Your Guide to Liverpool Freshers 2019!
& other things to do when moving to Liverpool!

So you've finally finished school and college, now it's time to party and study your passion! But before you do, there are all kinds of events going on in Liverpool to help you celebrate. This is your guide to Liverpool Freshers Week 2019! 

• Read the Official Freshers page for all night time and dance events! Go to: https://www.liverpoolfreshers.co.uk/
  
  
• Go to the Freshers Fair!
  If you're just moving to Liverpool and it's your first time here in the city, I'd highly suggest going to the Freshers Fair - there you'll be given loads of boss freebies and boss talks about our fabulous city. You will be guided around and given maps to have a look around as you wish. There will also be free pizza, who can pass that up?
  https://www.jmsu.co.uk/whatson/freshers
  
  
• Take in the culture
  We weren't named capital of culture for nothing! Make some time to visit our wonderful China Town and Albert Docks to learn the full history of Liverpool and it's wonderful citizens. I highly recommend visiting The Bombed Out church, located at the top of Bold Street - once a vacant church, now home to amazing events such as outdoor cinemas and Gin festivals!
  
  
• The Magical Mystery Tour
  You probably know that one great boss band that hailed from Liverpool, why not go on the Magical Mystery Tour? This bus won't only show you where the worlds greatest musicians grew up, but will give you a fantastic tour of the city in general. If you're really in to The Beatles, there is an entire museum dedicated to them! Visit The Beatles Story! Located at the Albert Docks.
  
  
• Go on the Echo Wheel!
  The best view of Liverpool and our wonderful River Mersey, the Echo Wheel is located right next to the M&S Arena, on our lovely waterfront. While you're there, make sure to take a walk around the gorgeous pierhead (I recommend going at sunset - what a sight!)
  
  
• Spend your student loan at Liverpool One.
  Liverpool One is one of the best shopping experiences in Merseyside! Find all your favourite restaurants and retail stores there to take the edge of your stressful studies. Go on Freshers Week for boss deals and discounts!
  
  
• Visit Central Library
  The best place for quiet study or a little browse, the central library is four floors of book heaven! The Picton Room is one of the most gorgeous places in the city. Don't miss out! 

• Take the Anfield tour!
  Fan of footy? Take a tour around the Kop! Learn the whole history of LFC and the city too! If you don't swing that way, there is also the Goodison stadium tour too!
  
  
• Visit the two Cathedrals
  That's right, we have two cathedrals in this city! Both absolutely spectacular and breathtaking in their own way, if you're at John Moores, you will graduate in the Anglican! A gorgeous building that was 72 years in the making! On your way to the Metropolitan cathedral, take a look around Hope Street, with gorgeous bars and restaurants and the world famous Everyman Theatre!
  
  
• Drink in the local pubs
  The best kind of people to meet are right in your local. If you're living in the city centre, definitely go to the Philharmonic Pub - with world famous toilets! That's right, the toilets are listed, enjoy a few trips there once you've broken your seal.
  
  
  Remember if you're new here, your chosen university will help you get about if you're lost, there are so many things to see around Liverpool, I'm sure you're going to love it. Good luck and enjoy your stay!

How to be a better a manager - tips from an employee.

I think it's safe to say we've all had a variety of bosses in our working lives. Some great, some... not so great. I'm not talking about work load or a job in particular, but how managers actually manage their employees well-being and overall work environment. 

I have had such a wide range of managers since working from the age of seventeen, and being a support worker myself now, I want to share some tips on how to be a better manager, for the sake of those who work under you. 

• Listen to your employees feedback. 
  
  If you want your employees to respect and listen to you, you should first listen to them. I know having the job of managing a whole team can be trying, and you notice that your employees are not doing their best or putting in a lot of effort - maybe it's time to listen to their needs. Start a suggestions box, have your employees have an input in to how you manage them. After all, it's their workplace too.
  
• Be the motivator.
  
  A lot of times, employees will have built up a lot of anxiety and stress over working towards deadlines and doing things to your standard. Instead of telling your worker off, or constantly telling your employees what needs improving - try praising them for things they do well. This is a great way to get your employees feeling better and more motivated to keep up the good work.
  
  
  
• Realise not every single worker is the same person.
  
  No matter the size of your team, you should take your employees well-being in to account. If one employee seems anxious and is taking more breaks than usual, not engaging with the team or even responding to work emails - seek out how they are feeling. Remember, not every employee works at the same pace or rate as others. Perhaps taking a Mental Health Awareness or Mental Health first aid course will provide better information on how to assist your employees.
  
• Not everything is the worker's fault.
  
  I've had a manager that put low targets and low feedback blame purely on the workers. It's time to realise that you as a manager may need improvement too. Managers meetings are a great way to learn how to manage and provide for your team better. Remember to stick up for your own team too!
  
  
  
• Be a leader, not an intimidating boss. 
  
  If you notice your workers aren't coming to you a lot, and you spot them asking each other for tips and advice, perhaps it's time to work on that. I mean, it's natural to be weary of your boss, but don't blow your lid whenever a worker asks about holidays and time off. It's why they're given those days! Remember that you get the time off that you ask for, it has to be same for your workers.
  
  
  I understand being a manager comes with a lot of pressure, but you certainly shouldn't take it out on those under you, who are working towards the same targets as you. Remember your a team, not a dictatorship!

Recommended books: 

• The Making of a Manager: What to Do When Everyone Looks to You
• Becoming a Better Boss
• The First Time Manager