The time of my life

Christmas holidays followed the three months at university. It was a time when you could reminisce over the time just past in peace, enjoy free time, regenerate your energy, and prepare for the important exams in January. I guess I only managed the first of these things.

So I was in for a quite difficult weekend having returned to Exeter. I was to write two two-hour tests the next week, and an essay (2,500 words minimum) the following weekend, which account for 70% of my overall grade. I have to say that I had never written such a long essay before in my life – not even in Czech. This may be why the A grade was a nice surprise.

An interesting period started after the exams. The new trimester brought new subjects and a little more leisure time. I jumped at it and started spending more time in the kitchen, trying new recipes, and on the road, discovering hitherto unexplored parts of the town and the breathtaking surroundings. My girlfriend and I walked the fifteen kilometers to the coast with its beautiful red cliffs in early March. But we were yet to make the most beautiful discovery in Exeter. We found out that along the river Exe there is an artificial canal and a path leading to the picturesque embankment, with many cafes and little shops. In addition, the whole route is kept perfectly neat and tidy and an afternoon stroll on a sunny day (which in fact prevailed here except for January and February), accompanied by the singing of seagulls, is real magic.

I remember a friend of mine asking me about living in England back before Christmas. I told him England was just perfect for university studies, but I couldn’t imagine actually living there. I asked myself the same question a week ago, and I must admit that I’m a bit reluctant to answer it. Maybe I should leave as soon as possible after I complete my Bachelor’s degree, because I can see now that Exeter is getting under my skin, slowly but surely. I no longer worry about the stuff that I initially took issue with (English cuisine; a non-tea nation; their cuisine – did I mention English cuisine?). Conversely, I am beginning to notice things that are more important, after all. In all my time here, I have not had a single fit of the allergies from which I suffered regularly in the Czech Republic. Natural beauty is not the only advantage of Devon (the area around Exeter, which includes two national parks). I have not felt any stress in all my time here. Nobody’s in a hurry, and the people are nice (even at the post office).

So studying at the University of Exeter is something I can honestly recommend. The best idea is to come over to try everything out – I’ll gladly be your guide. And my final word? I’m really having “the time of my life” here.