.

For whatever reason, that's not possible here.

You can spend a lot of time someone, and still have no possible idea what impression they have of you, and that's probably the biggest difference to my "old life."

In Milton Keynes, I knew exactly where I stood with everyone, I knew the boundaries and limits but in Lincoln, I have no idea!

It's not necessarily a bad thing, it's just different.

I don't think I'm the only one who feels this too, you can sense a lot of the time people around you are trying to figure you out, to get some sort of idea of what you're like.

It makes it even more difficult though when you can't understand someone though as it makes it harder to open yourself up.

Obviously we're only 5 weeks in, and it does take time to get to know someone and for them to trust you, but there are some special cases I think!

One thing university has taught me is, things can change really quick. 

You can be really, really close with people one week, then another it's like you don't know them, which is a massive shame.

However, if you make an effort to stay connected to those people, you should be fine. 

Last spontaneous thoughts - 

My course is amaaaaaaazing. 

It's so enjoyable and the range of subjects I get to learn is ridiculously awesome.

My journalism course ranges from law to history to shorthand with a bit of multi platform studies on the side!

Also, just one piece of advice, be honest.

Be upfront with people, and don't hide or pretend there isn't any tension, because it doesn't help. 

Whether it's your flat-mate, course-mate or even a crush, honesty is definitely the best policy at university (as cliché as that sounds).

You can run away from confrontations or dodgy topics, but it'll build up inevitably and sooner or later you'll find yourself in a mess and it'll be too late to get out of it.

To be fair though, I need to follow my own advice, because it's easy to not want to be judged or for it to be awkward as a result, but even if it is, it's better to unload and not carry the weight of that tension you're holding on your shoulders.

Honesty won't solve your every problem, but it'll make you feel better on the inside, and from what I've seen at university, you need to look after yourself first, because in a lot of people's eyes, you're disposable and you can be replaced.

The Hypocritical Cycle of the England National Team

There’s a lot that's wrong with English football at the moment. 

Roy Hodgson, the England manager now thinks it’s alright to swear, the side is performing at an all time low, and fans from all around the country have fallen out of love with their team.

The problem when dissecting the evident issues that surround English football is that they’re all intertwined. 

For example, Hodgson responded to the industrial language he used after the narrow 1-0 against Norway by saying, “That’s ridiculous. What industrial language? Goodness me. What sort of world are we living in? You are scraping the bottom of the barrel to say something negative there.” 

This whole situation comes from Hodgson’s clear stress in his job after an abysmal World Cup where changes were required. 

As calls for younger players to be introduced into the England side have been heard due to the retirements of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard; the injection of younger players still failed to inspire England in an unconvincing 1-0 win against Norway.

There’s two sides to England’s current state. 

On one side, it would be naive and hypocritical to judge Hodgson and his side as there are many players with less than 10 caps to their name, in particular Raheem Stirling, who has only made 8 appearances.

However, when England are trying to play a 4-2-2-2, and it’s not working against a stubborn, but vulnerable Norway side, worries creep to the surface.

Hodgson is at turning point in his managerial position, either he’ll inspire this young group of international players, or he’ll be found out, quickly.

Another issue which is commonly raised is the “lack of English players” available for England. 

This is such a poor excuse for England’s failings in the last decade. 

What happened to the so-called, “Golden Generation?” 

Did they achieve much success? No.

It’s not the lack of English players which has effected England’s chances at major tournaments, it’s the selection of players which is most often wrong.

Although it seems absurd to think about, the selection of English players revolves around an elitist philosophy. 

A perfect example is Calum Chambers. After playing 3 Premier League games for Arsenal, he’s been given his England debut, but why?

Calls for his name to join the English ranks were only made after he played against Besiktas at the start of the season, but why not last season?

It seems easy to by-pass the fact Chambers made 20 appearances for Southampton last season, but he was never in contention to be called up for England, even when Glen Johnson was injured and Manchester United defenders Phil Jones and Chris Smalling would deputise in the position.

The pool of English players may have decreased, but it isn’t the problem. 

As less English players are forced to play their trade at lower ranked sides, they are clearly discounted as “not good enough.” 

With no disrespect to the following clubs (chosen at random), if Danny Welbeck played for Hull or West Brom, do you think he’d be near the starting line-up?

If Mark Noble, who has made over 250 appearances for West Ham, played for an Arsenal or a Chelsea, he’d be in the England squad, no problem. 

He plays similarly to Jack Wilshire, yet he’s once again, never in contention. 

This elitist way of thinking is simply wrong, and anyone who disagrees should watch a replay of Scotland’s defeat against Germany yesterday night.

Yes, it was a one off game, but they displayed a valiant performance which England fans can only wish their players would replicate.

England don’t need immediate physical changes, they need an immediate psychological overhaul.

England need a new philosophy or Hodgson must go

Underestimation. 

It seemed England’s fatal flay during the World Cup in Brazil, where the Three Lions were tactically inept to deal with their opponents.

Against Italy, Roy Hodgson failed to deal with Italy’s right wing threat of Darmian and Candreva who consistently gave Leighton Baines various issues. 

Instead, the team was shifted around the need to put Wayne Rooney in the team which consequently led to Balotelli’s winner in the 50th minute. 

Despite their negligence against Italy, we were blinded by the spark of Raheem Stirling. 

The only England player to capture our imagination, however, as football fans, we let ourselves fall into a false sense of security which was reinforced against Uruguay. 

Luis Suarez, who was in a wheel-chair a month before the match, destroyed England. With an assist from his former Liverpool captain, Steven Gerrard, he broke English hearts despite Rooney scoring his first goal in a World Cup.

The team was set up on the basis England would counter-attack Uruguay. 

This was the reason for Sterling, Sturridge and Welbeck being in the team.

It failed. 

These two games showed us England must stop asking the question of, “What are the opponent going to do, and how can we beat it?” 

Even though this is seen as a cautious approach to counter your opponent, the English side have tried it for the last three tournaments, and it hasn’t worked.

It’s time for change.

Whether it’s Roy Hodgson or the next England manager, they must instil their own blue-print of a style of play. 

Watching England play a 4-2-2-2 against Norway was an eye-sore. 

When you think a plain 4-4-2 is bad enough, seeing the England side try to be intelligent in playing a slightly more complicated formation was hard to watch.

Wembley’s half-full stadium was an evident sign that the country has fallen out of love with it’s national side. 

Many will say, “It was only Norway,” but are you really telling me 4 more million people chose to watch the Great British Bake Off instead because it was just a friendly?

This is England we’re talking about. 

England’s back five, including Hart, is fine. 

It’s from there Hodgson must have a rethink. 

Wilshire and Henderson simply aren’t holding midfielders, the ever-present thought the side must copy the likes of Brazil and Germany with at least one must end.

Why? Once again, it hasn’t worked. 

You may think this article is just a cheap shot at the England side, but it’s simply frustration.

When you see the likes of Sterling and Sturridge continually play well for their club, it’s a shame they are restricted in this England side.

An AmeriKhan Preview of Premier League 2014

Finally, it's about time. 

After a fantastic World Cup in Brazil to occupy our time, the Premier League is back tomorrow.

With more stories than ever, it's time to preview what could be one of the most intriguing seasons for a long, long time.

Champions: Manchester City

It's City's title to lose.

Although Chelsea have had the best transfer window of the top clubs, buying smartly and efficiently, City undoubtedly still have the best squad.

As we saw with Arsenal last season, squad depth is a necessity to win the Premier League, and Chelsea need another striker to support Diego Costa when he has a dip in form. 

To continue with Torres for another year is ridiculous after another helpless season, and in the end, they won't have enough in comparison to City's still incredible strike-force of Aguero, Dzeko, Negredo and the now fit Jovetic.

Even though City haven't bought superstars this summer and haven't made a signature signing, they've added even more depth to their already talented squad. Mangala and Fernando are intelligent signings and will get the job done when required, especially against the bottom half of the table.

The Top Four: Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal

These three will see United reach the Top 4, easily.

Manchester City and Chelsea will be the top two for reasons already explained. The big surprise may be Manchester United taking third place, which would be a massive improvement from last season's 7th. 

With Van Gaal's 3-4-1-2 formation, Juan Mata can finally shine once again in the Premier League, supplying Rooney and Robin van Persie with ammo required to earn at least a top 4 place. 

With no European distractions, there is no reason why Rooney and RVP can't both notch 20 goals each, which may see United challenge for the title as well.

Oh Arsenal, they're always controversial. 

Unfortunately, it's another 4th place for the Gunners, despite the impressive signings of Alexis Sanchez and Calum Chambers. 

Although they've made good signings, Arsenal haven't addressed any of their major issues. 

They lack a commanding centre-back, a combative defensive midfielder, and a 20-goal-a-season striker. 

This isn't rocket science, it's quite a generic analysis for Arsenal, which is why they've been linked with Sami Khedira during the transfer window.

Relegated: Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, West Brom

Even the mighty Roy Keane won't be able to help Villa.

I feel Leicester will very much be like Blackpool. They'll be refreshing to the Premier League, and enjoy a prosperous few months, however the Foxes will just survive in the remaining few months, only for one reason.

Crystal Palace. 

No Tony Pulis, no survival, we learned that last season. Simple.

Villa's uninspiring signings are just...abysmal. It's hard not to feel genuinely sorry for Villa fans, when your major signings are Philipe Senderos and Joe Cole. 

I understand that the club needed to bring in experience for a young squad, but instead of investing in players with leadership, such as Scott Parker, who could've helped others develop, they've bought players with tarnished reputations who are trying to prove their doubters wrong.

They already tried that with Stephen Ireland, it didn't work out.

West Brom on the other hand, have the opposite problem. Their uninspiring choice of choosing Alan Irvine as their manager has cast major doubt over the club's survival.

Surprise Team: Stoke City

There were already large improvements made by Stoke City last season due to Mark Hughes' management. When I say improvements, with no disrespect to Tony Pulis, it's in regard to their wanting to change their play-style and they undoubtedly started to achieve that at the end of last season.

Now with the likes of Bojan and Diouf leading the line, Stoke are a much more unpredictable, potent, force to play against, and they can definitely look for a top 8 finish, especially if they can add the likes of Nathan Redmond to their squad.

Other Tips:

Best Signing - Alexis Sanchez

Top Scorer - Robin van Persie

Player To Watch - Juan Mata

Young Gun - Calum Chambers

One Sleep Until Results Day 2014

As I type this blog, it's almost exactly 12 hours until I found if I've been accepted into the University of Lincoln.

Wow.

I keep looking at the clock on my laptop, my phone, on the wall.

My anticipation is fascinated by the gorgeous weather tonight, with a beautiful sunset accompanied by drizzles of rain.

It seems appropriate, unique weather before a unique day. 

Despite all the contrasting emotions in the last few days, I can honestly say I'm looking forward to hopefully receiving a text announcing my place at the university. 

Whether it's good news or bad news, I've come to terms with both possibilities, although when I look back on the last year, I'm content.

I know I couldn't have done more, and one thing that interests me the most is to see whether my 100% was enough.

If so, it'll give me a big boost in the future knowing my best was sufficient, however if not, it's back to the drawing board.

I'm excited, I want to sleep even though it's 8:17. 

The possibilities are endless, and I hope for every student out there, that they achieve their promise land.

I wouldn't wish anyone, even my greatest enemy, (which would probably be a Manchester City or Liverpool supporter), the peril of not getting into university. 

Without even being rejected, the roller-coaster of emotions has been a pain, and I can't even think about how it could possibly feel for someone's world to be turned upside down.

Although, it's important to always have a plan B.

That's why my second-choice is of a lower UCAS demand than my first, just in case.

If I do end up attending De Montfort University, i'll inevitably and undoubtedly feel hopeless.

Everyday, I know I'll be thinking, "Why didn't I get into my first choice? Wow I dropped the ball big time..."

If that scenario was to happen, I should be happy I would've gotten into university in the first place, but there would still be a remaining tinge of failure.

The excitement is still rising, I want my results already, it's almost like torture having to wait. 

This experience has made me appreciate a lot, such as a text message.

One single text message tomorrow morning can change my life.

Without this text message, well...let's not talk about that.

We tend to take a text message from a friend, a parent, or even those annoying ones from your service provider, for granted. 

However, just one text message from a university...I'll be the happiest guy named Danyal Khan on Earth.

There's one sleep to go and counting...

2 Days Until Results Day 2014

The waves of emotion have eased for the time-being. 

It hasn't been a day of pessimistic thinking, disastrous thinking.

No, instead the opposite, the calm before the storm.

Two more sleeps until the day my life changes, but at least for tonight I can sleep knowing I did my upmost to achieve my goals.

If I fail, it's with a heavy heart, but maybe it's not meant to be! 

Those days in the library from 9-5, the after school sessions, the time and effort I've put in, I look back on, and I'm proud.

However, I'd be the proudest person on the planet if all that work actually lead to something greater, such as getting into university. 

In my eyes, university is neither an utopian dream 'nor a dystopian hell. 

It solely represents opportunity. 

I'm not looking to reinvent myself at this place and use the opportunity to become someone I'm not.

No, instead I want to broaden my horizons and expand my experiences. 

The thought of joining a journalism society, the inevitable stress I can unleash becoming part of a dodgeball club and the chance to try-out for the football team, just to say I did, is mouth-watering. 

Will the time I sacrificed enable me to participate in such activities? I really hope so!

Because school is now finished, there isn't enough time to look back. 

Although I'm only 18; I'm already 18.

 I want to achieve my goals and dreams in the next 10 years from a personal and occupational aspect, so failing on the 14th isn't an option. 

I'm not confident in my results, but I'm confident I'll get to where I want to be. 

I won't retake Year 13, I'll find another path to my objectives. The only way is forward.

This confident and almost cocky tone will probably be replaced with fear and depressing estimations of my results tomorrow...but right now, I'm going to revel in the fact that I've done all I could, and it could be enough to get me in university, it should be enough to get me in university, but will it be? 

There's two days to go and counting...

3 Days Until Results Day 2014

As I spent 10 minutes trying to think of an appropriate title for this post, ranging from, "The Rollercoaster of Emotions Regarding Results Day," to "Results Day," it's clear the monumental importance of August 14th cannot be expressed in a single headline. 

Typed letters cannot express the frustration, excitement and fear that have creeped into my mind over the last two months. 

After my French exam in late June, my final exam, I felt confident.

The two essay and 70 word translation examination seemed a breeze, and I genuinely felt that a possible A grade was on the cards.

However, fast-forward to August 11th, that confidence has been lost somewhere.

The mindset has changed, the foreshadowing of a disastrous result has began, with my mind questioning itself, "Did I spell that correctly? Will that cost me an A? Will that cost me a B? Have I even managed to get a C?!" 

The same can be said for the other 3 exams I took, Geography, Media and English Literature.

This is hard. 

It's easy to doubt yourself, but the most troubling emotion is feeling confident. 

Do you let yourself fall into a false sense of security by telling yourself you've done enough?

This may work for some, but I cannot.

Even thinking of the scenario of going in with high expectations and letting myself down urks my stomach. (I'm not even sure "to urk" is a verb, but it just seems the right one.)

However, I can't help but think, is this due to a lack of confidence that I can't let myself believe I've done enough? 

As we speak, the UCAS website is down as it says, "Updates to Track have been suspended between Friday 8 August and Wednesday 13 August while we process exam results." 

How freaky.

My fate has already been decided yet I must continue to wait 3 more days. 

It feels like a bizarre birthday party. 

On your birthday, to me, it's a day to enjoy the previous year you've had. It's the one day you can enjoy being, you. 

Although that leaves the argument of, "you should always be yourself," there's something uniquely self-fulfilling about a birthday, it's your day. 

Anyway, back to the bizarre birthday party, the fourteenth could be an amazing, incredibly satisfying day, where your previous two years' work can be cherished and appreciated.

Or, it could be terrible. It could be as bad as having that one kid you really don't like at the party.

Except, instead of one, everyone who attended the party is that "one kid." 

This one kid has spoiled your day, and you'll never be able to forget it.

Even this simile can't express to the extent I require, how result's day will affect my life. 

One road could lead to fantastic opportunities, journalism, long nights, amazing experiences.

The other could be a rocky road of regret, forever filled with doubt and hopelessness. 

HOWEVER -

That's way too depressing, and unnecessarily negative. 

This is a perfect demonstration of the mindset countless students will have on results day and not one person can imagine another's anxiety. 

There's three days to go and counting...