Numbers are beautiful, as is knowledge. The accumulation of information and experimentation expressed through the model of mathematics has converged into machines and ideas that can elate, arouse, astound and inspire. I fully believe that this concept is at the heart of why Imperial students go through what we do to get that treasured degree. Of course, everyone at university works hard to get a qualification, and subsequently a good job, money, a family, etc. But at Imperial, I consider all of us to be geeks. We all strive for the lifestyle, but are set apart by the extra exertion we put in, because ultimately: we love what we are doing, rather than just why we are doing it.

As fun as it was ranting on my blog to relieve the strains and stresses of exams, there are plenty of other things I like to do to have a quick detox, and this post is all about that.

Walking

The most effective means of relaxation during exams season is walking. Rather than just a short decrease in brain utilisation, a complete change of scenery, accompanied by sunlight and fresh air is always welcome. One downside is that it’s the method that requires the most effort, as you cover up the shoddy, un-groomed appearance you would usually be sporting during your work. However, I find it is a great way to completely distract oneself from anything troubling, even if you are the kind of person who has the thought of exams tattooed across their face around this time.

Mini-Games

A big bonus for me is any distraction that requires minimal lower limb movement. I’m not the hardcore gamer that I used to be, or ever was for that matter, but I do get a considerable amount of pleasure from mini-games. Previously, it would be a good half hour playing 8-Ball Pool on Miniclip or Stick Cricket, but thanks to the love of my life my iPhone, that has branched out into Infinity Blade, Fruit Ninja and Tiny Wings. I have a mathematical brain, and am a big fan of immediate, quantifiable success. Exams and revision are difficult, and don’t feel adequately rewarding till the emotions of struggle and determination have dulled. Having 300 game centre achievement, some of which you have to work incredibly hard for is instant and does feel rewarding. While not as impressive as a degree from Imperial, being level 100 on infinity blade is certainly a road I’ve enjoyed battling through and would happily boast about

Useless Talents

This extends my search for immediate rewards when my brain refuses to churn it’s way through past papers. During my time as a student trying not to learn, I’ve managed to accumulate skills like juggling, pen-flicking and rubix cube solving. Were I to take a subject like medicine, which requires around 40% more time hitting the books than I currently do, I’d probably be completely proficient in the unicycle, harmonica and slight-of-hand magic. While doing these quirky things is much more of a time-investment than mini games, having a tangible item to play around with feels better (and oddly, more real), and moving muscles besides those in your writing hand is always a good thing.

Cooking

Probably my favourite break from revision is when I cook. Cooking is definitely optional at this time – you saves around 30 mins by just buying an oven pizza, without really compromising on finances and taste. However, I always have enjoyed cooking, and the reward one gets from that can’t really be beaten. Everything taste better home-made, even my bizarre “rice plus meat plus bacon” dishes, which I tend to specialise in. Recently, my cooking attempts have turned to chocolate recipes and, as you can imagine, my housemates have been rather thrilled with this transition. Gone on a bit of a hiatus during exams as they do require a little more time than I can fully justify, but after Monday, I’ll have plenty of opportunities to get myself closer to diabetes.

So tell me, how do you like to break away from revision?

Thanks for reading,

Chris xx

I was in such a good mood after my last exam. So good a mood that I practically skipped home and proceeded to tidy all the revision clutter from my room as if I were recoding a movie-style montage. The one thing I failed to do was utilise this rare moment to get some blogging done. Predictably, since then I’ve had another exam that went horrendously badly. Fortunately, the sun, the old faces I bumped into today and the Tesco lemon sorbet (Corrie’s Tweet, My Response) working its cooling magic down my oesophagus, have kept my spirits high enough for this to be a happy blog post.

So why was I in such a good mood a little bit ago? Simply because the exam I had that day went very well. This was rather significant, as prior to that one I had taken 4 papers that I had described as violating, repugnant and all the nasty profanities, I’m not allowed to use on this blog, in between. My morale had been shattered and I had no drive to carry on with all this tedious revision. Thanks to that exam and my housemate’s birthday party over the weekend, I was able to relax and re-invigorate my efforts to remain sane until June 11th.

Over the weekend we had a surprise party for my housemate Alex, who became what can only be described as, 21 years old. These kind of birthday parties are always fun, especially in the lead up, because of all the lying and deception involved. However, when the surprise party is to be held the weekend after the subject’s birthday, the levels of deception become a bit too overwhelming for anyones liking. Alex obviously wanted to organise something herself, so we all had to play along with the idea that there would be a party for her on Monday (when our one was on Sunday). Seems like a small inconvenience, but it involved: keeping communication regular and synchronised across 2 Facebook groups, involving over 20 people; faking bookings and reservations, by delaying everything by a day; and me lying about the dates of my exams (which gave me a false sense of security for a good few days). Luckily, all of this climaxed at a positive end and we were able to greet her in the restaurant with loud noises and party poppers. She didn’t suspect a thing.

My Irreplaceable Housemates

We had a huge meal, courtesy of Alex’s, very lovely, parents and her sister Jenni (who deserves a lot of recognition for the tremendous effort she put into the party). Afterwards went to the Ice Bar near Regent’s Street. For those of you unaware of the ice bar, it is exactly what it says on the tin. Imagine a relatively small room made entirely of ice: everything from the walls to the counter-tops to the drinks glasses. Now imagine the insatiable urge to lick everything that follows you into the room. You literally can’t resist it, and I certainly don’t regret it. This also sparked a little bit of competition between me and my housemate Mini, as we pressed our ice cold cups onto each others cheeks to see who would succumb to the cold first. It ended in a rather desensitised stalemate.

Do Try this at Home

After that was a bit of frolicking with lovely people in the park before returning home to play card games and chat until 4 in the morning. All the best bits about student life packed into one marvellous day. As part of the celebration the house made two short videos where we said a little happy birthday message to Alex. I promised them I wouldn’t publish any of this to the internet, for fears that it would humiliate them to the point of irreversible blushing, so I won’t, but I will say a huge HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Alex here, as anyone who has read my first blog post will know that she was the one who persuaded me to become a Student Blogger and, is subsequently, in need of a massive hug and a great deal of thanks.

Now I return to the myopic schedule that will carry on for yet another week. I noticed today, upon meeting some lovely faces from last year in the library (Eluned, Goloka, Peggy, Sak & Daniel, if they happen to be reading), that it’s already taken over everyones social skills as we literally have nothing to talk about besides exams and what we are dreaming of doing after exams. Hopefully this week will go quickly and painlessly and my physical health and general state of mind can remain in tact for a celebratory blog post when it’s all over.

Thanks for reading,

Chris xx

One down, far too many to go. Quick video as I take the night off to let my brain cool down and leave the shackles of my desk. Watch to the end to see something a bit special strange.

Thanks for reading,

Chris xx

Been up to so much this week that I’ve had to condense it all into a 1 minute video.

If you enjoyed that, be sure check out my other video posts and have a look at what Corrie and her sunflower have been up to

Thanks for reading,

Chris xx