I wish that didn’t sound so predictable, but to me, it was never something I foresaw. I knew that university would be fun, and challenging and exciting and new. I also knew that I’d meet some wonderful people and learn to love a new place. But I never imagined in my hopes for uni that I would meet such intelligent, caring and beautiful people as I have. And this city has been the scenery for the years spent here. I’ll never forget the involuntary goosebumps I had in the cathedral during Matriculation, and I’ll never let the memories associated with places around the city leave me. Overall, from the first day of uni when I met my room-mate up until the last day I’ve been surrounded with certain people who I know I’ll need and for the rest of my life. My housemates, who have been burdened with my little ‘issues’ and my craziness, are the best people I could have dreamt up to share the pointless little moments with. As, afterall, what I remember most about my time in Durham is the little moments. ‘Night chats’. The time we found Katie’s phone in the bin. The day I was welcomed back from home by my friends dressed up as the characters from the Wizard of Oz. Being the last people in Klute while ‘That’s Amore’ played. Countless visits to Subway and Patrick’s. Walking down the Bailey in every season. Making mug cake in the microwave. Pimm’s by the river. Metro centre trips. Playing Ratchett and Clank for hours. Dining ‘al fresco’ on our driveway. Impromptu trips to McDonalds drive-thru. Silly revision moments. Talking about everything under the sun. 

So I’m sitting here in my third year house with my one remaining housemate on the penultimate night ever in Durham. I’ve succumbed to cravings and bought cider, Ben and Jerry’s and tortilla chips. Jen was out so I’ve had a little cry, and she is now back and veto-ing my music… Mustn’t listen to sad songs that will make me cry. I just wish I had a little longer to spend with people, especially those people who I really love but won’t be able to see very much. I’ve had the most memorable three years and learned so many things (clearly not about my degree subject) but about people and myself. I know it is exciting to move on to the next stage of my life but I will miss Durham and the people I’ve known. To anyone from uni who reads this, I’m so grateful to you for loving me, for supporting me and I’m so excited for you to move on to whatever comes next for you! 

Goodbye Durham, all my love.