Wednesday evening, 9pm. I’m walking through Hyde Park on my way back from a short swimming session. It’s a nice evening, not calm but no pressing summer heat either, the park is calm and the light soft. I’m walking slowly, enjoying the serenity surrounding me. It reminds me of evenings in our country house, and gives me a bit of what I’ve been missing.

Exam period was stressful, not that I expected much else. Once they were done I had two weeks holiday which ended up being quite hectic as I was trying to do everything I wanted. Then work. And nerves. The wait for results was a chapter of it’s own, never have I’ve been that nervous about some numbers on a computer screen (nor as relieved as when I saw them either I guess). But now it’s over. I’m still working, which takes a lot of energy and concentration but is challenging in an interesting and fun way. But I do have time to sit by the river in Hyde Park an evening like this and listening to the leaves whispering in the wind. Or spend an afternoon/evening under a tree reading a book. That’s life quality.

I’ve now had a week of holiday. A week without revision, without any project. It’s an odd feeling, but I’ve kept myself busy (apart from Saturday, which I’d planned to spend doing nothing). On Sunday I was faffing around in the room, somehow trying to back down as much as possible of my stuff. I can’t say I succeeded very well, it still looks about as messy, the bags are filled and I have more that I need to put down. Though that problem is left to later. My family arrived to London on Monday, and I spent the evening and Tuesday with them. They left to start a mini England-tour for universities visits and I stayed behind. Wednesday came with a full day on Thorpe Park together with ISE peeps. My brother had made the guess that since we were 12 people, we would split up into groups, but no – not this ISE lot. Despite rain and queues without any shelter it was a great day (though I’ll have to remember to bring a spare set of dry socks next time…)!

Thursday came and I was suddenly facing the last full day in halls. Judging by my part of the room I’m still in denial about it, but the fact remains. Chandni and I had long planned to try out a lemon cake recipe so as soon as we were up and running we occupied the kitchen. While the cake was in the oven my house mates and I went for a short house hunt. All four of us are finished with everything, and we had a great time just hanging out between the house viewings. Once back in halls, the cake was finished and Chandni and I made our way to watch Drama Soc’s interpretation of Alice in Wonderland. It was supposed to be on Queen’s lawn, but due to weather conditions it was moved inside. It was definitely a nice last evening with my room mate!

I’m now on a train on my way to Bristol, where I’m going to meet my family and go for a weekend in Cornwall. I have another week before I start working. After this family weekend I’ll be spending a couple of days back in Sweden, and then London remains my base.

For those of you who still have exams: GOOD LUCK!
To the rest of you: enjoy your holidays!

I’ve been trying to write this post a couple of times, and I just can’t write something that does the topic justice. The topic brings two words to mind: independence and sharing interests and passions. I would want to explain these, the clichés stop me.

There is so much that has happened during the past year, and I’ve got my last exam today. In a week’s time I’ll have to say good bye to my roommate Chandni. It feels surreal. What has university meant to me, so far? Great friendships, new experiences, heaps of information and knowledge and sometimes a mood-roller coaster.  It feels like much more than 10 months since I moved here.

For all the prospect students out there, you’ve got a lot to look forward to!

I can't write a post about what uni means to me without IC Fencing!

Exams period is an interesting concept. It’s very different from what I’ve had before, in both intensity and importance. The Swedish system is more based on a continuous performance, with 3-4 tests and assignments through out the year all adding to the final “A-level”/”GCSE” grade. For university it seems as the engineers have one exam every third month instead, creating some sort of stress but far from as intense. During the next 3 weeks I’ll have 8 exams, and our year projects is presented and handed in today.

I will try to post something when I have time, or if I have anything interesting to tell about at all (exams to bring out the dull side in you). My treat at the end is going to be a new lens for my camera (and hopefully more pictures) and a baking session with my room mate as a follow up to the baking competition we won earlier this week. Meanwhile, revision. And good luck with your A-level exams if you have any, and good luck with meeting your offers!