My Life in Lancaster

Time:2011-06-02 17:43:13 Clicks:

Ten months ago, with an expectation of fresh and totally different campus life, I came to Lancaster university. Looking back, there are plenty of things that deserve my memory.

It is taken for granted that people need some time to adjust themselves in a new environment. And I have to admit that at beginning, I have spent some time to get used to the life here, which seemed not so easy to me who never studied in a foreign country before. Because of cultural differences, there are so many clashes, both in life and study.

After one or two months, I have adapted the life and study environment. And it is totally different from that in China. I have learned that in UK, students are required more independent thinking and we have to be more active. Though there are seminar and tutorials, we need to figure the problems out first by ourselves. Mostly it depends on consciousness. According to a few months’ study here, I have learned a lot, not only the knowledge, more importantly, but also the idea about the way we are trained to think, to do things.

The last month I stayed here is for exams. Luckily, my exam timetable sprays average--two exams a week. So I have enough time to prepare for them. Although there are revision lectures, the lecturers would not remind us of which part of the course is important for the exams. Instead, all knowledge taught is contained. However, if the modules are treated seriously, the exams are just a review of what we have learnt. As a result, in my opinion, the exams are not so horrible as in China. In addition, there are coursework for some modules. This is not only due to the importance of the knowledge, but also it is a chance for students to learn how to work together. During the several weeks time of the coursework, we have to coordinate with each other, to stay together to solve the problem, to finish the task by ourselves. I have done several coursework and worked with different kinds of people from varies countries, from different culture backgrounds. Enjoying the process of working with people I did not know before is the most valuable part of the coursework. Since from this, I can communicate with others, learn how they think about things and learn in what ways different people solve problems. After the coursework is finished, team members can be friends. So knowing whom I was going to work with is a thing that deserved expectation.

On the other hand, in my spare time, I have tried to experience as much as possible in UK. In October, I have participated in a project named The Future of Death that is run by a performance company, A2, which explores the interrelationship between living and dying. Conceptually, it was art. From this project, I met some nice local people of all ages, backgrounds, experience and abilities. To be honest, I was afraid at first because I had never been artistic and I am not an outgoing person. However, after the first beginning period of getting know each other, I was relaxed. Not until one or two weeks later, I was told that I was looked so shy at the beginning. But later, I had been myself and tried my best to cooperate with others to do well ' cause those people were so friendly and lovely. October happened to be the period when I was homesick most. But I could feel warmth, care and happiness out there. It is the most memorable part of my life in Lancaster. Unsurprising, the last two days' performances were great success. I felt satisfied since I was part of it. I have to say this experience really enriches my spirit. Moreover, I have been a member of Lancaster Univeristy Volunteer Unit. And during the second term, I have participated in homeless action. I was volunteering in a shelter in the town that provides homeless people dinner and care. While I was helping those homeless people, I have learned what their life is alike. Not begging along the street, not sleeping under the bridge, the homeless people can have good welfare in UK. They are provided hot food, shower with hot water and shelter. I think that is their way of life. Although they are homeless, they still can have a cup of coffee, read the newspaper, log in their facebook homepage, ask for the remaining food for their dogs. Hum, that is their attitude toward life.

Well, the two most outstanding culture characteristics I think are queue and pub. British people like to queue. Queuing can be seen anytime anywhere. People do not complain. They just stay in the queue and wait for their turn. They take queuing for granted. Consequently, queuing has been part of its culture, and it is definitely a big one. In terms of clubbing, it will never be boring for young. Most university students are crazy about it, especially on Friday night. I think I can regard it as a way of wreaking and releasing themselves from all kinds of pressure. Boys and girls drink and dance. It seems that there is only happiness in pub, all other boring things outside the word. Seeing young's crazy about clubbing, I am always wondering how girls can become elegant when they are middle-aged.

In fact, Lancaster is a good place for old people. Because people are friendly and gentle. Everything seems so peaceful. For a student, maybe it is a small town, no more else for entertainment. But it is still a desired place to study.

Time flies and ten months have passed. I have learned and experienced some British culture that contains numerous splendid things, which will have great impact on my life thereafter. And due to the influence of the culture, some of my thoughts and habitats have changed, to a direction that is beneficial to my personal development.

2006級國際會計2班 羅程