Term 1 (1993/1994)

The actual course (Bachelor of Education (TESL) started on 4th October 1993. On the first day, there were many procedures like registration forms to fill and matriculation card to be made. The matriculation card could be used for many things like paying bills, borrowing books and others.
Our course co-coordinator was Ms. Patricia Ahrens and the head was Mike Wallace.
The other tutors in the course were:
1. Dorothea Bogle - Phonology of English
2. Dr. Rosemary Douglas - Systems of English
3. Mike Quickfall - Information Technology
4. Patricia Ahrens - Reflection of School Practice
5. Bob McNie - Understanding Organisation
6. Alister Wilson - Elective – Sports Education

Our classroom was in Chessel’s Land. The class was in room no. C2/1. That building was also shared by the arts students. Each day we had to climb a narrow flight of stairs to attend lectures.
Information Technology was conducted at Demonstration School in Room 16. Phonology of English was conducted in Room C3/4 of Charteris Land.

Term 1 (1993/1994)

The actual course (Bachelor of Education (TESL) started on 4th October 1993. On the first day, there were many procedures like registration forms to fill and matriculation card to be made. The matriculation card could be used for many things like paying bills, borrowing books and others.
Our course co-coordinator was Ms. Patricia Ahrens and the head was Mike Wallace.
The other tutors in the course were:
1. Dorothea Bogle - Phonology of English
2. Dr. Rosemary Douglas - Systems of English
3. Mike Quickfall - Information Technology
4. Patricia Ahrens - Reflection of School Practice
5. Bob McNie - Understanding Organisation
6. Alister Wilson - Elective – Sports Education

Our classroom was in Chessel’s Land. The class was in room no. C2/1. That building was also shared by the arts students. Each day we had to climb a narrow flight of stairs to attend lectures.
Information Technology was conducted at Demonstration School in Room 16. Phonology of English was conducted in Room C3/4 of Charteris Land.

September 5th to September 9th 1993

It was the first week of the Study Skills Course. A coach took us to college as we were new to the place. It was also to familiarize us on the route to college. In the evening, we walked back to the halls on our own.
There was a pre-test given in the morning. It was a test of grammar. Ian Pearson gave out the test papers after a short but warm welcome.
As the test was carried out, Michael Hall was in charge. He was to be one of the tutors during the Study Skills Course. After the test, we had tea at the refractory in the main building. As for lunch, I bought a cheese sandwich in the cafeteria because I did not pack anything at breakfast. I then planned to pack a light mal with something at breakfast; with cold bacon and eggs. The sandwich cost £1.
From then on, classes and lectures were carried out according to the time table. The other tutors were; Jeff Aldridge, Lionel and Mary Jackson, Susan Wren, Dorothea Bogle and John Young.
All classes during the Study Skills Course were conducted in Charteris Land (see attached picture on the left) except for Information Technology under John Young at the Demonstration School. Classes started at 9.00 am and ended at 4.00 pm.
The whole course was to build up our skills in gathering information, writing out assignments, take lecture notes and brushing up our speaking and listening skills. The other aspect was the application of computers which was and is still is the most helpful tool in doing and getting work or assignments done.
All in all, it was quite an interesting experience during the whole course which lasted about a month.
It ended with a tea party at the halls of residence.

My room (Room 127)

My room was no. 127. It was small with a single bed, a cupboard, a chair, a writing table with a book shelf above it. There was also a side drawer. In addition there was a ceiling lamp and a table lamp too.
As I unpacked and arranged my clothes and the other items, my mind was working ahead. This was to be my room and home for two years. Here I would do all my reading. Work, write letters, taking my tea and sleep. I would have to be alone, away from my family and doing all thing alone.
After a shower, we had an early dinner because we were starving. After dinner, I got down to write a letter home; finally. I knew everybody back home would be worries as I had not sent news to them since leaving Malaysia.

The Journey to the Halls of Residence

Buchanan Hostel

The journey from the airport to the halls in Newington was a short one. My first impression of the buildings was one of awe and the architecture gave me a sense of living in the past. Upon reaching, we unloaded and hauled them to our rooms. Again, I helped to carry them up to the first floor of the Playfair Halls where the ladies were to stay. Luckily my room was on the ground floor of Darroch Hall.
The sun was shining brightly and many of the African students were sitting on the field enjoying the warmth.
The walls of the halls were built with bricks that one can see in most buildings in Scotland. I could constantly imagine myself as being in the stories I had read in books by Enid Blyton. I would expect mist and fog in the evening as described in those stories.

At Edinburgh Airport

The plane touched down smoothly at Edinburgh at 3.30 pm. The usual process of getting the baggage and luggage from the airport to the bus that was waiting for us was carried out. Mike Wallace who was there to welcome as praised us for our collective effort in loading the luggage. It was late summer so I did not feel cold; furthermore I was already sweating after helping in the tedious task.

The airport at Edinburgh was like the Ipoh Airport. It is smaller. The one in Ipoh look spacious and well planned and decorated. Even the car park is bigger.

From London to Edinburgh

Heathrow Airport was indeed crowded and busy with people from all over the world. I had a burger and a cup of soft drink for lunch. After that we wandered around the airport observing the people. There were many Asians and I bet all of them were students going to colleges or universities as they open at around the same time of the year. We a also spent some time browsing at the magazines at the book store.

There was an announcement for passengers boarding the flight to Edinburgh. We rushed and managed to locate Gate 5 just ten minutes before the plane was supposed to take off. We boarded and I got seat 16A. We were relieved as the flight; BA4782, was delayed by another passenger who was lost but he was not from our group.

On board we were served tea and a light lunch (sandwich and cookie). The food was cold and tasteless. Anyway I ate it as I was hungry and did not want to waste it. I also took a set of cutlery (spoon, fork and knife) as souvenirs.