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[nataliecotts]

Exchange Programme Video

Finally it has been uploaded! A tad embarrassing but not bad overall.

Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEuCZa3r6OM

I also kept a blog from my year abroad in Japan for all those interested in going there x

http://myjapanesegapyear.tumblr.com/

[nataliecotts]

Ideal Home Show, Earls Court London

March 15th

The outside of Earl's Court welcomed the start of Easter with lines of daffodils, garden benches and AstroTurf. I almost forgot it was raining as I made my way to the entrance clutching my free ticket.

The inside of the venue was much larger than I expected and every stand grabbed my attention. I spent 3 hours looking around, picturing my dream house; including a Jacuzzi, 50 inch flat screen and huge £13,000 speakers for the living room!

The garden furniture was beautiful and also very practical. Unfortunately my garden is not big enough for them all!

My favourite part of the show was the arts and crafts section. I promised myself I would attempt to make everything I saw, as I refused to pay £15 for a cushion! Therefore, my list of D.I.Y projects is ever growing, and in turn, my list of materials to buy! If I do not get a graduate job pretty soon, I will definitely be starting up my own company; selling products like these. :)

I need to save up for these, or find someone good with wood work! The owl cushions are also adorable and amazing.

These candle holders reminded me of a fairy garden. I shall be hunting for cheaper versions, (the woods?!) to fill my dream house in the mean time. :)

[nataliecotts]

8 out of 10 cats

March 7th

I recently registered on sroaudiences.com for the chance to watch live recordings of current shows such as The Jonathan Ross Show, Mock the Week and 8 out of 10 cats.

I signed up for a few but did not expect to get in. Also many like Countdown, (yes I know!) where filmed in Manchester. However, I got an email two days before the filming of 8 out of 10 cats! I was so excited.

Audience members queued up outside the BBC Television Centre and we were all given stickers on a first come first served basis (they over subscribe tickets for possible no shows).

This is the set, as you probably have guessed! It's so much closer than I thought and the audience right at the front could literally touch Jimmy Carr! I have no idea how they got their tickets but I wanted one! I sat a few rows back for the 2 hour filming in which there were several breaks for editing. I was so impressed by the confidence of Jimmy Carr and the spontaneous but hilarious one-liners from the presenters; but of course that's how they have to be! The final cut is shortened to fit into the half hour slot.

The show can be seen at: http://www.channel4.com/programmes/8-out-of-10-cats/4od 

[nataliecotts]

Course Committee Meeting

March 6th

The final course committee meeting took place in a classroom with several head of departments and students from each year. We discussed issues such as teaching methods, consistency of feedback and access to the university's Blackboard Site.

It was insightful and we resolved many points.

Those that were not resolved were carried onto to higher members of staff. Also comments and compliments were passed on to the relevant departments, such as the excellent library facilities and particular classes students felt were enjoyable.

[nataliecotts]

Recycling audit

Feb 28th

Today at 9am I carried out a recycling audit for my university halls. Each kitchen on the 9 floors was inspected for the status of recycling and general waste bins. For every wrong item in a particular bin, a point was deducted. The floors with over 8 points received free chocolate! Each floor was also given a Recyclometer card; detailing their results and tips for recycling in the future.

Points were deducted for recyclable material in the general bin, and for any food waste in the recycling bin.  

Only two floors were successful this week. My floor was among them, but whether or not it was due to me living there, I do not know ;)

[nataliecotts]

Pre-Course Committee Meeting

Feb 27th 

Pre-course committee meetings are used as an informal discussion between teachers and students to voice any main concerns. Solutions for these problems are composed briefly and those concerned are informed before the formal meeting.

After the meeting all points are written up into a schedule which is to be used for the official meeting.

[nataliecotts]

Year Abroad Promotional Video

Feb 26th

Today I filmed my part of the promotional video for next year's exchange abroad students. I shared my experiences of Japan and gave advice for future students deciding to spend their gap year abroad.

The other students taking part had travelled to Europe, America and Australia for their year abroad. Last year Japan was the only country available for students wishing to go to Asia. This year my university has introduced places in China as well as Japan. 

The promotional video aims to help future students with their choice of country and I am glad to have taken part. It should be uploaded soon on to the University of Westminster website.

  My gap year was documented via a blog during my year in Japan.

http://myjapanesegapyear.tumblr.com/