By Aoife Burke
Hello, everybody!
It’s week 3 at the time of writing this article and I am settling in well. I am studying journalism, English and law in first year. It is a tough curriculum, as either I am dashing from one lecture to another, or in the library catching up on reading and/or assignments. I’m finding the English lectures to be rather packed and same with law. Also, I had a bad flu last week, but I dragged myself in, conscious about attendance.
I am also finding the reading is a lot, however I am proud to say I read two books in ten days for one of my English assignments. Not having a clue what I just read, I watched YouTube videos about the books, so at least I can talk about them. Also, cunningly, I have discovered all the little shortcuts to getting through to the library or the IT building etc. The first two weeks were so stressful, however I planned well in advance with coffee breaks, bringing in my own meals etc.
Studying is going fine now that assignments have just started to roll in. For my very first assignment, I took a photo of myself outside the courthouse for 4% of the grade! So, the lecturers are great and making it fun. I sometimes forget I’m in my late 30s, but the other students are amazing and can be so funny in lectures.
The weather is starting to get colder and fair play to anyone taking extra–curricular activities. I just couldn’t find the time this semester. I’m also presenting Trivia Matters in Flirt FM on Friday 2-3 with Brian and Jo and helping out with the news on Tuesdays at 5pm. Hopefully someday, I will be reading the news!
I am absolutely obsessed with coffee. During the summer, I would drink cold coffee latte and now winter is coming, I need a hot latte in the morning or I get wobbly legs. I’m not too impressed with my locker location, as it’s a ground floor locker, so I’m stooped over like I’m old, but it’s all that I could get. I’ve also spent a good deal on books, but I actually have read a lot of them and I’m using them, so it’s money well spent.
I actually forgot to mention my weekend in England just before lectures started. My sisters and I spent an amazing two days in Worthing West Sussex and it was surreal. We drank far too much prosecco, though I don’t drink that often, and ate at a MasterChef restaurant! I’m glad though I’m a non–smoker. I kicked a 20 year habit a few years ago, and saved a fortune in college because of it.
Finally, I want to say how lovely everyone has been, especially my classmates. I’m really glad I chose NUI Galway. I’m taking it one day at a time (and hoping for snow this winter!)
Until next week guys! Take care,
Aoife.