User talk:Sars

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Welcome!

Hello, and welcome to Wikipedia. Thank you for your contributions. I hope you like the place and decide to stay. Here are a few good links for newcomers:

I hope you enjoy editing here and being a Wikipedian! By the way, you can sign your name on Talk and vote pages using three tildes, like this: ~~~. Four tildes (~~~~) produces your name and the current date. If you have any questions, see the help pages, add a question to the village pump or ask me on my Talk page. Again, welcome! - UtherSRG 14:36, Dec 29, 2004 (UTC)

1 Boo back at ya!
2 Ontological argument
3 CSD
4 Bristol
5 Your message
6 What team
7 Your message
8 tis me
9 QE
10 mull of kintyre
11 My photos
12 Wikifun starts on Sunday
13 WikiProject Harry Potter

[edit] Boo back at ya!

Thanks for the greeting, and welcome to Wikipedia! =P --Andylkl 17:22, Dec 29, 2004 (UTC)

[edit] Ontological argument

The usual translation is "in behalf of"; do you have reason to think otherwise? Mel Etitis (Μελ Ετητης) 16:06, 2 Jun 2005 (UTC)

That's OK — I just wondered if you had a new translation that used "on". Where are you studying philosophy, by the way? Mel Etitis (Μελ Ετητης) 19:23, 2 Jun 2005 (UTC)

No reason not to apply — there's a lot of mythology about Oxford and Cambridge, and most of it's either out-dated or was never true in the first place. Open days for Maths and Maths & Philosophy (as well as the sciences in general) are coming up (30 June I think) — you should try to arrange to come one one (hurry, though; some Colleges have already filled up their accommodation). Mel Etitis (Μελ Ετητης) 21:27, 2 Jun 2005 (UTC)

[edit] CSD

Please take a look at WP:CSD, neither "not notable" nor "dictionary definition" (certainly not that) are quaifications for speedies. Tagging them as creates a lot of work for people who have to around cleaning up after you. --Dmcdevit·t 20:09, August 4, 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Bristol

I am enjoying myself here, yes. I'm an electrical engineer doing a PhD in wireless communications (MIMO specifically, but that article is very poor). Bristol is a lively city, and very studenty, especially during term-time. It's reasonably affordable (the new tuition fees aside) and the various student halls of residence are all pleasant places. Goldney Hall is the most sought-after, probably followed by Wills Hall. Some of them are a bit of a way out — Stoke Bishop is usually a bus ride away. There is enough entertainment-stuff here of all types to keep you more than occupied, whether you prefer classical music, museums or nightclubs. There's also some nice wide-open grassy bits that are good for sitting on and ~~studying/revising~~ sunbathing. The place is very hilly so I personally have never used my bike, although some energetic types do. You will not have much trouble finding a part-time job if you want one.

The University itself is a high-quality place — some of the research here is world-leading. Some departments are better than others, inevitably, but both maths and philosophy are good. I didn't actually do my undergraduate studies here, so I've not really experienced first-hand the quality of the teaching (although I do some myself!). You will have plenty of academic work to do. Although I can't speak for other departments, undergrads in elec engineering are usually taught for most of the hours 9-4ish. In Arts subjects, the teaching load will be less, but the essay load higher! One criticism that often doesn't make it into the prospectus is library provision. It is in some cases excellent but in too many cases not good enough. Even in engineering, maths and computer science, which have a combined dedicated library, there is often a shortage of key textbooks during term-time. I've never needed a philosophy textbook, so I can't speak about that (although my housemate is a 3rd year philosopher, so I'll ask her). Whilst not wishing to be elitist, at the end of your time here, you'll have a Degree that is still respected by employers and by other universities.

Now, I see you're looking at Oxbridge too. I did my undergrad studies (in engineering) in Cambridge. As Mel Etitis says above, much of what you hear is now historical or, in many cases, has only ever been mythological. At their cores, both Oxford and Cambridge are just universities. They have a unique organisational structure (the Colleges) that lends a particular way of undergrad-life and long, rich histories. But you will study broadly the same material as at other good universities, you will still have exams, coursework and lectures. You will still emerge with a Degree (or two). You will not, probably, morph into some arrogant young thing and most of the people there will not either. See past the myths and legends. Spend a day there if at all possible.

You will read in some places that it does not matter which College you choose. Do not listen to that. It does matter, and it will make a key difference to your experience of Oxbridge life. That said, you will enjoy your time at any of the Colleges. I chose St. John's College, Cambridge. College is the centre of your life as an undergrad. You will make many of your closest friends there, you will have one-to-one (or one-to-two) teaching there. You will eat, drink, socialise, sleep and, in your spare time, study there. Personally, if you apply, I'd advise you to choose a rich College. The resource and more general provision depends to an extent on what the College can afford — although they help each other out. Compared to Bristol, the library provision (in Cambridge at least) is outstanding — each College has its own library for its own students, and most departments duplicate that provision. There is a separate University library (or libraries). The workload is high — partly because everything is squeezed into 8 weeks rather than 10, although most undergrads are around for 10 weeks anyway.

Cambridge itself is a small place — smaller than both Bristol and Oxford. My geography is limited to about a 30 minute walk from the centre (and along the river, if you row). This means that, compared to Bristol, although most things are still there, fewer choices are among them. It's a beautiful place though, and I've never yet tired of wandering around it. It's also completely flat, so take your bike. The city centre is overwhelmingly dominated by students, and the University and Colleges are the dominant inhabitants. So the centre gets plenty lively at night, and you won't feel bored at any point. The only possibly annoying odd-feature in Cambridge is that you are not allowed to take on a part-time job. Nobody would though, there's not the time between the workload and the other stuff. Good luck, whatever you do. -Splash 18:41, 29 August 2005 (UTC)

The two student residences Goldney Hall and Wills Hall are very popular because they are nice places to live, basically. Goldney in particular is central, has pretty grounds and old, pretty buildings, nice rooms and a good atmosphere among its inhabitants. Until recently, a friend was Deputy Warden there, and he had lived there for...7 years! Wills is also set in (possibly) Victorian architecture has good rooms and is well-maintained and well-run. It is out in Stoke Bishop though, so is usually a vehicularly-assisted journey in, although it is walkable if you don't mind getting up earlier! It being one of the catered halls adds to its popularity — I'm not sure whether there is also provision for feeding yourself. Goldney is uncatered, but a lot of students prefer it that way. Both Halls have good provision for 'social' stuff, perhaps a bit more than some of the other halls. The other halls are variously less popular because they're not in such pleasant grounds, the rooms have less-good reputations and are thought of as being less vibrant as communities, probably unfairly. None of them is horribly bad, however. Unlike with the Oxbridge Colleges, your choice of hall of residence is not especially important: you are only guaranteed a room for your first undergrad year and much of the socialising takes place outside of the Halls anyway. They are not micro-communities in the same way that the Colleges are (and they have no admissions role, or teaching role although they do choose their students to an extent).

As to the competition question at Oxford, well, if you think you've got a chance take it. You won't get the chance again, and you certainly won't get a place if you don't apply. Hey, you can be as stoopid as me in the interview (I couldn't spot the isosceles triangle that was in front of my eyes, and couldn't do (1/3) + (1/2) in my head) and still get a place! Contrary to media opinion, in the same way as they are just universities, the people there are just students. Not all of them are born geniuses and, although you will certainly meet those who are, most of us had to work bloody hard! Oh by the way: mathematicians in Cambridge at least have lectures on Saturday mornings. They forget to tell you that. I know you're considering Oxford, but the two Unis do most of the same things. Philosophers have no such tribulations! -Splash 04:17, 30 August 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Your message

Sorry not to reply sooner — I've been away for a few days, and I'm only slowly catching up. Yes, I could look at your personal statement; how do you want to get it to me? E-mail would be fine. --Mel Etitis (Μελ Ετητης) 09:10, 9 September 2005 (UTC)

I received the e-mail, and have replied. Good luck! --Mel Etitis (Μελ Ετητης) 17:31, 14 September 2005 (UTC)

No problem; I've forwarded it to your gmail address. --Mel Etitis (Μελ Ετητης) 18:38, 14 September 2005 (UTC)

[edit] What team

If you do not stop removing Arsenal's victory in the FA Cup your IP WILL be banned. Just because your team is rubbish, it's not Wikipedia's fault =P -sars 17:16, May 21, 2005 (UTC) I ask of you again what team I am not a sport fan?--219.93.174.106 08:03, 2 December 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Your message

Thanks for your wlecome. Now I have to work at not overdoing it, while still being useful; it's a tightrope. --Mel Etitis (Μελ Ετητης) 14:06, 11 January 2006 (UTC)

[edit] tis me

haha, we should add an article here on st mick's!! daz 00:31, 18 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] QE

i didn't actually know there was the QE article 'till you pointed it out. doesn't seem too friendly... :S

[edit] mull of kintyre

scotland seems to have quite a number of uses, lol. imagine how bored someone must have been to com up with the specifics of that rule!

[edit] My photos

Glad you like them. Do you have any particular interest in Whetstone - do you live thereabouts? No, I've never made a particular journey just for photos, though I might make a detour of a few yards. What sort of Wikifun do you engage in? Londoneye 12:21, 3 June 2006 (UTC)

Sorry it's taken me so long to respond. Thanks for your message. Yes, I suppose I go to Whetstone every couple of months. You can probably work out where I live from my contributions! --Londoneye 12:15, 14 June 2006 (UTC)

And please feel free to edit my article on Oakleigh Park.--Londoneye 12:08, 15 June 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Wikifun starts on Sunday

Hi,

I thought you'd like to know: Wikifun Round 13 starts coming Sunday at 21:00 UTC. -- Eugène van der Pijll 18:28, 16 June 2006 (UTC)

This message has been sent to you because your user page is included in Category:Wake me for Wikifun.

[edit] WikiProject Harry Potter


Hello, Sars. Over at WikiProject Harry Potter we're trying to compile a list of active participants. Your name, along with all other project participants, has been placed on the inactive list. If you'd like to get involved again, please place your name back on the active list, and take a look at the project talk page for the latest happenings.