Memorial University is one of two Canadian universities with a campus in the UK. At MUN’s Harlow Campus in Essex, students can take advantage of programs and internships in various subjects, including biology, business, education, pharmacy, fine arts and music. This semester, The Muse is following up with some students on their adventures abroad.
Allison Wragg, a third-year student at MUN, writes about her experiences at Harlow Campus.
Reflecting on Harlow
When reflecting on my time living in the UK, I could write about a million and one things. From first-time experiences in London and travelling all over Europe to the incredible work experience in the Innovation Corridor, many positives exist. Though there are countless things to write, I’d like to highlight my experience at Harlow Campus.
From the moment we arrived on Harlow campus, the staff were nothing but kind and considerate. They all had students on campus before and knew we were likely scared and unsure of the experience we would have. They became a comforting presence whenever we had questions about our rooms, suggestions for what to do in the UK, or even what snacks to buy at Tesco. The staff have always been happy to answer anything we’ve asked.
‘Amazing staff’
As someone who’d never lived away from home, packing my bags and moving nearly 4,000km away from everything I was familiar with was daunting. I was curious to know what support we would have on campus and who would be around if we never needed anything. Despite my fears, I am so happy I decided to come to Harlow. Any of my previous uncertainties melted away when I first met the community that surrounds the students who come to live on campus.
Each morning, we’re greeted by cleaning and housekeeping staff who are tottering around doing their daily duties as we wake up. Though they’re often busy ensuring all students’ accommodations are comfortable and clean, it’s rare if they don’t stop for a chat. Though it started as small talk, I loved learning more about their lives throughout the trip. From their families, past travel stories, and even one who shared her passion for saving an old tree from being cut down, getting to know all of the housekeeping staff as they work on campus is always a highlight.
Heading downstairs, you’re greeted by four office staff each with their own stories. These four are likely the funniest group you would ever meet and are quick with a joke as soon as you swing by the front desk. One quick question can quickly turn into an hour of water cooler gossip with these folks, so it’s always best to avoid it if you want a productive day.
The little things
It’s also important to mention that this office staff officially founded weekly crisp rankings on campus and immediately invited students to join. Each week a new staff member brings in a bag of crisps for everyone to try, and everyone gets to rank them on taste, texture, appearance, and moreishness. Though they had to explain a few terms, like crisps meaning chips and moreishness meaning how likely you want more, we were thrilled to be in on their game. Though it doesn’t seem like much, even the gesture of letting us join their goofy weekly crisp rankings helped us feel more at home on campus.
As well, it’s impossible to go without mentioning the afternoon/evening receptionist whose kindness goes above all else. Within our first few weeks, she made us feel at home by bringing our cohort some pears she had picked from a tree in her backyard that she thought we would enjoy.
Once it hits 5:30 pm, all students are eager to head to the portals to greet the two on-campus cooks, not just for their incredible meals. Firstly there’s an ex-rugby player who has since dedicated his time to his passion for travel and cooking. Though living in the UK, we’ve tasted dishes from all over Europe thanks to his experiences. There’s also the queen of sweets on campus, who serves an incredible dessert each night with a loving smile.
Of course, this only goes with a daily catch-up chat where she’ll listen closely to everything you say. I once mentioned a love for mint chocolate in passing, and the next day she brought in a mint chocolate bar I’d never tasted before for me to try. She always thinks of the students on campus, even when we aren’t around.
Finally, I have to mention the security staff. After coming in from a night at the nearby pub, it’s become a tradition to ask one of the very friendly security guards, who we’ve lovingly nicknamed “P-Bear,” what movie he’s watching. He has a binder full of DVDs which he rotates through on night shifts. He’ll usually respond with something horror related and follow up with some ghost stories, which certainly aren’t my cup of tea but are fun to listen to nonetheless.
Home away from home
To any students worried about coming to Harlow campus, don’t be. It’s easier said than done from my perspective as someone who’s been living here for a few months now, but I can reassure you that your experience living on Harlow campus will be incredible. Though it’s been fun to travel around Europe and explore new places, at the end of each trip, I always look forward to coming back to my new home, and that truly speaks volumes when you consider just how cool it is to explore Europe.
Harlow has truly become a home away from home for the other students and me. So to any students who may be worried about living away from home for the first time, know that here you’ll always have a support system through the constant caring and generous attitudes of not just the staff but the new family you’ll find on Harlow campus.
