First Impressions and Educational Culture Shock.

I had a lot of worries going through my head when I was preparing to come to Essex University. I worried about being away from my family, I worried about what my flatmates would be like, how my Course would be like, how my Tutors would be like. In all honesty, after the first week at University, more or less all of these worries are no more. I am getting used to not seeing my family as much slowly but surely. My flatmates couldn't be any better, my Course so far has been enjoyable and the Tutors have done a great job in making it interesting.

It hasn't come as much of a shock regarding the work ethic at the University. It is, as I expected, more independent work and a lot of free time and it is up to us how we make use of it. No-one is here to push us, or tell us what to do and when. It all comes down to us which is quite different to how life was at College where the Subject Teachers would play an equal part in motivating you to study outside class. The Tutors here do their job of teaching us the subject they are specialised it and if we have any problems outside class, we have our personal advisor to talk to.

The Albert Sloman Library is a great asset to the University. It has over a million books and it is a great place to study in a quiet environment and broaden your knowledge on the topics you are covering in class. It is very unlikely that at least one book that you require for one of your topics isn't there. If it isn't there, the University can bring in books from outside which is extremely useful especially if you really need that book for an Assignment.

Another main difference between University life and College life is that there is so much to do outside classes. There are various types of clubs and societies. The sports that are offered by the University is much more than what was offered at my College for obvious reasons such as there are much more students and because most of the students are staying in campus. I find the University Campus safe to go around at night time. The squares are never too packed nor are they too sparsely populated.

I had trouble getting round to most of my classes during the first two weeks which is understandable. It was basically like the first day of year Seven but it was easier to get lost. Slowly I am memorising the routes to each class I have to go to and memorising the route back to either Square two or three. The fact that I live in the Meadows means that I have to wake up, get ready and leave to my class at-least 10 minutes early compared to those living in South Courts or the Towers.

All in all, I think I have settled in well at the University of Essex and I have no problems so far regarding Accommodation, Teachers or the Modules I am studying. I hope it stays like this for the rest of the academic year.