Student Ambassador Of The Month – September 2022

Hollie Dingsdale

2 years ago

#ClassOfPLT

De-Nias Infinity Caines

Each month we’ll be catching up with our student ambassadors to talk all things student style, study tips and overall student life!

Today we’re catching up with De-Nias on everything from studying dance to meeting new people and of course, the PrettyLittleThing pieces she’s loving right now.

So, let’s get into it…

Hey De-Nias, could you start by telling us a bit about yourself please?

My name is De-Nias Infinity Caines, I am a Libra, born on October 13th, 2001!

I am originally born and raised in a small island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean called Bermuda.

I moved to the UK about 2 years ago to further my studies in dance and am currently studying Performing Arts at Shockout Arts in Manchester, UK.

I have always had a passion for dance and I’ve been dancing since the age of 3 years old.

Once I turned 16/17, I became more interested in social media and influencing. I also do a bit of modeling and I really would like to make that a full time career as well.

I am now a full time influencer and full time university dance student.

Do you have a 5 year plan, if so we’d love to hear all about it?

Yes, I do have a 5 year plan.

After I’ve finished my university course, I would like to take on another year getting my teaching degree in dance, so that I can become a dance teacher.

I would also like to open up my own dance school back home in Bermuda or possibly one in the UK.

Performing with celebrities as a back up dancer is also a goal of mine.

Building a business in eyebrow lamination is also something I’d love to do.

All whilst still working on my social media skills, management and modeling/influencing.

How do you find the study/life balance?

To be honest balancing a full time university schedule and a personal social life is hard but it can work.

I tend to just keep going, by doing that I listen to motivational quotes and podcast on YouTube to keep me motivated.

The most important thing in this, is to get rest, get as much rest as you can!

Try to make plans on the weekend rather than weekly after uni because you will over do yourself.

Although it’s hard, try not to make plans every weekend because you need to rest and recover yourself and have those important self-care days.

Do you have any tips when it comes to meeting new people at uni?

For me I’m a very shy and to myself type of person but I am very friendly when I meet new people.

It’s a bit hard to explain but I would definitely say try to come out of being in your own bubble and open up and speak to everyone in your classes.

It’s best to reach out and be open to chat to new people on that first day of uni because if not, it will be harder to connect with them than if you did on the first day.

Be friendly to everyone, show kindness to others and it will always come back to you.

Let’s talk study skills, are there any hacks you find helpful when revising?

I would say when it comes to studying for exams or just revising over your work from lessons that week, find a quite space away from any distractions (friends, family, siblings, pets) because the less you’re distracted the better you can focus.

For me I like to light a candle and put on soft background music on low and get to studying.

Be sure to keep your phone on do not disturb so you don’t get distracted from messages.

It always helps me focus by doing it this way!

When it comes to student loan, are there any budgeting tips you’ve found extra helpful and think might help someone else?

I am a very heavy spender and don’t know if I’m the best at saving if I’m being honest.

But from the two years I’ve been out in the UK living on my own I’ve learnt how to budget and spend money on the right things and the most necessary things.

I would say get all things needed for university first, whether it’s books, stationary essentials, uniforms etc. and then once you’ve got all the important things, budget your daily/weekly/monthly food spend. Eating at home will save loads of money rather than spending money on takeout everyday.

Yes, it’s nice to treat yourself to a takeout meal once or twice a week but definitely get into meal prepping, if you go grocery shopping on a Sunday and meal prep for that week lunches and dinners it will save you quite a lot.

Also, save enough money for entertainment purposes because you need that social life to keep you going.

Being able to hang out with friends at the weekend is key when it comes to taking your mind off uni/studying and is a great way to keep you sociable too.

I’d say it’s all about balance!