The Brookes Adventure (Sem 1)
Well the Brookes adventure is now at its halfway mark and I have to admit that things have been pretty fast paced here.
Looking back on the things that happened since I arrived in English shores, I realized that I have done a considerable amount of what I had set out to do before I came here. When I just arrived I had a wonderful first week partying with my new friends at Brookes. I alternated between sharing a few pints with my new mates at the bars and spending some time with my family who also accompanied me here to Oxford on a holiday.
The induction period was hectic and confusing but nonetheless fun! I managed to go to Blenheim Palace with my family. The Palace is the former residence of Winston Churchill and his ancestors. It was a beautiful and utterly remarkable site of great value. I also managed to move around Oxford in perhaps greater detail than the rest of my Malaysian KDU course mates at that time.
My time with my new mates was also fun filled to the extreme. Days of partying and hanging around at bars were now a distant yet sweet memory of the past.
However, things got much more hectic and much more confusing when the lectures actually started. I took Employment Law, Commercial Law (I), EU Law, Criminal Evidence and Advanced Legal Method for my first semester at Brookes. I have to say my initial perception of my Employment & Commercial Law lecturer was one of utter misconception. It is safe to admit that at that time I thought he was a very poor lecturer of limited resources. But, he then went on to show the reason he was so highly regarded by former KDU students and prove me wrong in the process.
EU Law was based on totally alien concepts which probably made it very difficult for other Malaysian law students to comprehend. I for my part thought it wasn’t too difficult to grasp. The lecturers were good and although the lecture halls needed refurbishment, the lectures were of excellent quality.
On the other hand, Advanced Legal Method for me was a totally baffling subject. It was just like Legal Skills back at KDU but the assessment was a real killer. I’m only keeping my fingers crossed that my hard work put to completing it is justified with a good result. I also thought Criminal Evidence lectures were moving too rapidly for my liking. Thank goodness I managed to catch up just before the examinations.
As for my life at the Halls of Residence, my initial cool and fun friends made life a torture after the first week. They ARE still cool and fun. The PROBLEM is they are cool but they ONLY want to have fun! They hardly go to lectures and party all night long almost daily. The noisy that they generate will make any student go manic including me. I had to resort to sleeping pills, ear plugs and a steady source of prayers (though not from myself) to ensure that I get any decent amount of sleep everyday. Hopefully this problem can be resolved before the next semester or I may be duly forced to find another accommodation!
In the meantime, I found a job at Debenhams (my contract ended on New Year’s Eve) to earn some money for some Euro Trips while I’m here. The first stop will be FRANCE. I can’t wait to visit the MUSEE DE LOUVRE or the CATHEDRALE NOTRE-DAME DE PARIS ET SON TRESOR.
I was also busily trying to secure myself a mini-pupillage while I’m here. I wrote countless letters to countless chambers requesting for a stint. Finally, my lucky stars shone bright and I was offered a place at 7 King’s Bench Walk for the Easter Holidays. I’m very hopeful that this will be an invaluable experience! (At this point of time, I’m also busy filling in my BVC applications, however, it is perhaps noteworthy that my decision on taking either the CLP/BVC is still far from certain. It is safe to say that my current preference is on taking the CLP but if I manage to secure a scholarship or some sort of funding for the BVC then perhaps it will be too big of a temptation to refuse).
I also posted a blog about my trip to a football match at White Hart Lane. I’m considering going for another game soon, perhaps a Champions League match. Anyone interested to join me?
Finally, after the pressure of facing and completing the exams, I finally managed to get some rest as 2 of my housemates have completed their course and have gone home. I’m hoping for quieter housemates this time. I also managed to have a fun evening for Xmas at Ken’s house. I have to thank him for inviting me to his small party. It was fun and a moment to remember.
It is almost New Years now. Therefore, I’m thinking of a New Years resolution. But, on the other hand, why have a resolution and restrict how far you can achieve? Anyway, HAPPY NEW YEARS to all of my readers! A wonderful year lies ahead. I can feel it!
The adventure beckons!
Looking back on the things that happened since I arrived in English shores, I realized that I have done a considerable amount of what I had set out to do before I came here. When I just arrived I had a wonderful first week partying with my new friends at Brookes. I alternated between sharing a few pints with my new mates at the bars and spending some time with my family who also accompanied me here to Oxford on a holiday.
The induction period was hectic and confusing but nonetheless fun! I managed to go to Blenheim Palace with my family. The Palace is the former residence of Winston Churchill and his ancestors. It was a beautiful and utterly remarkable site of great value. I also managed to move around Oxford in perhaps greater detail than the rest of my Malaysian KDU course mates at that time.
My time with my new mates was also fun filled to the extreme. Days of partying and hanging around at bars were now a distant yet sweet memory of the past.
However, things got much more hectic and much more confusing when the lectures actually started. I took Employment Law, Commercial Law (I), EU Law, Criminal Evidence and Advanced Legal Method for my first semester at Brookes. I have to say my initial perception of my Employment & Commercial Law lecturer was one of utter misconception. It is safe to admit that at that time I thought he was a very poor lecturer of limited resources. But, he then went on to show the reason he was so highly regarded by former KDU students and prove me wrong in the process.
EU Law was based on totally alien concepts which probably made it very difficult for other Malaysian law students to comprehend. I for my part thought it wasn’t too difficult to grasp. The lecturers were good and although the lecture halls needed refurbishment, the lectures were of excellent quality.
On the other hand, Advanced Legal Method for me was a totally baffling subject. It was just like Legal Skills back at KDU but the assessment was a real killer. I’m only keeping my fingers crossed that my hard work put to completing it is justified with a good result. I also thought Criminal Evidence lectures were moving too rapidly for my liking. Thank goodness I managed to catch up just before the examinations.
As for my life at the Halls of Residence, my initial cool and fun friends made life a torture after the first week. They ARE still cool and fun. The PROBLEM is they are cool but they ONLY want to have fun! They hardly go to lectures and party all night long almost daily. The noisy that they generate will make any student go manic including me. I had to resort to sleeping pills, ear plugs and a steady source of prayers (though not from myself) to ensure that I get any decent amount of sleep everyday. Hopefully this problem can be resolved before the next semester or I may be duly forced to find another accommodation!
In the meantime, I found a job at Debenhams (my contract ended on New Year’s Eve) to earn some money for some Euro Trips while I’m here. The first stop will be FRANCE. I can’t wait to visit the MUSEE DE LOUVRE or the CATHEDRALE NOTRE-DAME DE PARIS ET SON TRESOR.
I was also busily trying to secure myself a mini-pupillage while I’m here. I wrote countless letters to countless chambers requesting for a stint. Finally, my lucky stars shone bright and I was offered a place at 7 King’s Bench Walk for the Easter Holidays. I’m very hopeful that this will be an invaluable experience! (At this point of time, I’m also busy filling in my BVC applications, however, it is perhaps noteworthy that my decision on taking either the CLP/BVC is still far from certain. It is safe to say that my current preference is on taking the CLP but if I manage to secure a scholarship or some sort of funding for the BVC then perhaps it will be too big of a temptation to refuse).
I also posted a blog about my trip to a football match at White Hart Lane. I’m considering going for another game soon, perhaps a Champions League match. Anyone interested to join me?
Finally, after the pressure of facing and completing the exams, I finally managed to get some rest as 2 of my housemates have completed their course and have gone home. I’m hoping for quieter housemates this time. I also managed to have a fun evening for Xmas at Ken’s house. I have to thank him for inviting me to his small party. It was fun and a moment to remember.
It is almost New Years now. Therefore, I’m thinking of a New Years resolution. But, on the other hand, why have a resolution and restrict how far you can achieve? Anyway, HAPPY NEW YEARS to all of my readers! A wonderful year lies ahead. I can feel it!
The adventure beckons!
posted by Innerflame7 at 6:12 AM
2 Comments:
A must see while in Paris is the Mona Lisa! Be prepared to queue up for an hour for a ticket though. Then go climb the Effiel Tower. If you're driving in Paris, remember that traffic on your right gets right of way with almost no exception. Enjoy!
i did see the mona lisa and went up the tower..u can view more frm my picture blog
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