Early start
Today I woke up early, which was quite difficult because last night my friends and I were hosting the first Stephenson Northern Society social, where we all dressed as northern icons (we rocked as The Beatles). It’s the earliest I have to be up during the week because of my 9am statistics lecture, which is one of my favourite lectures because we look at using statistics in the real world, which with some modules you can’t necessarily do, so it’s a nice change!
Lectures
I then had a 10am Linear Algebra lecture, which is abstract but interesting, followed by an analysis lecture. Analysis is the hardest module for me because you are required to build from the most basic mathematical concepts and think differently than how I ever have needed to in school. But this also means that when I understand it, it is so rewarding.
Lunch
I had a three hour break between lectures, so I met with some friends from my course and some from my college for lunch in town. It was super fun!
We then spontaneously decided to have a walk around the cathedral because I love to remind myself of all the beautiful sights and history there is around us in Durham and the staff are so eager to welcome us and tell us all about it. We also had enough time to visit the poster sale at the Durham Students’ Union. I love all of the events that Durham hosts and our break was a great way to relax before my lectures began again.
My final lecture of the day was calculus. We’ve learnt a lot in this module and it’s only our second term, but luckily it does just feel like an extension of A-level – even though it is new and challenging, it still feels familiar.
Tutorial
After that was my calculus tutorial (which is in the maths building, so this is quite the trek up cardiac hill and I am always sweating and panting on arrival). Our tutorial is a class of less than 15 where we all get into small groups and work on problems from the lectures the week prior. They are one of the most useful parts of the course because working with other people and support from the supervisor consolidates the learning massively. I really enjoy them because it is just an hour of doing maths with friends. Plus, the walk home is gorgeous, as I go through the botanic garden.
Evening
Afterwards, I had some downtime in which I read and wrote up some notes I had taken from earlier to make sure everything was set in my head. Then I cooked my dinner, which was ramen with pork, kale, leek and a boiled egg (Stephenson is a self-catered college which I enjoy because I love cooking). It was scrumptious, cheap, and easy to make!
In the evening, I went to support my friend who was in the orchestra of the DULOG musical ‘Crazy for You’, which was brilliant. It was so nice to see the talent of other students.
After the walk up the hill from the Bailey, I was exhausted and needed an early night.
I love my days as a maths student at Durham, whether they are jam-packed like this one or more chilled. I love the feeling of responsibility and freedom that university brings, but I am also so thankful for the support available if I need it, whether that be from my course, my college, or the University.
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