Fulfilling student stereotypes – Part 1

 

After wandering around the Freshers Fair I figured from the stuff on sale, and the comments I overheard along the lines of “That SO has to go on my wall!” that most students seem to have walls covered in posters, takeaway menus, newspaper cuttings, and Sharpie-graffiti. And so my own little project was born. I don’t want to throw away my damage deposit on blu-tack stains or pin-holes, so I’m limited to the area provided by a notice board already affixed to the wall. That said, it’s a decent sized space, and I’m happy that I can use it well.

The plan is simply to put up photos I like, minimise blank space, and provide a unique frame to the academic year’s planner. I’ve gathered a few photos from on-line sources, as well as scans of old family photos, and either printed them myself on A4 paper, or taken advantage of a free offer on professional prints from a company called Jessops. Okay it’s not quite fulfilling a student stereotype, it’s never going to reach a critical mass of paper and gum, but it’s my nod to the cliché.

The photos include some of my idols from film and sport, immediate relatives, friends, scenes from movies - and from a few people I’ve met online, there are photographs both of their own taking, or those that they have recommended that I find particularly aesthetically attractive.

My personal favourites are Valentino Rossi, Audrey Hepburn, photos of me with family as a child, Ayrton Senna, and the female nudes/sexy-shots.

The first photo below is a little hazy but it depicts the work so far. The other stuff on display are a year-planner, a campus map, and a short series of paddock passes from the days I worked in MotoGP as a driver.
The second image is a little closer to see a sample of the prints more clearly. They include particular favourites of mine that depict the Dalai Lama with Archbishop Desmond Tutu laughing, a bubble at the moment it is burst, a rather sexy woman in a maid’s outfit, and me as a particularly handsome young boy. Both photos expand if you click on them.

 

(Oh, and my crutchesmake a cameo in pic 1 too – forgot to move them out of shot… Oops!).

Beginning of the four year adventure.

Today, well to be pedantic it was yesterday, my student adventure in the realms of higher education began in earnest. Having gone through the trials and tribulations of applying for a place on five courses at four universities, attempting to arrange student finance, and enduring the as yet unrewarding task of getting the physical help I need to study with a disability, I finally moved into my new accommodation over the weekend.

The place is pretty spacious, all things considered. A half dozen crates of paperwork, books, DVDs, along with the electrical stuff, cooking equipment, and clothes, all combine to mean every bit of shelf space is already occupied. I dread to think where I'll shove books I gather along the way!

The university I am attending has a pretty awesome array of events designed to keep the new students entertained and socialising for the whole of Freshers Week, but I'm only planning to take part in the few that genuinely interest me. Not for me a trip to a chocolate factory, or going to a nightclub dressed in army fatigues. A spot of comedy and a quiz or two and I will be happy.

The week ahead also has some educational content, which pleases me greatly. I'm looking forward to getting my teeth stuck in to some academic work.

The only problem I have to contend with is the somewhat shaky internet access. It's already in place and that is better than I had been led to believe would be the case, but it appears that the provision in place is pretty restrictive and even slow at times. The ability to use relatively low bandwidth programs such as Football Manager online should be easily handled but it seems impossible to maintain a connection. There are also possible issues with other online based games which seem to be reluctant to allow me to either log in, or remain logged in. I can only assume this is an issue with the provider or infrastructure. Hopefully things won't move on too much while that gets sorted, leaving paid up commitments losing out.

Other than that little whinge - uni life is excellent! I thoroughly recommend it to anyone who has the flexibility or necessity in their life to facilitate this change in their life.