Third Year; Semester One

It's Christmas! Or, nearly Christmas... It's the Winter Solstice, so I'm sitting here at 4pm watching the sun disappear behind the snowy buildings. And snowy it is! The UK's winters seem to get more severe with each year.

But anyway, the point of this post is to say that I've finished Semester One of my third year back at Leeds. I still have exams and essay deadlines in January when I go back, so there's no rest for the wicked, but teaching has finished until late January when Semester Two officially starts.

The first Semester has gone well overall, with lots of work! It's definitely a step up from first year, which seems like a fluffy carefree dream right now.

It's not even the Japanese side of the course which is causing the stress, although it is hard work of course, it's that coupled with the pressure of exams and essays for other modules. I'm certainly finding it difficult to balance everything.

In terms of Japanese, we have been doing listening, discussion and reading exercises aimed at improving our general Japanese ability and confidence.

The biggest problem that students seem to be facing is the range of abilities that people have come back from Japan with. Some people are finding the grammar etc. too difficult, and others too easy. I myself think it's the right level for me. It's a blend of revision ('review', for American English speakers!) and new things, so I'm finding it useful.

It's great being back at Leeds in general, being able to see my friends around campus is a great feeling, and I love the atmosphere of studying at a British Uni, even if it is freezing!

Well, I better get back to my essay! I'm looking forward to Christmas - I need an excuse to stop for a bit!

Merry Christmas to everyone!! Have a wonderful festive season!