University of Aberdeen Blog

As mentioned in previous blog posts, its Exam time again! I had only one exam this time and I had it last Thursday, and as this is my final year, that was my last ever exam. Unless of course I decide to return to University life in a few years to get my postgraduate degree which is probably likely. But this does mean that I am leaving for now and that this will be my final blog post.

At the moment I am anxiously awaiting my exam and dissertation results. It seems like an age to wait for them especially my dissertation. But I suppose I would rather wait longer than have them rush and not mark it properly. Especially if I got a better grade out of it!! Once that is over, I then have the excitement of Graduation to look forward to. I will be graduating on the 5^th of July (hopefully!) and my parents will be making the trip up to see me as well as my grandparents! That does also mean getting taken out for a celebration dinner. And with the fabulous selection of restaurants in Aberdeen, I’m having a hard time choosing where! As well as the celebration dinner, they will be here for a few days and so we will be going exploring. One of my favourite places to visit, Stonehaven, will be at the top of the list. Its home to a beautiful ruined castle (Dunottar), has the most amazing ice-cream shop that sells fabulous flavours such as tablet and irn bru and above all, it is the birth place of the deep-fried mars-bar, which I recommend everyone try at least once!!

Not long after I graduate, I will be moving into a new flat (which I have not yet found) which will be paid for by my new job (which I have not yet got). But it is all change for me, but the one constant is that I plan to stay in Aberdeen. I think Aberdeen is a wonderful city in which to live and I really cannot imagine leaving at this point. Aberdeen has become my home which is just one of the reasons that I will be forever indebted to the University of Aberdeen.

Well the past few weeks have been rather busy for me partially academically and partially socially. But before I could really get into my work for this semester, we still had the exam results to get for last semester. Happily I did rather well in my exams, much better than I was expecting, but it’s the feeling of relief after the anxious weeks of waiting that feels much better. After that was over, I had to settle into the courses for this semester, one of which we had to write an essay per week for the first 3 weeks! We had to read various books and then analyse their approach to History. I have to say, I don’t think I will enjoy this course anywhere near as the others I have taken in the past.

As well as the above course, I have to write my dissertation this term. I now have a set title, a bibliography and extended outline showing my argument. These are the first steps in the process and next is to actually start reading the books on my bibliography. I expect to use about 30 or so different books and journals and then I have my primary sources on top of that so I really should get reading!

On a more personal note, last weekend saw the first of my friends to get married. The bride was my first friend in Aberdeen after we were placed in the same flat in Halls, and she got engaged in that very first semester. But the wedding was also something of a reunion as I got to catch up with all of the friends who graduated last year, including others from our Halls. It just goes to show how well the Accommodation office placed us in first year, that 4 out of the original 6 from that flat in Hector Boece are still great friends after 4 ½ years!

But back in Aberdeen, this past week we held our BSc Applicant day which enabled all of the students who had applied for BSc degrees to come and have a look around and learn more about the courses they had applied for. It was (apart from the weather) a great success and I hope next weeks MA applicant day goes as well. If you have applied for the MA programme and would like to attend the applicant day on March 2^nd, you are still able to register at: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/maapplicantday/ereg/

Well first of all let me wish you all a Happy New Year. This is my first day back at work since before Christmas and I must say I am finding it a little strange. However it is a more than welcome break from my revision. Exams began on the 17^th, which is when my first exam took place. My next exam isn’t for a week so in my head that leaves plenty of time to face my revision, although I do know that the day before I will be running around panicking like crazy. But I am looking forward to my exams being over. The day after my last exam I will be heading down to Glasgow to celebrate one of my friend’s ‘hen do’ which will be her last mad evening before we all head back to Glasgow to see her married later on in February.

I am really looking forward to both the ‘hen do’ and the wedding as it will give me a chance to catch up with friends that I haven’t really seen since they graduated last year. The week following my first trip to Glasgow also sees the start of the new semester. This means the start of classes again. This coming semester is a very exciting one for me as it my final one at the University. (Unless I decide to do post grad here as well, which is what I would ideally do if I can secure funding.) This semester also sees me having to write my dissertation.

My dissertation is on the Dissolution of Monasteries in Northern England during the Reformation. At the moment this is a vague thing, but we only have 2 weeks to finalise our titles and I must say that I am not looking forward to it. The days before the deadline I can see being fraught with last minute research I probably should have done over Christmas whilst I was actually in Northern England! As I am set to write about 10,000 words on the subject, I will have to do lots of research which is what will take the most time. My plan includes several research trips to places like York, Durham and Lancaster, which means I actually have an excuse to go and stay at home for a while (my parents live in Lancashire) and get spoiled and pampered.

But as for now, I should probably finish up my work and then get home and hit the books!

Upon awaking that day three weeks ago to find that it had snowed I was thrilled! I turn into a small child when it snows and want to play, building snowmen and having snowball fights! And this I did. For many days, however, the fun is over. The snow turned to 2 inches of solid ice on the pavements and walking anywhere became treacherous. But I can happily say that I awoke this morning to (mostly) thawed pavements and slightly safer walking conditions. It hasn’t just been the snow that’s been bothering me. It has also been absolutely freezing. The day I awoke and checked the temperature before leaving bed to find that it was -15° I almost cried. And then pressed snooze.

Yes winter is most definitely upon us and I use this as an opportunity to stay in my pyjamas and furry slippers and only leave my lovely warm bed if I really have to. When you throw in the fact that I have had a really bad cold this means that I have only once ventured into town to attempt any Christmas shopping. And that was yesterday. And I can honestly say, never again! I spent 2 hours in crowded, overheated shops before heading home and getting online. I managed to buy all of the needed Christmas presents within an hour, from my bed, and they will be delivered, already gift wrapped to my parents’ house ready for my arrival next week. That also means that I have more space in my suitcase for clothes!

It’s quite hard to believe that term ends on Friday as it’s seems like no time at all since term began. However all of my work has been done for each course and the final week seems to be a bit of a wind down whilst beginning to prepare for exams. One of the major decisions we have to make is whether or not to bring my books home with me for Christmas in order to revise, or simply wait until I get back to Aberdeen. I have in the past taken all of my notes and books home with me and not done a single piece of revision, however as this is my final year, I really should be a little more prepared as these grades will determine my class of degree. But I’ve still got a week before I have to decide if I want to sacrifice shoe space for books, and that week will no doubt be spent eating mince pies and drinking mulled wine.

But for now, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

Here in Aberdeen, we celebrate a Winter Festival which starts on the 5^th of November, or Bonfire Night for those of you that aren’t too great with the date (I always forget the date and then am petrified when the fireworks go off!). The start of the Winter Festival makes it oh so clear just how soon Christmas is….it is in fact 6 weeks today! And that’s when I start to panic. This year however, I have decided to buy no gifts, which not only saves money but all that time and effort dragging around the shops where I invariably find lots of things that I like but nothing for friends and family. No, this year I am making all of my gifts and so my family had better watch out for their waistlines. The only arts or crafts that I attempt are calorific tempting morsels of truffles, tablets and fudge. Or cake! Luckily for me, Aberdeen has some fantastic shops that have everything I could ever need to make these gifts look thoughtful and not cheap!!

Shopping for Christmas themed wrappings, jars and boxes is so much better now that winter is really on the way. Although we had our first flurries of snow several weeks ago, I only really see it as wintery when the clocks change and it starts to go dark at 4 in the afternoon. For some bizarre reason, I much prefer shopping when it’s dark. Maybe so I can’t see the massive amount that I am spending! We have late night shopping on a Thursday, but Union Square is open until 8 every night, and as well as shops, contains a cinema and a variety of restaurants which are open quite late so you really can make an evening of it.

As for now I have to head off. The department is being given a guided ghost walk around Aberdeen this evening, and as one of the ghosts, need much more practice to even come close to slightly scary!

In a frantic day, I am taking this rare chance to have a snack and update my blog. I must say, it really is a frantic time of year. During the October school holidays, we have lots of people coming to visit and so we do a lot of campus tours. If you wish to organise one, please visit: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/undergraduate/open-days.php it’s also a busy time of year academically. As well having to study for the courses I am doing this semester, we are also having to try and finalise our dissertation topics and begin all of our research. I decided to write on the Reformation and although I am having a little trouble trying to focus, I think that it will be on the Dissolution of Monasteries in Northern England. My sneaky inclusion of Northern England means that for any research trips, I will (hopefully) be able to stay at home. I am planning on going home during reading week to do some preliminary research and indulge in some home cooking…..not that I don’t enjoy cooking myself.

Due to the pressures of time, I have become an expert in making meals quickly, but when I have a little more time, I love to bake. Being involved in society fundraising is a fantastic opportunity to arrange bake-sales and other events that encourage indulgent baking time. The Catholic Society, of which I am former treasurer is set to hold it’s second bring a dish night of the term. The first was a great success with people making a whole range of national dishes – and there were lots of scrumptious puddings too! (I will be making much cake for this event!) We then went on to play board games which when combined with wine become much more fun! I really have never played a game of Articulate like it! Events like this really open you up to all of the different cultures at the University, not just with food, but also the different approaches to games. We currently have about 20% International students from around 120 different nationalities, and so if you are an International student considering attending Aberdeen, you can feel safe in the knowledge that you would not be the only one. More information for International Students can be found on our website at: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/international/index.php

But as for now, time really has caught up with me and I have to get back to my work, or my lecturers will be rather unimpressed with my lack of reading!

As I sit here staring out of my window ‘people watching’ it’s quite easy to make myself believe that I have not a care in the world. However, then I have to turn around and face the piles of boxes that I have yet to unpack after moving into my new flat. The packing was postponed as I first had a trip to London to visit a friend and then exams in the resit period. Resits run for a two-week period in August for people who either failed their exams the first time around or, like me, were too ill to sit them. Although it’s not a nice position to be in, I found that it did break up the summer.

The summer holidays run from the beginning of June until the end of September, and I have to admit, I get easily bored. If you know the courses that you are going to take the following year, most lecturers are happy to give you preparatory reading. Not only does it help to alleviate the boredom, it also gives you a head-start and lifts some of the work during term time. Next term I will be taking two courses, both in Medieval History. However, one of the good things about the History department in Aberdeen is that you don’t need to specialise in a particular period, there is a great choice of courses available.

This coming September, marks the beginning of a new era for the University as a whole, making there much more choice in your degree programme. That is due to the new Curriculum Reform. Although, I am a bit upset that only new students will have the chance to take up some of the courses. Some of the new courses include Mandarin and Arabic, or things like ‘Humans and other Animals’ which explores the relationship between animals and humans with topics such as domestication, hunting and conservation. For those of you that are joining us in September, visit our website to find out more about the courses that are open to you. http://www.abdn.ac.uk/newstudents/undergraduates/choosing-courses/

Anyway, for now I have to get back to unpacking, or there will be nowhere for my sister to sleep when she comes to visit later this week!

In the past week, I have learnt that if a plan is put in place beforehand, something will always come along and spoil it. My birthday celebrations were a prime example. After a week of glorious weather, the picnic I had planned with friends had be an indoor one as the rain clouds appeared and hung around long enough for a shower or two! 4 hours later, it was lovely again but the football (which I really do detest!) drew people to the television and further away from my plans. However, I did get my picnic in the end, almost a week late and as ‘something to do’ when other plans went awry! But it is important to take advantage of the nice weather when it is here and there is so much that can be done within a short walk off campus.

One of the more obvious places to head when the sun comes out is the beach. Only a 15-20 minute walk off campus, you can either relax on the beach (which is usually very quiet) or take advantage of the large number of cafés and restaurants which line the promenade. For the more adventurous, there is also Codona’s – Scotland’s largest permanent funfair. For those who prefer to eat without the added sand, there are so many parks to choose from in and around the city. The closest is Seaton Park which lies between campus and Hillhead halls. I have many fond memories of the park which my friends and I used a lot in first year. It’s a lovely place to take visitors as the ornamental gardens really are beautiful. (At the moment I am stockpiling ideas of where to take my parents when they visit later on this month.)

As you may remember from my previous entry, I will be moving flats at the end of this month – hence the reason for the visit from my parents. Their rates are a lot cheaper than professional movers!! As they are bringing the dog, we also need to keep her entertained whilst the big move is underway. I did have the marvellous idea of allowing my dad and boyfriend to move the boxes while my mum and I played in Victoria Park (which is conveniently close to my new flat) with Poppy. This plan however has already gone bad – the men seemed far too happy with this plan as they decided that they could decide what I could and could not keep! But before any of that can happen I actually have to pack which I plan to begin with earnest this evening!

Well exams are finally over and the time has come to start planning the summer. Most people go a little mad during the exam period as revision takes over their lives. As such, most people also go a little crazy when exams are over, but with celebrating. My own celebrations this year were a little subdued due to sheer exhaustion. I celebrated by going with some friends to see an advance preview of the new Shrek film, which was amazing even if a little childish. Following this, we walked down to the beach which, as it was a lovely day, was a brilliant plan.

However, one of the problems with term being over is that we have to start planning our summer. While my friends are going on holidays and working with charities, I am staying put. I have never quite understood the need of most students to abandon the city when the holidays come, as I love Aberdeen. So the plan so far is to stay in Aberdeen and work. Being in Aberdeen also makes things easier when it comes to moving. Rather than having to put all my things in storage, I can just move straight from my current flat into the new one. I am looking forward to moving, even if the new flat is about an extra half hours walk from uni. However, the kitchen is much larger which in my eyes more than makes up for the walk!

Luckily for me, my parents like Aberdeen as much as I do and so they have lovingly volunteered to come and move all of my things for me. I shall head down to England for my sisters 21^st birthday and my parents are driving me back. Not only are they happy to move all of my stuff (and there is rather a lot of it!), they are also going to save me the return train fare. Going home for the first time since Easter will give me a chance to catch up with all of my family, but hopefully to have a little fun as well. Last summer I more than doubled my return luggage after going on a rather large spending spree so I think it’s lucky that I’m being driven back! Following the big move, I have plans to visit a friend in Kent for a few days and do lots of touristy things in London.

The summer break will be nicely rounded off by the University Open Day. It’s a fantastic day which I think all Student Ambassadors love to work at. Campus is once again buzzing and we have the chance to show off the University that we love. If you wish to book a place or get more information, please refer to our website at: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/openday

Today marks the last day of classes for this semester. I have to say I could not be happier. I have 2 weeks for revision and then just one exam. I think most people feel the same way after the mad rush at the end of term. This past week has been a tough one as I attempted (and failed) to finish 2 essays before the joint birthday party of 3 friends. There is only so much reading you can do before your brain starts to fry!

As I failed in my attempts to finish before the party, I had to leave after an hour in order to go home and write. However, I only have myself and my poor planning to blame.

This past week we also held the AGM for our society. I have been the treasurer for the Catholic Society for the past two years and I am happily standing down and taking a break. I very happy to know that I am passing on the baton to somebody with much greater mathematical skill than I! Coming in the middle of my stressed out week of essays, I was not looking forward to the AGM. I admit to being rather panicked that nobody would stand for the committee, but I think it was my caffeine induced paranoia talking!

Now that it is all over, well until 1^st June, I have some time to myself and luckily the weather seems to be cooperating. First on the list is a nice relaxing walk to the beach and the largest ice-cream I can find. There is nothing better when the weather is this nice. We really do have to make the most of the sun while we have it. This weekend is also the Word Festival, a literary festival held by the University every year. One of the events that I am most interested in attending is a talk by Pauline McLynn, or Mrs. Doyle as she is better known. Few people know that as well as making a lovely cup of tea, she also is an accomplished novelist!