My first term at Durham has been rather transformational. I am filled with contentment as I reflect on the new opportunities and experiences the Michaelmas term offered.
Freshers’ Week confessions
I start Freshers’ Week with zeal and alacrity. These feelings were mutual campus-wide! Alongside the excitement, however, I remember feeling slightly apprehensive about finding my feet. At times, it felt like everyone already knew what to do—whether that be taking books out of the library, APA style referencing, or how to cook a perfect chicken korma—while I was still trying to find the right recipe.
Speaking to amazing college fresher reps and upper-year students I knew from similar state school backgrounds helped me to settle. I asked several questions about adjusting to life up North—immediately learning the importance of winter boots. They advised me to stay connected to friends and family, get plugged into college activities, and take things one step at a time. I started attending some Afro-Caribbean Society events and got plugged into Durham’s student music scene soon after. I found myself reassured. Calling home often and engaging in my college’s Christian Union helped me to recalibrate and balance work with rest.
Lecture surprises
Freshers’ Week passes, and 9 a.m. lectures strike. I arrived early and got to know other students before the professor began. She turns to the title slide. As I unlock my iPad, the machine-like sound of furious typing swells across the lecture hall. A strange symphony for a title slide, I thought, but one I would come to appreciate.
Keeping up with the professor while note-taking soon became a bit more challenging. You might have thought we panicked – you would have thought correctly. She flicks through the final slides. Deep breaths across the hall. In her closing remarks, she surprisingly says, “You were not expected to get everything today because I went quickly! Review the slides. A recording will be posted tomorrow. Visit the Academic Skills Centre to take your notetaking to the next level too!”. You might have thought we were relieved – you would have thought correctly.
Responsibility
A month passes. It was now time to pay the college accommodation rent invoice, restock the kitchen again and switch up meal prep a second time. Oh, the joys of independent student living. Having tackled Freshers’ Week and wonderful 9 a.m. lectures, I knew I could do this too. I did so with support from Student Finance England and the Durham Grant, Tesco deliveries, and Mum’s glorious cookbook.
Final reflections
Throughout my student journey, I have learned how valuable it is to learn through challenges and how crucial it is to leverage support. I have now mastered the library system, can write “stellar” notes, and make APA-style references with ease. As for the chicken korma – I assure you a Michelin star will soon be on its way!
To anyone feeling like the excited and slightly apprehensive me in Freshers’ Week – do not worry, remember the big picture and keep on learning.
