61,000 Donkeys

1) A bible:
If you can get one with a mini concordance and cross-references for the text this makes you life so much easier. Study bibles also have lots about context and archaeological finds etc that can give you depth to studies. If you combine this in a nice bible case where you can store pens, notebooks, tracts, life gospels, notes, handouts, then your life becomes easier

2) Filo fax:
Planning your time you’ll need one of these.

3) Decent sleeping system
You’ll be travelling lots, they’ll guarantee you a roof, even walls, but if you have a good sleeping bag, pillow that can travel, roll mat (and a teddy if your that way inclined) it makes the year easier.

4) Reward cards:
All that shopping on a budget, means that reward cards will help, Costa, Nero etc often do reward cards, you’ll be in coffee shops a lot that if you just collect the points you’ll soon have free coffee. Also by the end of the year your tesco club card should give you enough points to afford a cabbage.

5) Travel card:
Before you graduate and start relay get a student rail card, again travelling etc is a common occurrence, with one of these you get 1/3 off your train fare.

6) A good phone contract
Amount of time you’ll be chasing students with phone calls or texts is unbelievable. Also you’ll be out at random times you’ll need a mobile for people to get hold of you

7) A decent rucksack
If your out all day at 3 meetings at once you’ll be needing something to carry it all around. Look for one that has separating compartments and also gives good back support.

8) A hobby
You will need to rest on relay, this means down time. If you have a sport or a hobby or interest then check out if you can continue it in your area, if you’re an avid birdwatcher and you go to Manchester… you might not have much luck, plan ahead.

9) A sense of adventure, open mindedness and willingness to get involved.
It will be unlikely that the Cu you work in will be the same as where you have come from. Be ready to try new things, do new things, meet new people, and make a fool of yourself out of love.

10) Thick skin, and love in the face of adversityYou aren’t a student and you aren’t the leader. This means your role is somewhat different than you may be used to. You now work for an organisation, it might take a while for folks to see you as a person, keep at it, don’t take it personally and keep on loving your peeps.

posted by Jonny:) @ 3:49 PM