First year at Durham done

I honestly do not know how I managed to survive the exam period without any serious mental harm; the pressure on students was enormous. Although the welfare officers kept reminding us to take care of ourselves and mind our mental health, the fact that the library was open 24/7 in fact prodded us into trading sleep for study time. Most exhausting was that there was almost no space for rest between the exams.

All in all, I took seven exams in eleven days which meant that whenever I came back from an exam, I immediately started to prepare for the next one. Moreover, in the first exam week I had to submit another five assignments and two composition portfolios. I confess that these two weeks were probably the most difficult in my life, but thanks to the mutual support from my classmates I managed to get through.

After the exams, the well-deserved rest followed. The third term officially ended at the end of the fourth week in June, so I could finally explore places in Durham other than the university library and spend time with friends without remorse. In June, many cultural as well as sporting events took place, but most importantly the two highlights of the year – the College Day and Summer Ball.

The College Day was of great importance to me as the chapel choir in which I sing with gave their most significant performance of the year; in the morning, there was a service dedicated to our college, College of St Hild and St Bede, in Durham Cathedral where we performed. More than five hundred people including the current students, alumni as well as college staff attended the service, and our performance received a very positive feedback. During the rest of the day, there was a lot of amusements, such as giant inflatables, swings, ice cream stands and live music. In other words, the purpose of the College Day is to have fun with friends and celebrate the college.

Chapel Choir of St Hild and St Bede College after the service in Durham Cathedral

Finally, being a member of multiple societies again proved to be invaluable: I thought I would not be able to attend the Summer Ball as the entrance was extremely expensive. However, I was very lucky as the Dancesport Team, of which I am a member, got the opportunity to perform at the college ball in exchange for free tickets. Not only was it exciting to dance together with some of the best dancers in the university, but I also got free entrance.

It is almost overwhelming for me to look back what I learnt and experienced in the past nine months.
I am extremely looking forward to the summer as I have many exciting plans including travelling, volunteering and a summer job. However, at the same time I cannot wait to return to Durham in the autumn to learn so many new things and make new memories.