UEA’s professors and lecturers that are part of the University and College Union are on strike in protest of proposed cuts by University UK. The strike has been for the past two weeks and will go on at least until the beginning of Spring break. The University and College Union is comprised educators across the country, so this is a strike on a major scale, impacting both educators and students in huge ways. Classes are still in session in the sense that we are expected to complete the work assigned according to the syllabus, and some non-demonstrating staff are able to continue class meetings. This leaves me with only one class meeting a week–a two hour seminar for my Shakespeare class.
What do I do with the rest of that time? More aptly put, what do I try to do with that free time? Well, firstly I try to stay as productive as possible. This includes tidying up my room, getting ahead on readings for class, and writing for my assignments due in the future. As a student that doesn’t have a job to go to while I’m here, however, I have a lot of free time that those activities just can’t feasibly fill entirely. I can say, however, that I am beginning to find a daily routine that not only keeps me productive, but also allows me to appreciate the unique offerings that my host town has to offer.
It’s easy to find myself holed up in my room. Did you know that the Netflix selection in the U.K. is very different from the selection in the U.S.? There are plenty of British comedies and dramas for me to enjoy, such as Fawlty Towers, starring one of my favorites from Monty Python, John Cleese. Also, I have finally watched the Colin Firth version of Pride and Prejudice and, yes, it’s true: Colin Firth is the Mr. Darcy (though I still adore the 2005 film!). There are even some U.S. shows on Netflix that aren’t available at home… have I made my point yet? I love Netflix just as much as any other person, and obviously I now have a better appreciation and knowledge of British television… but a day, or days spent on it is, in my opinion, a waste.
So, one day I decided I would walk into town instead of taking the bus and I’ve been doing it just about every day for the past week since. It feels great not only because I’m getting some exercise, but because I can take in all of the beauty and scenery that is so unique to English roads. Once I’m in town, I usually walk around for a bit and do some (window) shopping. Based on what they’re selling, I think the British have a great sense of fashion! Norwich is also a town abundant in places to shop with two malls and countless shops along the streets, so there is a large selection to choose from for whatever it is that you may be looking for. After walking around, I normally stop by the Millennium Library, take a seat, and get some work done for classes. As you may know from my short bio, I was very excited to check out Norwich’s public library system, and I’m happy to say that the Millennium is even more impressive than its photos make it appear.
I went into this journey thinking that spare time would not be an applicable concern for me–obviously a belief that I now see as entirely improbable regardless of the strike. Even though I’ll still enjoy the occasional Netflix Binge, I believe the fact that I can look back on the past week and say I spent it productively despite the circumstances is just one of the several personal achievements I feel like I can claim since arriving here.
