University of Aberdeen Blog

I think it will be a fairly short blog entry this week as I barely have time to stop. My dissertation outline is due in next Thursday so I have lots of work to do for that. I also need to pop down to the National Archives in Edinburgh in order to do some research. Still I can’t complain too much, I’m also going to see Swan Lake whilst in Edinburgh, which I’m really looking forward to. I went to see the ballet of Sleeping Beauty here in Aberdeen a couple of weeks ago and it has really got me in the mood for seeing more ballet. I’m also attending a big charity ball in Edinburgh on Friday night which should be lots of fun.

After a busy few days in Edinburgh I’m heading back up to Aberdeen first thing on Saturday morning for a busy weekend of debating. We’re holding our own inter-varsity competition on the Saturday so will have teams from all over the UK descending on us. Then on the Sunday Robert Gordon’s are holding their first ever competition so I shall be competing in that. I’m looking forward to catching up with all my friends from other universities that I’ve met through debating over the years, and having a few drinks once the debating is over.

I’ll also need to squeeze in some reading for my non-dissertation course at some stage. I’m taking a course in 19th and 20th century political thought. It’s not technically an International Course, but the department are keen to accommodate people’s interests as far as possible within the curriculum so are letting me take a divinity course. So far I’m finding it very interesting, although having never studied divinity before I have to catch up on a few technical terms.

Karen

I had a very good and very long Christmas break. I left Aberdeen on the 1st December 2007 and did not get back until the 18th January 2008. The seven weeks in between were spent meeting family and friends, eating massive amounts of delicious food and preparing for some stage performances. As an international student I do not get to spend as much time back home as I would like. As an undergraduate student doing History and Politics and while doing my Master of Letters in Strategic Studies I was bound by term dates and exam dates and such, but now as a PhD student I get to set my own term dates and there are no exams. Which is just as well as I never liked exams very much. While still not going home very often, I like to turn my visits into extended stays.

While I had a great time back home, inevitably I started missing Aberdeen and the many friends I have made here over the years. My perception of “home” has changed. I am at a point now where I use “home” to refer to Luxembourg when I am in Aberdeen and to refer to Aberdeen when I am back in Luxembourg. I like both places so much that I cannot seem to decide between them. Thankfully, I still have some years of study left so that is a decision for another day.

I have been back in Aberdeen for about two weeks now and have settled back in again. Which, of course, also means making up for my long break by putting some extra effort into my studies and work. But I still vastly prefer that to sitting exams, so it is all good. For all those of you that had to deal with exams I hope they went well and that you have recovered by now. Until the next time, be well in all things.

David

The most crucial aspect of student life (behind studying, reading and attending lectures of course) is socialising.

A student’s social life is integral to their happiness and prosperity in their studies. This, I am sure I have read somewhere, is scientific fact!

Luckily for us, the University has a wide range of clubs and societies to keep even the most adventurous taste satisfied. From football to wine, ultimate Frisbee to Harry Potter, there is a club or society out there to suit all tastes.

During my time at the University I have really thrown myself into the student social life. I have been a member of the Law Society, Mooting Society, Archery Club, Fun and Games Society, First Aid Society, Students’ Association and Freshers’ Week. They all give you a great chance to meet people, especially if, like me, you don’t stay in student Halls, and partake in the occasional night out.

Traditional and frequently held events at the University are the numerous balls. From the Annual Students’ Association dinner to the Sports Ball, any excuse to don highland attire and have a few glasses/bottles of wine all set to a background of ceilidh music is welcomed by all!

The largest ball of the year is that of the Sports Union, this year to be held on Thursday the 7th of Feb. This event is attended by over 600 students and is where our annual ‘blues’ awards are handed out to sportsmen and women who excel in their field!

Having never attended this particular event before I must say I am very, very excited about it. This is soon to be followed by the Law Ball, Students’ Association Dinner and the ‘Final Fling’ all before April!

Something tells me it shall be a very busy final semester!!

Nick