May 9, 2013, by Ollie

Chasing the sun

Students are emerging from the dark, weary eyed and seeing the paradise that lay before them. SUNSHINE. The temperatures are pushing the high teens and the sudden, uncontrollable urge to sit on the ground in the sun is among us.

 

When the sun comes out I consider myself to be a bit of an anthropologist. I can’t help but feel bemused by the sudden change in behaviour, call me scrooge but I’ve never really got it. It’ s just sun! Why do we need to throw ourselves at it! However… I have admittedly found myself partaking in this student behaviour and sitting on the hill above the lake I’d almost say I began to understand the appeal. With views on the doorstep of Biology such as these captured by my friend Nadia Hansell. I’ve finally realised. The sun is a chance to get outside, to get back to basics, take yourself away from the laptop, from the TV and do some work whilst enjoying not being rained on or blown indoors.

 

The sun seemingly makes most people happier, more productive and more relaxed for the upcoming exams, so let’s hope the weather stays good and the British summer doesn’t fail us, well at least until the 7th June! There is a definite, tangible feeling on campus that, as students work on that burn, I mean tan… a bit of time in the sun keeps the exam fears at bay!

I would love to show you a picture of how the students from my hall were enjoying the sun but I need to wait for permission first – but keep checking back it’s worth it!

I must apologise for not blogging last week as I was busy with a few bits of work and also spent the bank holiday away. In an attempt to make up for it I’ve tried to write an extended blog at least featuring the reason why I wasn’t around.

First on the schedule was to visit a friend at York University for his birthday (I’d love to be able to share you photos but I’m afraid I don’t have any, I ruined most of them!) before seeing my girlfriend at Durham University for her birthday, which included a nice stop at a American styled ice cream parlour for the best ice cream sundaes ever!

Now, not being a top sportsman who gets to travel the country with BUCS, this was a rare opportunity for me to get out of Nottingham and experience the life of other students, something which has had a profound impact on me. I want to say that I really enjoyed the opportunity to get about and experience the other institutes.

York, Durham, Nottingham are all 3 very good Universites in and around the Top 10 according to most paper rankings but they are all completely, unashamedly different in style and personality. It made me realise that going to University isn’t just an education, it’s a lifestyle choice and experience, your choice of University can shape you, define you. Doing the same degree at any other place is not just doing the same degree.

Of course the University of Nottingham is in my heart! But I had to admire the sleek and impressive new campus development, Heslington East at York, their University’s very own Jubilee Campus in the making that had the best student accomodation I’ve ever seen… and I went on plenty of open days. As well as impressive sports facilities that included cycle tracks and revision pods that sat isolated overlooking the lake that could be hired out for an hour or so, free of charge. (ahem Student’s Union take note!). On the complete other hand the breathaking scenery and setting of Durham University, with it’s cobbled streets and splendid Cathedral that dominates the horizon, not to mention it’s laidback and chilled attitude that makes a stroll down the River Wear in the glorious weather something not to be missed. The street style, rather than the campus we have here gives the feeling that the students can call the whole city home and I’m certainly jealous they get to enjoy the beautiful surroundings on a daily basis.

 

And just because I don’t feature in many of my blogs. Here’s what I look like in the sun!

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