This place is INCREDIBLE

Just arrived in my college on Thursday. Pretty good so far.

Just a brief introduction of my college. It is Emmanuel College, founded in 1584 by Sir Walter Mildmay. Currently holding on to the 2nd place in the Tompkins table, right after Trinity College. Bagged a couple of best college in the last 10 years, including 2010. So, that is about it for the academics part. On the fun side, it is a very friendly college, the Master actually greeted us personally and invited us for parties. Drinking along =)

I've attended quite a few activities. Well one of the main message of introduction talk by the Master was, "we are a modest college, but just to let you all know, we are one of the best in the top university." Everyone was laughing their heads off. He is pretty amazing, Lord Wilson of Dinton aka Master.

The head porter was a tough guy, and porters breathe down our necks most of the time, making sure we abide the rules. But technically we are not matriculated yet, so we shall see eh? They can fine us however, calling it donation, which they actually donate to charities, but donating is expensive. =( So try not to get into major trouble that is.

Of course, there are the Dean and around 80 Fellows. This is a breath taking college, there are so much to take in!!

Okay, so about the environment. It is very beautiful. I'm staying in one of the original buildings which came along when it was founded, so it is pretty old. East Court is over 100 years old, so I'm guessing this ( North Court) can easily double that. We have a paddock, pond, lawns and ducks everywhere. It is beautiful. Then you can just absorb the intricacies of the architecture by sitting on the garden (the porters will not scold you, if you know just where to sit! Trinity doesn't allow that. EVER )

Hmm. I'll talk about my first formal dinner. It is a 3 course meal, in the upper hall with the VIPs of the college. Food was okay. White wine was good, red was a bit sour and bitter, Yikes? You get served and it is really grand. Students just sit, and there are certain rules to abide. No photography, no pennying, no singing birthday songs when the Fellows are around. They are a couple more but generally it is alright. So we had fun!!! We decided to pass a chocolate using our mouth. It was wrapped, shaped like a coin. Good fun =) But I skipped the club, having drank cocktail till 10pm. So they went out to party while I crash.

I'm so sorry that I'm not posting any pictures up yet. I did not take pictures of the hall, formal hall or even the formal dinner. =( Parents borrowed the camera.

No pictures for matriculation too. How sad is that. Signing the book with blood and no pictures? (figure of speech). It is a once in a life time thing. You wear the college gown and be matriculated. It is a dull but absolutely important event for all fresher. So much more to share. I just don't have time. Need to head out again.

Updates soon.