University of Aberdeen Blog

As I sit here contemplating whether or not the horse I picked for the Grand National will win me anything, I’ve started to think about luck. I consider myself to be lucky in many ways, a wonderful family, fabulous friends and to be studying at a University that I love. I can’t help but wonder how different things could have been had I ended up at a different university. Would I have made friends as good as the ones I have? Would I have enjoyed the courses as much? Would I be proud to show off the campus to visitors?

However, that is something that I will never know, but it is thoughts such as those that make me appreciate what I have even more. One of my New Years resolutions this year was to make the most of myself and what I have, to try and make an effort to look nice every day. Although this has failed miserably (not many people can be bothered to make much of an effort for 9am lectures!) I have started to walk a little taller and not feel so intimidated by others which makes a nice change.

Of course it’s always easier to make an effort when the sun is up before you….which has started to happen as spring has moved in on winter. We have had some marvellous weather over the past few weeks, most of it while I’ve been at work and unable to make the most of it.  The daffodils, crocuses and snowdrops in my garden always make me smile and the signs of new life are evident no matter where you are.

But this time of year is not all sunshine and flowers. I have two pieces of work that I am supposed to have got to grips with over the Easter holidays while I’ve wasted them a little.  I have just over a week left before classes start up again and alas for my work, am heading to London next week for a few days when again nothing will get done.

 Oh well, I’m sure the break will have done me some good! Who knows I might get lucky and wake up one morning to find I’ve done it all in my sleep!!

This past weekend marked the switching on of the Christmas lights here in Aberdeen. It seems as though it gets earlier every year. I am normally the one trying to encourage people to start getting in the festive mood in October and bemoaning my friends’ lack of Christmas Spirit. For some reason however, my feelings have changed. Maybe this is me just growing up…but I’m not sure I like it. No matter how much music I listen to, or how many presents I decide on, I can’t get the Spirit flowing!

Presents are of course at the forefront of most people minds right now. If, like me, you are terrible at gifts and want to give vouchers to everyone, you have to start looking early. I think this year may be slightly easier due to the new shopping centre here in Aberdeen.

Union Square opened at the end of October and according to Wikipedia, is the 2^nd largest shopping centre in Scotland being 700,000 square feet. Now I have no idea how big that is in relative terms…but I know that there are lots of shops, some of which are new to Aberdeen such as Paperchase and Ollie and Nic (Hurray for those!). As it is mostly undercover, it will definitely be easier than trailing from shop to shop in the cold and rain. As well as all the shops there is also a selection of restaurants. As I found yesterday, it is far too easy to spend an entire afternoon there getting nothing done!

Although I am now in the process of picking and buying presents, I have a lot of things to consider. Things that I never considered before coming to Aberdeen. Such as how many outfits will I have to sacrifice to fit that in my suitcase or how many pairs of shoes will I have to forego in order to keep it under the weight limit for the plane. I should possibly take a leaf out of my sister’s book – she bought all of her presents in September before going back to University. Hmmmm not sure I could be that organised.

Well as for now, I have to go peruse some websites in the hope I can just buy everything online and have it all delivered to home so its waiting for me when I get back.

Hello blog readers. My apologies for not have written in a long time. My only excuse is a mixture of being rather busy with uni work (curse those essays!) and having a rather bad memory. I think it is probable more of the latter though!

Well the last few weeks have been rather hectic. We have been on Easter break since the 27^th March and I went home for the first week which was lovely. It was nice to see everyone who I hadn’t seen since Christmas and also just relax a little away from work and all of those books. It was however, a little strange being home….I think I am far too used to having my own flat. It was also a little different having a dog around again. Especially one that demands that much attention. Although I would not be without her!

Then the time came all too quickly for me to head back to the ‘deen. My mum found a wonderful way of not missing me over the Easter weekend and packed up the entire family to follow me back here! I really do think that she loves Aberdeen more than me! But it was lovely taking the dog to the beach and watch her playing in the sea. With the weather having been so nice, it was great to have to have the opportunity to get out and get some fresh air.

While they were here we had some wonderful days out in town shopping, and then having lunch with a nice cool drink. It was even more wonderful as I wasn’t paying for it. When it was my turn to buy it was to the Illicit Still for the buy one get one free food with my student card. But I was at least nice enough to take my sisters on a night out and to the cinema. We went to see The Boat that Rocked which I personally thought was fantastic. Definitely one of the better films of the year.

Also with my dad driving, we went down to Stonehaven which is a quaint little seaside town not far south from here. It’s also really easily accessible by bus which is great for when my personal taxi has gone home. But it was better being there with my dog watching her scramble into the sea and then fall over the pebble beach.

But now my family have left…..leaving destruction in their wake. I need to go and rescue my flat before my flatmate gets back on Monday. And then I have to turn my attention to the essay I have due next week. An essay which I was planning to do last week before I was invaded. Grrrrrr.

Enjoy being back in classes!

At this time of year, you always seem to be at your busiest. Its time when essays all seem to be due; parties all seem to happen; and to top it all off, you’re worrying about what to get people for Christmas!

The past couple of weeks have been no different. To begin with, last weekend we kick-started advent with a 24 hour vigil in the Catholic Chaplaincy. This started at 12 o’ clock on the Saturday lunchtime with midday prayers and a talk from the Abbot of Pluscarden. Pluscarden is the only Benedictine monastery in Scotland and it is located about 70 miles from here.

Following the talk, we had arranged a 3 course lunch for Abbot Hugh which was lovingly cooked by a friend of mine. It gave us the chance to talk with Abbot Hugh and discover more about life in the Abbey. We also decided to plan a retreat to Pluscarden next semester.

After finishing lunch, I then had an hours adoration at the vigil. During every hour, a chapter of John’s Gospel was read and then a decade of the rosary said. It is a wonderful chance for people of all religions to gather together and pray.

Following this, I had to rush home and get ready as that evening, I was going to the OTC ball.  This is held every year at the Beach Ballroom which is on the seafront. It was a delightful evening with a (second) three course meal followed by a ceilidh. 

The week following this was used to recover from the merriment but also write an essay. This was my first legal essay since I dropped the LLB and I must say, I found it quite a challenge. But now that it is out of the way, I look forward to starting my next History essay which is examining religious poverty in the Middle Ages.

Also this past week, the University’s Christmas lights were switched on. This is a superb event every year. The main attraction is the large Christmas tree on the lawn outside Elphinstone Hall. But there is a Santa’s grotto for children, mulled wine for the adults and carols to be enjoyed by all.

I now look forward to being allowed to put up my own Christmas tree on the 12^th December. My flatmate assures me that a week is plenty of time to enjoy it before we return home for Christmas.

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

It’s hard to believe that we are already halfway through the term and that Christmas is almost upon us. However there is much to do before then. Since I last posted life has been all go! Being on the committee of a society means that there is never a dull moment.

The past week is a prime example. Last Sunday was Remembrance Sunday which was quite an eventful day. On campus, there was a procession of students from the University’s military units with a Pipe Band. It really was a wonderful sight, as they processed along the High Street toward the chapel where a service of Remembrance was held. Following this, there was a military inspection and a public reception in Elphinstone Hall. Before the parade began, myself and others from the Catholic Society arranged a continental breakfast in the Catholic chaplaincy for our members. Being in the centre of campus, the Chaplaincy was the best place from which to see the parade whilst staying warm!!

Myself and my flatmate also cooked dinner for those who had attended the evening mass in Kings College Chapel. It seemed to go well as all the food was eaten and I didn’t get any of it!!

It does seem that this week has been all Cathsoc. We have decided on the final design for the back of our hoodies which are to read, “Perfecting Guilt Since AD30”  Although some people, such as my parents believe this to be a little bit disrespectful, we have permission from our Priest! We want to show people that we aren’t afraid to mock ourselves and are more than religion!

In addition to this, Tuesday the 11^th was St. Martins day. There was a procession from the Catholic Chaplaincy led by our very own ‘St Martin’ on a horse. Included in the procession were 40 children from the University Nursery who carried lanterns that they had made and their parents as well as students and guests. This procession finished in the quad where ‘St Martin’ offered half of his cloak to a ‘beggar’. This was followed by a service in the Chapel led by the University Chaplain Rev. Easter Smart, where the Catholic Chaplain, Fr. James Claffey O.P. attempted to teach the children some Latin phrases. All in all, this went very well and we even managed to get some coverage in our local paper, the Press and Journal.

But as for now I have to go for lunch. Speak soon!

It’s hard to believe that Freshers week is almost upon us. It seems like yesterday that classes were ending and people began to leave for the summer. However, friends have started to return, new students begin arriving on Saturday and before we know it, classes will have started!!

As a member of the Catholic Society committee, it’s quite a frantic time of year. This is made even harder by the fact that I am the only committee member in Aberdeen at the moment. This means that all of the tasks fall on me. As we have just been affiliated to the University, there has been a lot to set up. Including our website…. I am the least computer friendly person you will ever meet but I have been struggling hard to get the website completed and looking good. So far, my only critic has been my sister and that was merely light hearted banter. Maybe I should head for a career change!! Lol.

It’s not just society duties that are taking up time. My flatmate is going to be coming back on Tuesday. That means that all of the junk I have been storing in her room is going to have to find a permanent home…. Most probably somewhere on my floor! And the flat must be cleaned I suppose. So I have to also find time in my busy schedule for that.

I am also working at the airport doing meet and greet for new students. This really only involves standing at the airport with a sign and saying Hello – Welcome to Aberdeen. But a smiling, welcoming face makes a whole lot of difference when you have been travelling with enough stuff to last you for a year!

And if all that weren’t enough, I am also squeezing in a trip home this week. I didn’t really have the time for it, but it will probably be my last chance to get down before Christmas. It’s mostly to see my grandparents and wave my little sister off to University. It really is a flying visit with my arriving home at about 3pm on Wednesday and getting back on the train at about 3pm on the Friday. Considering the length of the journey it’s a very short time to be there… and I’m now not so sure about the 5:30am train I have to catch! But I’m sure I’ll be happy when I get home and see my family again!

But for now….. Enjoy Freshers Week and we hope to see you all soon!

Claire

It is that time of year again when one must begin to pack up all of their things, transport them and try to make another place feel like home. However when you are a hoarder, like me, this is a very difficult task. I do seem to have twice the amount of stuff that my flatmates do and having been packing gradually for the past few weeks, I have still over half of my room to sort!

Then added to the stress of packing, is the stress of cleaning the flat to the high standard of my Landlord. Cleaning is made all the harder by the fact that half of my flatmates have left never to darken that door again. But it helps when you have amazing friends who offer to give up their time to help.

By the time I write my next blog, I shall be firmly ensconced in a wonderful new flat. I have to admit to being very excited about it. My landlady for the next year is a wonderfully nice person. And the flat is wonderful. It will be a bit of a change as I am to be living with only 1 other person having lived with 5 others for the last 2 years.

I have just returned from a weeks visit to see my family. Much as I love Aberdeen, it is wonderful to return home for a bit of TLC. Whilst on the way to the train station, I broke my suitcase meaning that changing trains was rather difficult! This meant that I had to get a new suitcase, which just happened to be bigger than my old one. And as most girls know, you just can’t travel with an empty suitcase.Meaning that I had to buy more things with which to fill it

But as for now, I have to get back to my packing!

Claire

As term has now ended, most of my fellow undergraduates have flown far from Aberdeen back to the many places they call home.  Campus is quiet and there are far less distractions. But that isn’t to say that this is a bad thing. There are many advantages to having campus to yourself! There are always spaces in classes at the gym, there is never a wait for a computer and best of all, you can always find some peace and quiet to sit and reflect on your day.

There are lots of things to occupy your time though even when the city is quiet. The Aberdeen Box Office puts on various events throughout the week, varied enough to entertain most people. And we have more than enough shops to occupy even the most fussy of shoppers!

Also, Edinburgh is only 2 ½ hours away by train and there is a plethora of things to do there. I was there only a few weeks ago to visit a friend, former blogger, Karen. We had a marvellous time wandering around the city. We explored the Museum of Childhood which is fun for people of all ages, and also the Museum of Edinburgh which was, well, small. There were also a number of restaurants to explore for lunches and places for Afternoon tea!

However, like all students I am looking forward to returning home this week for some pampering and home cooking. Home is currently in Lancashire so I don’t have too far to travel. I can go door to door in 3 hours flying via Manchester. But sometimes, my student budget doesn’t always run to expensive flights, so I shall be going by train. It does only take about 5 hours though.

While I am home I have lots of events to attend, such as church fundraisers and several birthday parties (including my own!). One of the downsides of being home at that time is that I miss the graduation of some friends, including former blogger; Karen!

Upon my return to Aberdeen, things shall be all go as it will be time to move out of my flat and into a new one. Having already started packing, I am overwhelmed by how much I have accumulated over just the past year, and how much I will have to transport. But I am sure I will find some willing friends to help!

Claire

First of all, I would like to introduce myself as a new blogger! My name is Claire and I’m a 1^st year History student. Officially I’m in my second year here as I spent a year studying Law before deciding that it wasn’t for me. It was all rather serious!!!!  Much as I miss the Law department, the wonderfully eccentric lecturers, the serious friends and the unique smell of Law books, it was the right thing for me to do.

I’m also the Treasurer of the newly affiliated Catholic Society. Having not done maths of any sort since GCSE I’m not quite sure why! We have just been finalising the plans for Freshers’ Week which promises to be lots of fun! We hope to raise the profile of the Society over the next year and do lots of exciting events!

As it is the end of term, everybody has been facing the dreaded exams. My exams started a week after all of my friends finished! This unfortunately meant that joint revision ended too! Of course I had to attend celebration parties/BBQs etc, which meant that I pushed revision aside for a while! But the first of my results was released today and I did (surprisingly) well.

But what has to be the most significant event of the term isn’t exams or new jobs…… but the release of Sex and the City! I went with a group of friends and we all dressed up in prom dresses and beautiful heels. And we didn’t look the least bit out of place! Before the film we had dinner and Cosmopolitans. We even went as far as to make cosmopolitan jelly! Although it didn’t quite set, it still tasted good! But a warning to those who haven’t seen it yet: Be prepared to cry!

I’m getting a train straight from work down to Edinburgh for the weekend. I’m going to visit a friend who is about to graduate from Aberdeen. I do enjoy going to Edinburgh, mostly for the shops!! But I do prefer the smaller community that we have here in Aberdeen.