Day One, Uhh...Four.

Staring at the TV I realised it's company wasn't needed as much anymore. Until tonight I had had it on constantly, simply for the noise. I struggle to make friends in new places, and though I've spent much of my time (since Saturday afternoon when my parents left) being depressed and upset because I was lonely, now I feel I'm breaking through.

I finally have some friends in my class, and I've gotten chummier with my flatmates. It's surprising how much you notice being alone when you really are alone. At home, despite the fact that my parents were adamant I never emerged from my downstairs room, I actually enjoyed the times I poked my head around the living room door, the times I could wind-up my Mother while she cooked dinner, and the few times I took my Father up on the offer to walk the dog with him. We humans are, after all, social creatures. And as much as I enjoy Top Gear re-runs on Dave, they didn't quite cut it compared to the luxury of company I had at home. Strange how you don't realise what you have until you've lost it.

Today my "activities" as I call them (classes don't start 'til next week, this week is Fresher's week) were light, but the free time gave me more opportunities to make friends. I had a lot of fun sitting with Daniel and "the girls" (I forgot to ask their names, the idiot I am) at a café outside the Uni at lunchtime, and my interview with Mary (one of my teachers) was constructive. The difference between Sixth Form teachers and University teachers is astounding to me, pleasantly so.

I would dare to say I've progressed far enough to not feel depressed when I call my cubicle, "home" - it most definately does not feel like a home, it does feel kind of like a cell, no matter how much I try to make it feel like home, it'll never compare. And my cooking will never compare to my Mother's; I must admit that is one of the most common things among my classmates that they miss about being away from home.

Luckily, my Uncle lives within half an hour's driving distance of my flat; so I'm not totally detatched from home. And he's also offered to take me home when he goes to visit, which is incredibly nice of him. Meeting up with him one night a week will certainly break up University life for me.

My first few posts here won't relate too much to my Journalism course, as I don't spend more than 3 or 4 hours tops in University each day during Fresher's Week. Come Monday I'm sure I'll have lots to say...and a lot to sleep off. Though I must admit I'm looking forward to my field trip on Thursday, to where I have no idea - they're keeping it a secret from us; until tomorrow afternoon that is, when they brief us.

One final note, feedback and constructive criticism would be much appreciated: What would you like me to write more about? Or to write less about. Does my writing style leave much to be desired? Or is it far too formal? These and other aspects are things I would love to hear your opinions on.


-Ross