SOLENT NOVEMBER 2010
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Solent Southampton University visit Solent Southampton University invited 30 norgwegian, and a lot of the will be back.
Written by: Knut Arne Hansen
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We are now in Southampton. A great British city, I expected an industrial city like Liverpool and Manchester, but it wasn’t. I haven’t seen much of the town yet, so who I’m I to speak. Like a month ago we got, like Don Corleone once said, an offer you can’t refuse. The Southampton Solent University invited us to see their school. 29 students and three lectures went here, and it’s a fantastic university, the lectures seems really nice, and is no doubt that they know what they are doing. Students from all four NFKschools in Norway were put together for the first time, and then I met Monica Iren Solberg Susegg from Trondheim. She, was as my- us, Monica adds. self glad to be here, and have the – The University is actually quite similar to NKF. It was much lager then same impressions as I had. I had imagined, and I liked it. – My first thought was that I’m She was really exited that we got the opportunity to see how the differgoing to take my bachelor degree ent workshop works. in Dublin, but I was curious to see – It was really fun, and Southampton is a really nice city. Solent, can 22 year old student tell page 00
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Almost decided According to Lena Lund (20), Southampton Solent University gives the impression of a luxury hospital.
Written by: Lucie Jensen
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According to Lena Lund (20), Southampton Solent University has the impression of a luxury hospital As the plain landed at Gatwick, most of us were ready to get off the plain as soon as possible. The darkness made it rather difficult to see anything, both from the the sky and from street view. Most of us already knew what to expect though, so it wasn’t much of a loss.
The following morning, after breakfast, four happy and eager students shuttled us all over to Southampton Solent University.
About two hours later we arrived at Etap, both tired and anxious to Lund says she changed her mind almost completely after having seen get settled and check out the sur- the university for only a few hours. rounding area. Unfortunately, nothing was open, other than a ca– I was really not sure about studying here, and I thought that by comsino and a McDonalds. Nothing to ing here, I would just get it out of my head. Now that I have seen what do but go back and go to bed. I’ve seen so far, I am getting more and more tempted to just go for it. Furthermore, I really like the cafeteria, she adds with a smile. – I was a little worried about whether the rooms had their own However, her first impression as we all walked into the building was not showers and toilets, because that’s exactly what you would guess. not necessarily something to take for granted in this country, Lena Lund (20) says.
– It was a little like walking into a luxury hospital really. But the students all seemed happy to be here, so it can’t be to bad, she says.
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WITH A PASSION FOR FASHION Written by: Martine Onstad
People obsessed Ina is not going to the University to look for love, she wants to fall in love with her fashion studies.
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Ina Sofie Myrkdal(24) is an Norwegian student who is looking for a fashion adventure in the UK, that’s why she thinks Solent University in Southampton might be the place for her.
If Ina is going to Solent, she wants to take magazine journalism. But she’s a little torn.
What is your first impression of Solent?
Nervous about English What do you expect if you’re studying in Southampton?
- I actually think it’s a lot like my hometown in Norway, Bergen. The weather and nature is a lot similar, Ina says. Feels included The staff also impresses the inspiring student. She felt really good taken care of. - Both the students and teachers seemed very open and welcoming. Some of the students are even taking us out tonight! I am really looking forward to that.
- I am thinking about magazine journalism, because that course has both culture and fashion. But I really like fashion the most, she says with an eager.
- I demand to be included. I am a very social person, and I love being around people. When it comes to the school, I’m a bit nervous about English. It’s going to be hard to speak and write a different language, Ina explains. Work for Elle Her big dream for the future is being a writer for the American version of Elle. - I love shoes! I think they easily can spice up an outfit, and it can say a lot about you’re personality. My dream would be to work for Elle Magazine in New York. page 00
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Solent University After one night in Southampton all student from NKF is ready to learn more about the courses on Solent University. Written by: Mina Helene Knudsen.
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– I think it seems very exiting to go to school here. A little bit hard to find all the rooms and places, but I think that will come pretty easy after a while, says Sarah Hjorthol, student from NKF, Oslo.
people. The jokes are going around, and all students is having a nice time. Tonight they are ready to have one or four beers with the students from all NKF schools and the students from Solent University.
– The teachers seems very dedicated to the students. They want us to do well, and that means a lot, says Solent University has a lot of in- Sarah. teresting courses, and the student have different interests in what – If you have some questions, just ask. Because they want to do. you’ll get a good answer back, says Victoria. – Multimedia journalism! I think that seems very fun. After we went to the TV production area, that is the course I want to take, says Victoria Vang. – Yes. I want to go Fashion and Culture, Magazine journalism because I live and breathe for fashion. I think this school is great because they have this course, I don’t think they have that course in Norway? Both she and Sarah are interested in learning more about the individual courses. – I haven’t learnt so much about the school and the courses, other then what I’ve read online, and the brief intro. But am eager to learn more, says Sarah. Nice people. We have met a lot of the teachers and students, and all of them are very helpful and nice
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THE MAN
IN CONTROL
When Knut Arne Hansen (22) started studying in Oslo, it was in the spur of the moment, but that is really not like him.
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Written by: Monica IrĂŠn Solberg Susegg
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Knut Arne Hansen (22) is from Moss in Norway, and he likes it. When he started studying journalism at NKF in Oslo, it was a spur of the moment, but the little man from Moss does not really like changes in hi’s life.
Norway, my friends will always be there, but my sources at work may be in connection with someone else when I get back.
THE DREAM In January and February Knut Arne is going to work in Norway’s biggest web newspaper, vg.no, and in one year he - I do not like changes, really, says wishes to work either in his current job or in the paper his Knut Arne. Even though he is studying going to be a practitioner in. in Oslo he still lives in his hometown The rest of Knut Arne’s stay in Southampton, he is going Moss, which is about 60 kilometres out with the rest of the students from Norway, and some from Oslo. local students, but most of all Knut Arne wants to visit the - I am an impulsive person, but I like to casino, again. be in control of things. When I applied - Yeah, I am a sort of an addict to games, he reveals. for NKF I had a job in the local newspaper, but I still began there. MAYBE, MAYBE NOT Now he is in Southampton on a trip to visit Southampton Solent University, and to decide if he wants to leave the safe life home in Norway. - Really I just went to NKF to get some education, because I had a job, so I wanted to earn some more money. Now it turns out I like it, and I’m thinking about taking a year abroad. GOOD IMPRESSION? - I hope to get a good impression, and to get a kick out of the trip, but it is yet to come. We ask Knut Arne why he does not like changes, and what his fear is about the next year, and the answer is a waste of time. - I am afraid of wasting my time; that I do not get anything out of the year, and that I loose my network home in
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Expecting something good Will Southampton impress me and other Norway students? Written by: Renold Tennysen Christopher
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I never liked big cities. Oslo,
London and Paris are big cities I never wanted to move to live anywhere else. But Southampton gave me a feeling of home. And I like to feel at home in the places I travel to. Southampton, its green, its quite, its not big, and the people are friendly. “My impression is that the town is very quite, vibrant, and full of possibility to have fun, “ said Norwegian student Daria Zoric (20).
We visited the university, local students, and teachers showed us how things work here. It was very instructive. “It looks absolutely impressive. And I like it. I am not sure yet, but I will think about to move to Southampton, “ said Elizete F. Lima. It’s hard to impress the Norwegians. We have everything in our country. We have the beautiful nature, we have money, and many others things. But everything is expensive, and it’s cold! But, I am sure Southampton impressed the students. And I am sure that this is not the last trip to this wonderful city.
I think many of the Norwegian students feel the same. page 00
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A NORWEGIAN POINT OF VIEW Students from different parts of Norway are currently visiting. Written by: Sarah Hjorthol
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A view on the city of Southampton. Does Southampton keep up it’s good reputation? Mina Knudsen, 20, is one of the students visiting from Norway. She’s eager to learn as much as she can over the next few days, and has her own opinions about the town.
Do you find it difficult to interact with the British? – In the beginning I thought it was, because you feel you don’t have the vocabulary right and you get embarrassed. But when you loosen up and start speaking everything changes. The people I’ve talked to today have actually encouraged me and told me my English is good. One of the teachers made a joke and said it’s better than his Norwegian that made me laugh. So no, it’s not difficult. I’ve gained a lot of confidence today thanks to them.
What do you think of Southamp- What would you like to do while you are here? – I would like to know a little bit more about the ton so far? – We haven’t seen so much so far, Popular Music course. I’ve been thinking about apbut it seems like a small and cosy plying to that course next year. And off course, I want town with a lot of culture. Some- to drink some real English beer! thing I’m very fond of. We arrived very late last night, and only had a small walk in the area around the hotel. Plus it was dark, so. What do you know about Southampton from before? – Nothing really. Other than what my teacher Lars told us before we left. But I do know Titanic left the harbour on its virgin trip 99 years ago! How have the people been treating you? – Everyone has been super polite. Since we are here on a school trip I’ve only talked to people at school, but the teachers and students are very kind. I felt comfortable talking to them. I’m looking forward to go for a night out with all the students later and see a bit more of what Southampton has to offer. page 00
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“WAS THAT ALL, LOVE?” Stepping on to a plane, there are always butterflies.
Written by: Silje Naalsund Strommen
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hether you’re going on holidays with your family, a shopping trip to Milan with your best friends, or, in our case: going to Southampton to check out the Solent University, the butterflies are always there. This time they were going mad. Deciding where to complete your BA in journalism is not my cup of tea. I change my mind every minute. What if I don’t like this place? What if I hate the city? What if it’s absolutely horrible?
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ortunately, we landed at Gatwick and the same calm you get every time you go home spread true my head, legs and calmed the butterflies. For my friend Tonje, the moment she got her first cup of Costa coffee in her hands, she was definitely home. She told me earlier today: “England has always been the plan, it feels like home here.” I think she’s right. It’s something about that old lady behind the counter at Starbucks asking, “was that all love?” and the guy at the KFC shouting, “mate” after repeating every order. You feel welcome.
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THE CONTRAST KINGDOM UK has it all. Cold weather, warm smiles and a single, rude shop keeper. Written by: Stein Nervik
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The rain is pouring down. It feels like it is freezing, but it is 7 degrees outside. The woman behind the counter pours hot tea into a cup and serves it with warm smile. It feels good to be back in the kingom of contrasts. – It feels like visiting home, says Daria Zoric (21). She is a journalist student at Norwegian School of Creative Studies in Bergen. The day I talk to her she is sitting in a computer lab at Solent University, writing about her first impression when she arrived in Southampton the evening before. Daria does not mind the rainy, cold weather, it is the same as in Bergen. The people of Southampton, on the other hand. – People are so friendly and I feel very welcome here, she continues. Almost everyone, that is: – I have met one rude person. A guy refused me to use my credit card when I wanted to buy a few smaller things in his shop. He said I was about to spend too little money.
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THEA STEEN - STANDING ON HER OWN TWO FEET This week 33 students along with a group of teachers from Norges Kreative Fagskole in Norway, came to visit the Solent Southampton University. Written by: Susanne Bystadhagen
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21 year old Thea Steen was one of them. In fact she was the only one visiting from Stavanger.
which one yet.
- I’m hoping a third year here in Southampton will help me decide exactly what direction I should go. I’m - In Stavanger only one out looking forward to getting inspiration from a whole of five of us got to go, and I’m re- different kind of city than what I’m used to back in ally happy it turned out to be me. Norway. Also I’m thinking it would make me a lot more independent living on my own for a bit. Still, Thea was nervous to be going on this journey all alone. - I have lived in Stavanger all my life, and never done something like this on my own. But it’s been great meeting the other students, and visiting the university has been a really positive experience for me. More independent At first Thea actually wanted to take her bachelor degree in journalism in Australia, but has luckily changed her mind. - England is a lot closer to home, and the courses here seem a lot more interesting. One day she hopes to be a journalist in one of Norways biggest Magazines, but she doesn’t know page 00
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Written by:
IMPRESSIONS OF A PLACE UNKNOWN page 00
It’s said that the first person from my homeland, great India at that time being Pakistan, India and Bangladesh, came here for over 200 years ago. In a multicultural, diverse community I find myself sitting on a bus still getting a new impression of a country I already know so much about.
still unknown. “There’s always a new day” said the Brazilian class fellow Tommy, 24, “especially when you arrive late at night from an airport.” Replied a young gym class hero named Christian, 25.
Home and away
I saw a person posing with a cricket bat, I’ve never seen this in other places than in Pakistan. This, and a place called Fashion comes with music, people follow Mr. Kebab, just set a smile on my face. trends and trends follow music. This is why England is interesting. As a fan of lifestyles, muAs the social being that I see myself, I found myself talking sic and fashion I always look at how people are to complete strangers about music and got recommended to dressed and what the nightclub-DJs play. The first a nightclub where they play Dubstep music. England is inimpression that’s worth mentioning was a local teresting, I just hope this doesn’t remind me too much about club playing a popular track called “Bromance”. my hometown, because of me not being that fond of small That was a new one for a local club in south of places, that’s why I moved. the capitol. Few Djs in Norway play these types of tunes. This describes England’s up to date ears I’ve got my hopes up, but not enough to get disappointed. on music. PS: I tried to be a newsreporter today.
Hunger
My companions and me walked around the first hour in Southampton being hungry and complaining over the early closing hours, so we ended up on the hotel, waiting to get a real impression of the place we were in. All we had seen yet was empty streets, girls dressed like Alice in Wonderland, and local kids hanging around the clubs. This was kind of boring, but boring sometimes makes interesting when the place is
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Green and gor Written by: Cassandra Grundtvig Jespersen
Southampton sure is a green city. I’m pretty certain that this is a place for me.
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rgeous! When I landed at Gatwick last evening, I was very excited and thrilled over being back in the UK.
And I’m not the only one. Elizete Fonseca Lima (23) thinks the university looks incredible: – I’m almost sure that this is where I want to study next year, she says with a smile.
My first visit here was in August, but I was heading to Italy so I didn’t see as much of this country as I would like. So far Southampton looks like a great city. It has lots of green spots and trees everywhere. This is important to me since I grew up in a small place outside the city. The Southampton Solent University seems like a fantastic school, with great teachers. I’m pretty certain that I will be back here next year – as a student!
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-The prank made my day Thomas Haarstad made a good practical joke on his only friend. Written by: Christian Monge Hugsted
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Thomas Haarstad made his practical joke on his friend Vegard Sorholt when visiting the television studio at Solent University in Southampton. - I was a great prank. My friend is a huge Chelsea fan, and he hates Liverpool FC. So some friends and I made him read out loud a negative text about Chelsea on the autocue. Basically the context was that the team from London suck, and the fact that they had a massive loss against Liverpool and the great Fernando Torres, says Haarstad. It’s been a quite hectic day for Haarstad and the rest of his group. They have been walking around like sheep on the school area for hours. Haarstad has not decided whether he want to take his bachelor degree in Southampton. - I am not sure if I want to go here next year. It’s kind of hard to decide after just one day. All I can say is that it looks promising, says
Haarstad. Thomas Haarstad also had the time to waste some of his money in the Grosvenor Casino. The Casino was just a small walk away from the hotel where the student group from Norway was staying. - I played No Limit Texas Holdem and lost a buy in of 50 pounds. I got my money in good but the poker gods was not on my side. I felt like the other players could read my soul in every hand I was involved in. The dealer tilted me some hard. He had some stupid rhymes and tried to be funny, which he wasn’t. The bad experience hasn’t stopped Thomas Haarstad from trying again. He will have another shot at the poker tables later this afternoon. - I feel it was a really slow table where I easily could take money from some week players. It was easy to see which players who where regulars and which who was just having a good time, says Haarstad. page 00
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BRITAIN BEFORE OUR FEET Norwegian journalists from Norges Kreativ Skole travel abroad to visit the Solent University in Southampton.
The start of a big adventure?
Written by: Christian Valsvik
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The rain was poring down - They may have looked a bit nervous but when the flight FLYGR4 from after a while we got a great connections with Oslo Gardemoen was landing them. Can’t wait to go out with them to night, at Gatwick Airport. Smiling comments Lena Sparbo. students from Norway went straight through the airport Workshops and into a small British bus. Some of the students was a bit shy at first, - It was a fantastic feeling but after we recorded news the laughter startto finely come out of the air- ed and everyone suddently had discovered plane. The flight had a bit of the posibillities of the Solent University has to turbulence and some of the offer. students are afraid of flying. But when we at last sat on that - This looks like a good school. I will conbus and was one hour away sider to go here next year, says Aon Naquvi. from the University, everyone started cheering, says Helene Vaagsvool. First day of school Students came out one by one from they’re hotel rooms, some even looked more tired then others because of a nearby Casino we had discovered. The first impression of the student representatives from Solent University was that they were polite and helpful. page 00
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JUST LIKE HOME Heavy air, big, green trees, stressed people whit umbrellas and nice and friendly faces. Southampton, the place that’s just like home.
Written by: Daria
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Just like home Heavy air, big green trees, stressed people whit umbrellas and nice and friendly faces. Southampton, the place that’s just like home. The plane landed in Gatwick at eight a clock. Ten students and two teachers. What are we expecting for our trip to Southampton? The weather feels like we never left Bergen. The outside smells just the same. On to the buss and off we go. –
Southampton is just like home.
I feel at home when I am here, Renold Christopher (22) says. People might agree. Meeting the people from Britain gives you a good feeling. A happy feeling of getting help, smiles, and of not being alone. Big, and full of glass windows the Solent university lies in the middle of Southampton, and shines out like open arms when we are arriving.
–
I think it is very educational to go to Solent University, Renold says.
Other might agree. Stein Nervik (35) is from Trondheim and is also interested in Solent University. –
I think the place is very exciting, and diverse, with very many different types
of people. I also like the people that I have met from the faculty. And the faculty gives you also a feeling of being home. Their very nice. The people in Britian are one of a kind, and you can be too. There is no doubt that a life here in Southampton gives room to be whom ever you want to be. You can pretend to be English, or you can just be yourself. Either way, its
just like home.
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Visitors from across the pond Hopping on the plane from Oslo, Norway, to check out Southampton Solent University!
Written by: Elizete F. Lima
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L
anding on the strip on Gatwick airport, Norwegian Cassandra Jespersen (21) was struck by the green landscape that met her. – It was so green! She says with a glint in her eyes. – I really enjoy nature and have to be surrounded by it. I really didn’t think there’d be these many parks and green areas here. After a good and sound night at the Etap hotel we stroll down to Southampton Solent University. Walking past shops and strange looking plants the building emerges in front of us. Inside the building we are greeted by Zoe, get a great lecture in British Culture and many of us are able to test out our abilities in broadcasting.
–So what was your impression of the university? –It’s really big! I think it’ll take some time to get to know the facilities, but it looks really good. –Have you made up your mind about starting here? –Yes, absolutely! I want to study Culture and magazines, because I’m really into music. I like being where it’s happening; concerts, theatres, but I especially enjoy music. After a day of fun and ooh’s and aah’s there is only ony one more thing to do; hit the stores, and max out the credit cards! page 00
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MY VISIT TO SOUTHAMPTON Norwegian students, Solent University, rain and beer. Four words that describe my recent trip to Southampton, England. Written by: Erikke M Nordli
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By Erikke Martine Nordli
When I arrived in England yesterday, I pretty much felt the same as the last time I was here in February. To me, England is always cold, dark and rainy, and Southampton wasn’t any exception. But even though the weather is not all that, the people here are very friendly and polite. Also young people, that is. The Weather is not the best, but it doesn’t matter. I like it here anyways. So far I’m really impressed by the school. The teachers seem good, the campus looks really nice and the cafeteria is actually quite clean. The area around the school is like a fairytale. Lots of trees, green grass and small brick houses. Its exciing to think that I may be attending this school next year. And that I also may be living here in Southampton. I’ii be missing my home, but I also think that I will like living in England. Later today we are going shopping. I can’t wait! Wonder if Southampton can compare to London when it comes to shopping.
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Conquering Southampton? Whiskey, bunk bed, McDonalds. What more can one ask for? HELENE VĂ…GSVOLL
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We’re here. The Whisky from the airplane is slowly vanishing from the system. The bus ride is bumpy and the lights from the ceiling are disappearing. I can’t see my cards anymore. We have to stop playing. Try too sleep. I wake up by a hand smacking by head. “Were here”, someone calls out. And in to the hotel we go. Hungry and sleepy we check out the rooms. And what a sight! There is a bunk bed with a 2 x 2 meter bed downstairs. And the lucky basAngry Bird is rocking by world tard who lost the bet gets the one on the top. 0,66 x 2 meters of pleafor a minute. But the brain is not working as good as I would want. I sure. There is a TV too. We can’t think I feel a sleep. get it to work. The first time I actually wake up, and understand that I am in SouthWe’re of the Mc Donald’s to buy some food. We come from Norway ampton, I’m standing in the shower. The warm water is hitting my face to England to eat at Mc Donald’s. with a enormous enjoyment from my side. Were here. We are going to Solent University. We are going to see it. Meet it. Feel it. The day is here. Something is wrong.
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SAME, SAME
BUT QUITE DIFFERENT After 16 hours of Southampton influence, Linda Skuggen (19) still can’t decide if the city could be her future hometown or not.
Written by: Thea Steen
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From the Norwegian city between the seven mountains, to the old British city by the port – the aspiring journalist Linda Skuggen travelled from current hometown Bergen to Southampton, hoping to be convinced that Solent University could offer her the right things.
some time of school – ever since she started in first grade, six years old, she has stayed in school. After graduating high school, she moved to the city between seven mountains, Bergen, where she started her journalism degree at Norges Kreative Fagskole. Discovering new courses, and improving in others, Linda soon found her niche. While sports journalism might not be her cup of tea, travel journalism definitely is.
riencing new places, will convince Linda that the old, British city by the port will be the right town for her?
Linda travels a lot. Trough out her nineteen year old life, she has been to approximately ten different countries. No wonder the young, aspiring journalist from Aalesund is interested in After 16 hours of Southtravel journalism. ampton influence, she’s not convinced Solent has Along with 33 other what it takes to recruit students, Linda got the her. Changing city, being opportunity to visit So- a foreigner for a change, lent University, South- will definitely have a ampton – where she just good impact on her, both might be a future stu- on an educational and dent. But not next year. creative level. It’s From July 2011, she will the courses that’s be travelling around the forcing her to stay world for the next twelve in the thinking months – adding a whole box. lot of new country and continents to her list Maybe a year with world travelNo wonder the nine- ling, seeing the teen year old wants world, and expe-
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– My friends left me at the casino Christian Mongo was terrified when he realised he was alone. Written by: Thomas Harstad
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– It was a dramatic moment for me. Suddenly I was all alone. I had to walk the long trip to the hotel alone. Christian Monge looked shocked when he talked about the happening at the Crosvenor casino last night. It’s just been a night since the dramatic event happened. What was going to be a good night out with his friends, all of the sudden changed. – I’m not exaggerating if I tell you that is was over 300 meters back home to the hotel. Just think about it, I was in a new city without any friends. I was shocked. Monge shows a message that he tried to send his friends when he realised he was alone. He tried to look cool to hide that he was
– I have heard rumours about British gangs hanging around at night with knives and guns. I was in shock when I had to run back. I could not even look over my shoulders But the tragic event could easy not have happened. The Norwegian government has tried to get Norwegian on holidays not to gamble. So when the friends came to the ATM near the casino, they could not take out money. – We had to walk over a mile to find the nearest ATM not connected to the casino. Monge tells when they had to walk, he hated the rule, because he was stunned. “ Jesus, are you at the ho- hungry and could not pay for food with his credit card. But after he was tel?” But when he talked about it, left alone he tells a quiet different story – I can now understand why the government are making these rules. he tells that he really wanted them It’s not just about the money, it’s about loosing your friends and be stuck to come and him straight away. alone. page 00
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Wazzup First Impression? Written by:Tommy Granli
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A bunch of crazy students took The hotel was okay, we didn’t have any expectations the trip to lovely Southampton, to at all. explore what life could give them. “The hotel was very nice, because I got a room all When I was consuming a beer at by myself. So that suited me very well” said Christian the airport in Oslo, I knew that I Valsvik (25) was on my way to another country, because I always do that. The My first impression of Solent University was good. flight to London was a bit bumpy, And the cafeteria was much better than in Norway. but went okay. After a boring trip by coach, we finally arrived in Now, it’s time to party! Peace out! Southampton. It’s my second time in England, but my first in Southampton. So, with the rest of the gang I was interested in checking out the area. I was a bit surprised about all the big buildings, because I had imagined it to be a smaller city. “It didn’t remind me of England as I knew it. Everything was a bit more “local” here, than I expected” said Aon Naqvi (21), a class companion. One thing that caught my mind was that KFC was located in the city, because that’s illegal in Norway! So we went there to get a snack. That was nice.
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SO KNACKERED “Let’s get absolutely wankered!” Written by: Tonje Lien Wold
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That pretty much sums up my first impression of English teenagers. Along with shopping, skipping, smoking, and of course Starbucksing, drinking obviously is a time-consuming activity among the young inhabitants. I quickly learned the verbs “knackered” and “wankered”, not exactly words I’d ever read in my school textbooks... The youth culture is unique, and one week on an exchange in England taught me that Brits – chavs or not – are crazy! Also the school is a lot stricter than the Norwegian; the food is greasy, chocolatey and mostly unhealthy; but most of all – I learned that I absolutely adore England. Starting the Sunday with a full English breakfast, hiking in a completely flat forest, stopping to eat a chocolate bar for energy, and finishing the day with a proper Sunday roast – Yorkshire puddings and all – before cuddling up in front of the Sky. And let’s not forget that you need to watch your glass of red wine while you’re sipping, because damned you’ll be if you spill on someone’s carpet.
Visiting the UK is exhausting. Not only are the cities beautiful and the people brilliant, there’s something in the air which just leaves you “absolutely knackered”, as my exchange partner Alice (19) would have put it. Too many shops, Costas and churches to visit, and too many cheers to make. So much to do, so little time – and way to little chocolate to give you all the energy a fantasyland like England requires.
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The three PS of England
Home. Oslo. Gardemoen – Gatwick. Buss. Southampton.
Written by:
Vegard Sorholt
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solent publications
Common English weather. Rain. Grey streets and dark environment. People walking with their noses stuck down in coats and scarves. Few smiles. Little eye contact at all actually. Ah.. Just like home!
Bobby Moore, Jimmy Greaves, Gordon Banks and Norbert Stiles. And of course, my own retro hero: Pete Bonetti. The world’s best goalie, making his money at the fabulous Chelsea Football Club. I’m born in Norway. I’m raised in Norway, and I went to England for the first time a few years ago. Even though, I’ve always felt a bit English. In football terms that is.
I like the English. In fact, I love the English. The language, even though I don’t write very good. Tea, Bentleys, the Union Jack, the beer and the people.
During the World Cup in South Africa, I watched the fixtures wearing my red Three Lions jersey. With Pride. I yelled at Mauricio Espinosa when he did not approve Super Frankie Lampards goal vs. Germany. I cried when Thomas Müller scored the last goal. It was But most of all, I sincerely love the crucial. football. But I was proud. Ever since I was a kid, the English football has fascinated me. Power, Because it was the Three Lions. pace, pride. That’s my definition of English football. The three Ps: The English Three Lions. Power – Pace – Pride. My Three Lions. Obviously, I can’t remember the World Champions of ’66. But I feel it in my spine when ever they’re talked about on the television, or when I read about them.
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solent publications
THE BIG DECISION 30 lucky students on a trip to deside what to do in their future. Written by Lena Sparbo Lund
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solent publications
I could feel my stomach slowly calming down after the flight. It was so cloudy that I could barely see anything out the window. But I already new what it looked like, this was my sixteenth time in London. We were going on a school trip to Southampton to look at college. 30 lucky students were running from the air plain to get their luggages, everyone very excited to see what’s outside the airport.
the wrong side of the road! It just feels weird, says Benedicte Jensen. When the bus finally stopped everyone ran inside to see the hotel. Two and were sleeping in the same room, and that was already decided. I could not wait for tomoro. Key, unpack, sleep‌
- It was such a long way from the plain to the bus we are taking, says Benedicte Jensen, who is one of the students. The bus took about two hours, but everyone had something that made the time go faster. It is really what they say about time going slow when you look forward to something. - It is so horrible to drive on page 00
solent publications
NORWEGIAN INVASION Southampton has more to offer than cheap alcohol. Written by: Victoria Hoseth
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solent publications
After playing Angry birds on Helens iphone for two hours (in flight mode, of course), we finally arrived at Gatwick airport outside London. Filled with expectations we ran into Marx and Spencer to spend our first English pound. A bottle of wine for £5…what a fantastic country.
Its much cheaper here than home! Helene -
Finally we arrived. After some beers in the hotel “bar” we started to feel like home. The students talked to eachother about expectations for the next day. Christian Val was pleased to get to the hotel. - I am staying here for the weekend, and you guys have to leave Friday, Christian laughs at me. People starred jelaous at Christian. They probably wanted to stay as well. So much to see and so much to do. So many shops to visit and so many people to talk to.
said with great enthusiasm. It felt great arriving this country we’ve heard so much about. Some we got ready for bed the first night. Knowing that this of us had visited England several country had much more to offer than cheap alcohol. times, but for Helene it was the first.
With a smile on our faces
The bus ride was longer than we expected. Two hours, the bus driver said. We spent the ride looking for traffic signs with Southampton on them while we were longing to get to the hotel. The darkness outside confused us. We could have been anywhere!
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solent publications
FROM OSLO TO SOUTHAMPTON How the Norwegians managed to get all the way to England Written by: Victoria Andersen-Vang
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solent publications
From Oslo to Southampton
The short time spent in the air, brought us to Gatwick, London. The entire student group went their The Norwegian students arrive own directions, and it was a mess to gather everyone. in Southampton after a five hour- People went of to the toilet, disappeared to Marks and long travel. They were excited and Spencer or left the terminal to have a cigarette. After full of expectations. some time we all managed to find each other again. With all of the different students from all the different After a quick snack, a bunch of school, we were set out on a mission to find the coach us got on the airport express train. that was suppose to take us to the hotel. At the airport, some students spent most of their money at the tax- Cream and green coach, said the bus driver on the free shop, while others were more phone to our tutor. We found it after some time, but economical. Many of the girls kept we walked for quite before we managed to locate it. talking about where they wanted to Slept, talked and laughed, and two hours later we argo shopping, and boys were set on rived at the Etap Hotel. Southampton: prepare! going to the casino. An of course they wanted to see the football stadium. Most of us relaxed at a bar-lounge before departing. We talked about what our expectations were, and planned all sorts of fun things to do. We all knew that this trip was not set up to be a pure vacation, we were aware that there would be a prepared program waiting for us at the university. Everyone was very much excited as we got on the aircraft. page 00