Epiphany term

7.30pm- Hello everyone! I have been back in Durham for almost a week now. I was not especially looking forward to returning after spending a month at home for Christmas. I had a lot of time to reflect over the break and eventually managed to overcome some doubts I had about uni life. I have come back re-energised and determined to make the most of my time here. It has been rather strange getting back in to the John's routine but I have started feeling more settled now. I am going to ensure that I'm involved in a wider range of activities than last term. I have just completed my CRB check and will start helping out with a project that is being set-up between John's and a local hospice in the next few weeks. I also attended my first Durham Union Debate last night (which, incidentally, was on gender equality in the workplace) and a few friends and I have decided we are going to make it a Friday night routine to go to the Union. This week I have spent time having coffee and cooking with John's friends and also catching up with people in my lectures. I am determined to be more organised in regards to work this term however I have not got off to the best start. We're having to sort out houses for living out next year which is quite time consuming. My housemates and I are going to start arranging viewings on Monday but it is difficult balancing budget limitations with location requirements and requires a lot of patience! I am very happy with the 5 friends I will be living with however and that is the most important thing. Ironically it appears as thought the North East has escaped the worst of the snow which is affecting the rest of the UK. There has been snow on the ground here all week but it has been a little heavier and more consistent since last night. Walking down the Bailey as snowflakes gently fell in the orange glow of the streetlights must be one of my highlights of my time in Durham. The weather has affected the catering in John's and so we had a "picnic" dinner- soup and salad (served by the Resident Tutors instead of the kitchen staff) on polystyrene plates with wooden cutlery. It was quite amusing trying to eat soup with a tiny wooden teaspoon! I am off to watch Chicago in the college DVD room with friends now. Love to all.