A Week in the life... Student Diary

Name: Katy Thomson
College: St Hild & St Bede
Course: Music

Katy graduated in 2012, this diary was recorded during her final year at Durham. As a music student Katie was invovled with several music societies across the University.

Monday

After a morning of lectures I enjoyed a free lunchtime concert, which is part of the University Music Society's 'DULCE' concert series. I spent the rest of the day rehearsing and sorting costumes for the Durham Opera Ensemble (DOE) production which I have a part in.

Tuesday

I have lectures and seminars all morning then a singing lesson in St John's College Music Room after lunch. I spent the afternoon reading in The Monk's Dormitory of Durham Cathedral , then stay for Evensong to support a friend who is singing a solo. Tuesday evenings I spend learning Italian as part of the 'Languages For All' programme.

Wednesday

A morning of lectures and work in the Listening Library. There are no lectures on Wednesday afternoons so this is when I go to hockey practice, I play for my college team, then it's off to rehearsals for the Chapel Choir followed by Evensong. That evening I attend one of University's MUSICON concerts and write a review of the performance for the student newspaper, Palatinate.

Thursday

After a visit to the gym, I walk to the University Library and spend the day working on assignments, taking a break to grab a coffee and quiet stroll along the river. On Thursday nights I rehearse with Durham University Orchestral Society, playing 'cello then head off to the Students' Union - where some friends are playing at the Big Band Night - to enjoy jazz and cocktails for only £4!

Friday

I have a coaching session with one of my lecturers for my part in the DOE show. I spend the afternoon working with classmates on a presentation for a seminar. That night there is a DOE cast social to see Durham University Light Opera Group's production of The Producers in the Gala Theatre. It is a fantastic show so we go for a celebratory drink or two!

Saturday

I cheer on our college rugby team as they play a match against rivals Van Mildert College. In the afternoon I catch a train to Newcastle for a bit of retail therapy! I spend the evening rehearsing for the opera.

Sunday

There's a rehearsal then a Service with my College Chapel Choir, after which we all have lunch together in the College. That afternoon I curl up at home with some reading for the week ahead. In the evening I relax watching a film with the College Film Society - tickets are only £1 for society members, and they show a huge variety of films.