First experiences from Durham

I arrived to Durham a few days earlier than most of British students, so I could participate in the activities prepared for international students in the so-called International Induction. During these days I had enough space to carry out some essentials, such as purchase of linen, opening a bank account and getting a SIM card. Most importantly, however, I met many other international students from various parts of the world, which has helped me to reduce the culture shock when the Brits arrived.

I confess that I was slightly concerned about the Freshers Week, especially after I heard so many horrendous stories from my friends studying in England. For most of the British the Freshers Week is the first time in their life away from home without their parents’ control, and therefore they seek as many opportunities as possible to make the best of this newly acquired feeling of freedom. Fortunately, I did not witness any dramatic incidents. This does not mean that there were not any, only that I successfully avoided them. Second year students had prepared a varied programme for us, so that there was always some activity to everyone’s taste. As a cat lover, I immensely enjoyed the “petting farm” when rabbits, guinea pigs and sheep were brought to our college and we could pet them for the whole afternoon.

During the Freshers Week, a societies fair took place as well. It was nearly impossible to resist the passionate students, who presented their societies so persuasively that one wondered how it had been possible to exist without being a member of that particular society so far. We all had this feeling at every single stand. Of course I signed up for many of them (who could resist the chocolate society when one was offered brownies upon signing?). Having been inspired by a former scholar of the Kellner Family Foundation Pavel Kohout, I have joined the university Dancesport Team and would like to thank Pavel for this, since dancesport is as marvellous as he promised.

I also auditioned for several choirs and was delighted to find out that I was offered a place in all of them. Eventually, I have decided to join the Hild Bede Chapel Choir, which is renowned throughout the university. Every week we sing at service on Wednesday evening called ‘Evensong’ and also at Sunday Eucharist. We meet an hour and a half before the service and always have to rehearse about six pieces. Since there is not enough space for practice, we have to sight-read most of the music, which is sometimes very challenging.

Finally, I have become a member of the Musicon executive team, which organises a series of classical music concerts throughout the year. I am extremely enthusiastic about this, as I would like to get involved in music management in the future. After all, it is not bad to have a chat with the performers or the composer himself with tea and cookies after the concert.

The fifth week of the academic year has just ended, which means that the first half of the trimester is over. Time flies so fast, as I am busy all the time. Besides the extracurricular activities I mentioned above, the study, of course, takes up the rest of the time. Since moving here I have already been through many ups and downs, but I am sure that I am not the only one. Nevertheless, I am extremely grateful for every second I can spend here and cannot wait to see what fortune has prepared for me next.