Hi everyone!

I have recently embarked on the best part of university life… moving house! But Lumpy and I are back now and ready to get writing!

A few of you will have received your offer letters for Lancaster by now, so I thought I would tell you the story of how I got to Lancaster; buckle up, it’s a bumpy ride!

This time 4 years ago I received 4 letters; 1 from Cambridge, 1 from Durham, 1 from Bath and 1 from Lancaster. They were all acceptance letters, other than the one from Cambridge. Honestly, I was annoyed. but also excited because I now had the chance to choose which university to put as my firm choice…

Rather embarrassingly, I chose Durham. My main reason for doing this was that it meant I could have access to the theological college there, and could live in Durham Castle… aka Hogwarts.

Lancaster, instead, was my second choice. I loved the course, the people and the campus, but Durham was, well Durham. I was bamboozled by the ancient chapels…

Thankfully, fate intervened. I didn’t quite get the grades I needed to go to Durham. I was crushed, not least because my exam results were not what I expected. Instead, I had two weeks in which to totally reassess my plans for October, to rent accommodation, and to make contact with my new course mates.

It was difficult and unsettling having to switch plans and expectations. But once I got here I realised that it was far better than Durham ever could have been. Everyone was friendly and accepting of me and my oddness, the course was rich and engaging and the tutors were wonderful. I had accidently ended up in just the right place.

So, as the fan cliché goes… I never got my acceptance letter to Hogwarts… and I am glad! Lancaster is far better!

Congratulations on your offer letters! Think carefully about your choices, get in touch if you have questions, and enjoy the opportunities you have over the next few weeks; to think about and explore the universities you might go to… And remember, Lancaster is pretty great!

Kenneth and Lumpy (the Heffalump)