Pitching tents in the library and jacket potatoes
Another BIG hello and welcome to the 2nd blog installment from me! This blog aims to talk about uni life and the new building to give you an insight to what it’s like from a final year student/ upcoming graduate’s perspective. A little bit about my recent endeavors… I’m writing this blog from my new home: The Library. I sometimes feel I should just pitch a tent dedicated to only siestas; 24 hours isn't enough in one day! Do you agree?
However, I've learned to enjoy my long library days by loading up with the fundamentals; green tea, bananas and house music (and sometimes a cheeky redbull if need be).
I love the library camaraderie and atmosphere. I always see people from my course who I can chat to and exchange ideas with, which is way better than working from home. And, it’s so warm and cosy here; my flat doesn't have central heating and is like living inside a fridge. Actually no, a freezer. Can you imagine it?
I must say though that the late nights, long hours and always being the last one to leave the library are part of the student experience (but I can’t say that I’ll miss them when I’ve gone). I will however, miss the people, the staff and the super yummy giant jacket potatoes from the cafe which simply rock my world.
A little bit about the new building…
A few weeks ago we went to see the fantastic new John Henry Brookes building and honestly; it really is out-of-this-world. It's so colourful and bright; hot pinks, lime greens, zesty oranges and sunny yellows which I personally found super inspiring and stimulating. There are heaps of windows which gave the building lot’s of natural light, opposed to the current library which is a bit enclosed and gloomy.
A friendly builder also pointed out some other awesome features…
The concrete walls help the building stay cool in the summer and insulated in the winter The spotty looking design found on the steel, some of the windows and reception area is what timber looks like magnified The screens in the lecture rooms are 16 by 9- the same as cinemas. Pretty cool huh? The building is going to be a great place to study and socialise, with lots of group space, high-speed internet and a brand-spanking new library to immerse yourself in. This pic is the view from one of the study areas. Take a better look here: www.brookes.ac.uk/space-to-think/moves/our-new-building/
NOW OPEN, YAY!
Also, there heaps of really cool things happening around campus for the new building's opening, they had a silent disco yesterday!
As for life as a student here…
A fifth of the population in Oxford are students which creates a buzzing atmosphere; socially and academically. I've fallen in love with this city and being a student here rocks for so many reasons I’ll share with you along the way.
I’m sad it’s coming to an end! Anyway, I’d like to pass on a few things to start with that I've learned and other things that I wish I knew before hand.
Honest advice for anyone moving to Oxford:
So, as mentioned, the next blog will focus purely on Oxford. Things to do and super cool things to see... entertainment, nightlife and a few spots, hints and tips you might not have known about... To give you a head start, jump here www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com/
Also, the Oxford Brookes Hospitality School run a range of really cool social events e.g. wine tasting, cocktail nights; all run by students and the Bacchus Society, find them on Facebook. This semester, students plan, manage and run a range of fantastic events - all with a variety of deliciously superb fresh food, cooked and served by a truly wonderful bunch of passionate people.
I'll be going to Flavours of the Caribbean Night on the 20th March, very excited - you should come along too! Find on Facebook for more info. Everyone is welcome to get involved and it's a great way to meet new people and experience new things!
Thanks so much for reading guys!
Hi-fives from the library, please comment below if you have any suggestions of things you'd like me to write about!
Lola
I love the library camaraderie and atmosphere. I always see people from my course who I can chat to and exchange ideas with, which is way better than working from home. And, it’s so warm and cosy here; my flat doesn't have central heating and is like living inside a fridge. Actually no, a freezer. Can you imagine it?I must say though that the late nights, long hours and always being the last one to leave the library are part of the student experience (but I can’t say that I’ll miss them when I’ve gone). I will however, miss the people, the staff and the super yummy giant jacket potatoes from the cafe which simply rock my world.
A few weeks ago we went to see the fantastic new John Henry Brookes building and honestly; it really is out-of-this-world. It's so colourful and bright; hot pinks, lime greens, zesty oranges and sunny yellows which I personally found super inspiring and stimulating. There are heaps of windows which gave the building lot’s of natural light, opposed to the current library which is a bit enclosed and gloomy.
A friendly builder also pointed out some other awesome features…
The concrete walls help the building stay cool in the summer and insulated in the winter The spotty looking design found on the steel, some of the windows and reception area is what timber looks like magnified The screens in the lecture rooms are 16 by 9- the same as cinemas. Pretty cool huh? The building is going to be a great place to study and socialise, with lots of group space, high-speed internet and a brand-spanking new library to immerse yourself in. This pic is the view from one of the study areas. Take a better look here: www.brookes.ac.uk/space-to-think/moves/our-new-building/
NOW OPEN, YAY!
Also, there heaps of really cool things happening around campus for the new building's opening, they had a silent disco yesterday!
As for life as a student here…
A fifth of the population in Oxford are students which creates a buzzing atmosphere; socially and academically. I've fallen in love with this city and being a student here rocks for so many reasons I’ll share with you along the way.
I’m sad it’s coming to an end! Anyway, I’d like to pass on a few things to start with that I've learned and other things that I wish I knew before hand.
Honest advice for anyone moving to Oxford:
- It might seem more pricey, but don't let that put you off. Coming from northern England (where it’s a bit cheaper) and always liking to live on a tight budget, Oxford surprised me. The rent and living costs are more than other university cities, however; please bear in mind its close to London and has safe, gorgeous culture and is super close to the city centre. The value and benefits are much more than just money so don’t be put off. You will have gotten an education in Oxford. How many people can say that?
- Get a job in first year. There are plenty of opportunities here for students. Whether you need money or not, the benefits gained from work experience will help you find a job after uni. Businesses here employ lots of students and are really understanding. I made the mistake of working full-time on minimum wage alongside studies to support myself, when I realised this year the jobs at university, Brookes AND Oxford (eg. shops, colleges, cafe’s) pay better than minimum wage which is great (£7-8), therefore I could’ve worked less.
- Explore Oxford more. Coming to the end of my studies I realise I should’ve gotten to know much more about this incredible city. The abundance of history, culture and activities is fantastic here. However, the last few months I've focused on exploring a bit more, which will be in the next blog.
So, as mentioned, the next blog will focus purely on Oxford. Things to do and super cool things to see... entertainment, nightlife and a few spots, hints and tips you might not have known about... To give you a head start, jump here www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com/ Also, the Oxford Brookes Hospitality School run a range of really cool social events e.g. wine tasting, cocktail nights; all run by students and the Bacchus Society, find them on Facebook. This semester, students plan, manage and run a range of fantastic events - all with a variety of deliciously superb fresh food, cooked and served by a truly wonderful bunch of passionate people.
I'll be going to Flavours of the Caribbean Night on the 20th March, very excited - you should come along too! Find on Facebook for more info. Everyone is welcome to get involved and it's a great way to meet new people and experience new things!
Thanks so much for reading guys!
Hi-fives from the library, please comment below if you have any suggestions of things you'd like me to write about!
Lola
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