Congradulations!

Exams passed, bags packed, alcohol finished, library fines paid and student card expired because I am now officially a graduate! Don't get me wrong, I loved my time as a graduand, and as a student in fact, but I am really, really enjoying being a fully fledged graduate....and I have the letters to prove it, MISS BETHANY T B.A.Hons! 

I don't miss being a student and I am eager to leap head first into the world of work and start earning my own money. However, I do miss university, I miss the people, I miss my long leisurely days and organising my own time, I miss the campus and I miss the daily fun that just seems to manifest at university. 

That said, I was mega excited to be back on campus one final time and, not to get too sentimental or anything, but there was something amazingly perfect about parking in the same place that we parked five years ago when I turned up on an open day to first visit my potential new home. 

The day was so wonderful, the sun was shining, nobody fell on stage and the only tears that flowed were happy tears, filled with pride, friendship and joy. 

I used to think that graduation was an expensive day put on by the university to squeeze a few more precious pounds out of our pockets in order that parents could celebrate what an incredible job they had done in creating such intelligent, bright young things. But, I couldn't have been more wrong! Having a final day to celebrate the success of my friends, peers and professors in getting through four turbulent and eventful years was a uniquely special experience. 

Four years is a long time to spend achieving one thing: a degree, and throwing our hats in the air on the count of three was a wonderfully significant and simple way to sum up our efforts in a final burst of excitement! 

Thank you to all of those who were part of my university experience, good or bad, trivial or significant, every person was critical in forming the last four years of my life and I am forever grateful for it. You will not be forgotten! 

Mood - ready for the next chapter! 

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The Blitz Ball

Last week the beautiful IL and I got all dolled up and put on our glad-rags for a fun filled evening of war-time frivolity. The blitz ball is an annual event at my university and it is one of my favourite nights of the entire year! I love that everybody puts so much effort into looking the part, with vintage dresses, fur coats, rouged lips and carefully rolled hair. NT was wonderful and helped us to roll our hair with the classic victory rolls donned by all the best 1940's pin-up girls.

Hair prepped, lipstick applied we rushed off to find a few handsome soldiers. There is nothing quite like a man in uniform to send a girl's heart a flutter, on that I think we can all agree. 

The great hall was decked out with union jack bunting, war time posters and other war-time treats to really set the scene. The highlight of the night was undoubtedly the incredible band who played for hours and really got people onto the dance floor. We had a fabulous time dancing the night away, largely helped by the fact that the drinks were not rationed! The night ended with a rousing chorus of Jerusalem until soldiers, sailors, land girls and air-raid wardens rushed off into the night and back to the present. 

I am more than upset that this was my last blitz ball but I have a sneaky suspicion that I might pop back next year! 

Mood - reminiscent 

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Reflections on the Sorbonne

During my time in Paris I spent six months studying at the Sorbonne university; the most well-known and historically influential university in France. I spent most of my time in the several other campuses around the city rather than in the old building in the centre of the city. Nevertheless I used to opportunity to explore one of the most beautiful buildings in the city especially as it is only accessible with a Sorbonne student card. Not many people get to look around the building and it is certainly off limits for tourists. It’s a shame really as the building really is amazing, but it does feel special to have access to a special, secret little area.

I enjoyed my time at the Sorbonne but found the difference between English university and French university difficult to bridge at times. For one, in France there is no real campus that students live on and most students live with their parents. Similarly there are not many student organisations or clubs, or even special areas designated for students to socialise. Due to this difference I found it difficult to feel involved in the student environment and to meet other students other than in class. I definitely missed the buzz and energy that exists in all English universities.

Classes were much more time-intensive which I greatly appreciated, not just because it meant I had more time hearing and practising my French but also because it felt like I was getting value for money. Ironic considering in France University is state funded, whereas in England my heavy tuition fees are rewarded with a few measly contact hours a week!

The university buildings were of course stunning and made for an interesting, historical and inspiring place to study, however I am used to this at home as my English university just happens to be a castle.

I enjoyed my experience, leant a lot and met some wonderful people and as much as I can say that I really appreciated and valued the wonderful surroundings I can safely say that I am very happy I am an English student at an English university.

Mood – Grateful 

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