Sitting here listening to the “Ultimate Dirty Dancing” soundtrack I’m wondering if, with only 6 days until I finally move to York, I should attempt to venture beyond the first two books on my reading list…guess I should have figured an English fresher wouldn’t have the most slender of reading lists. But still, you could concuss a fully grown man with some of these literary works! Not that I ever would, but, you know, in terms of personal safety at least carrying those things around I’ll feel protected on campus… Strangely I’m not freaking out yet about moving a good five hours north from my native homeland of Cardiff – pre-uni jitters have (so far) failed to kick in. Neither does the prospect of not seeing my family for the entire ten week term worry me. After all, why move so far away in order to come home every other weekend?! Undomesticated as I am, already I am mourning the loss of prepared meals and laundry service. It’s okay though, I have a master plan – I will make friends based on ability to operate a baby belling and/or familiarity with a laundrette. Both of which are crucial qualities in a potential NBF (new best friend). So, after 18 years in Cardiff and a gruelling A Level year of English Literature, English Language and History I am ready to fly the nest and travel the world, starting with a 3 year stint in York studying English. This leaves me contemplating my strategy for Freshers’ Week – do I go with the homemade “Like Me Or Else?” badge or resort to the Hansel and Gretel approach, luring passers-by into my room with Tesco value cookies and chocolates? And exactly how many loaves of bread will it take to tame the geese? Rachel Thompson | 
