We were asked to attend registration today. I wasn’t expecting much, but I found it was even less of an event than my modest presumptions. We turned up individually, throughout the day, waited at a table til we were called forward, confirmed our name and were given a little satchel of freebies (a mug, a post-it note stack and a pen. I returned the mug; we own several already). We were also given a file of information, forms to fill in, and a booklet of guidance dated 09/10.
The information within the file mostly pertained to the “Postgraduate Induction Fest”, a two-day event at the end of next week. This will include, amongst other events, a tour of the campus, an introduction to ECS and a presentation on Library facilities.
While I recognise the importance of this for new-to-Southampton students, I can’t stop the sinking feeling that parts of this “Fest” will be numbingly boring. However, I am a strong believer in a situation being as good (or bad) as you make it and I look forward to the chance to meet new people starting out on this journey. I am looking forward to Rikki Prince‘s talk “Welcome to your studies” and to the “Supervisors Panel”.
I’m kind of frustrated at the very slow pace of starting. Freshers week started Monday and we heard nothing new from admissions. We turn up today and find out the action doesn’t start for a week. I am well aware that I can be getting on with reading and reviewing literature, and I am, sort of (not really *blush*). I long for a bit more input, an official nod to start the race. I desperately want to meet my peers, but without email lists or any idea of the “who”, I’m not well placed to arrange any “when” and “where”s! Anyone else feeling this? 😀
However, I did see both #1 and #2 supervisors today and had forms filled in and signed with intentions to submit them tomorrow. That was reassuring and catching up with them was fun. My supervisions have been arranged for Friday at 11am, which means Friday afternoons will be devoid of work 😉 I will have to find something non-intellectual, fun and productive to occupy that time – I’ll keep you posted on that! 😀