Hello everyone :)
Here is a little something I've done this term, enjoy! http://oxfordstudent.com/2011/11/24/no-downturn-for-downton/
I'm now coming to the end of my first term at university - I can't believe that it has gone by so fast.
Of course, it has not been without its ups and downs. Being set two essays on the Thursday of Freshers' Week was not fun, and Facebook stalking my friends' photos of crazy nights out while I felt like I was in the library all day, everyday was at first rather crushing. However, I feel like I have now got into the routine of things, and hearing of people handing in their second uni assignment while I am on my ninth 2000 word essay in seven weeks has now become the norm. In fact, I now can't imagine not working, sad though it is.
Having said that, my university experience thus far has not been all about the work: I have met so many lovely people, danced awkwardly, dressed up in my Hogwarts gown, eaten in formal hall, seen brilliant plays and eaten a lot of ice cream in G&Ds at 11pm (where else on Earth is that socially acceptable?)
Oxford is a crazy place. 'Town and gown' coexist in one strange mix of normal town centre and gothic buildings. Bicycles triumph over the car, tourists take pictures of you and it is not unusual to see someone in a flowing black gown and a white bow tie at 1 am.
All in all, whilst it can be hard at times, and I still feel very new and naive, I am pleased to say that none of my worries about university life have actually come true. Oxford is just like any other uni - people go out and have fun, as well as working hard. Yes, there are a fair few people from very prestigious schools, but that doesn't mean that they all smoke pipes and wear head-to-toe tweed (or Jack Wills) - they are human beings too! On a more mundane level, I have surprised myself in culinary abilities, nothing has been shrunk in the wash yet, and I have even managed to function normally on four and half hours' sleep.
It's going to be strange to go home after 9 intensive weeks of work hard/play hard. Most of all I will miss the group of friends that I have made so quickly. Roll on Hilary 2012!
