I got up at 6.30am this morning, not because of my anticipation of snow, but because today I was going to start working in some local school projects I am involved in with the University. At 7am I groggily peered out into the darkness of a winter morning, and continued on autopilot to get myself …read more
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Merry Christmas 2012
By Blake on December 23, 2012 in Clubs and societies, Free time, Island Experience, Nightlife, The city
Congratulations! I’m pleased to report that we survived the apocalypse of 21 December 2012. I was grabbing some last minute Christmas presents in Commercial Road when doomsday failed to occur. A brass band was playing some festive tunes and there was a cheerful atmosphere around the town centre – but I still took a glance …read more
It’s Christmas!
December again, and who knew it. A Christmas tree has appeared in Park Building, and an even larger one in the Guildhall. I even saw an evening carol service there the other night. It really got me into the festive mood! My weekend was spent pulling boxes of decorations from isolated attic cupboards, and this …read more
Dark, Cold Nights
By Blake on October 2, 2012 in Clubs and societies, Course, Island Experience, Music, Nightlife, The city
Back in July I reminisced about a rainy afternoon spent down the pub with a friend. I wasn’t expecting that three months later I’d be at my laptop once again writing about the rain… but here we are! Fortunately we had some great weather for Fresher’s Fayre but since then it’s been wet, cold, blowy …read more
And So It Begins Again
By Blake on September 21, 2012 in Clubs and societies, Course, Music, Nightlife, Sport, Study, The city
Wednesday and Thursday this week were the induction days for Year 2 students in the School of Languages and Area Studies. The lecturers did not waste any time in getting to the big topic – dissertations! As it turns out, preparation for our 10,000 word final-year piece starts early, and by the end of this …read more
September – Signs of a New Season
It’s September at last, but still a few weeks to go before Uni starts. I’m really looking forward to settling back into a scholarly routine. The past few days I’ve noticed a some distinct changes which have reminded me that Autumn is nearly here – the new season officially starts on 22 September (the day …read more
Farewell First Year!
My last essay hand-in was actually two weeks ago, when the weather was incredibly hot. After submitting my final piece of work for the year (ten minutes before the noon deadline!), I ambled over to the University Library to unload a few books, wearing just a t-shirt, swimming shorts and sandals. Being the last day, …read more
Happy Birthday Dickens!
200 years ago, on 7 February 1812, Charles Dickens was born right here in Portsmouth, at 1 Mile End Terrace, Landport, Portsea – now 393 Old Commercial Road. His family had been stationed here by the Royal Navy, although his they moved back to London in 1814. It seems there is a lot going on …read more
The Island Experience: Hayling Railway Pillars
Christmas and the New Year provide a good opportunity to catch up with friends. Yesterday I got together with a few such friends. I’ve known Sam and Tom since school, which already seems like a lifetime ago! We arranged to meet up in the afternoon for a cycle to Hayling Island, which lies to the …read more
Sandwiches, books and hand cream
The other day I went to Southampton on the train with a good friend, Lee, to do a bit of Christmas shopping. It was an enjoyable day, although a bit chilly. We took shelter from the arctic conditions in a pub for a much needed mid-afternoon break. A pint and a Reggae Reggae chicken and bacon …read more
About Blake
Hi, I'm Blake! I'm in my Second Year of American Studies. Read this blog to find out more about me and life as a University student in Portsmouth.
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