Entered on 2001-10-18 at 11:34 a.m..

Stress

I am beginning to enjoy Britian. I have discovered that British graduate students are much less stressed creatures than their American counterparts. It could be because of the wide availability of alcohol on campus, or the close proximity to sheep, but I bet it is the random tea breaks.

Every day at about 9am people show up to work. Then at 11am people all come down to the forum area for tea and biscuits, which are actually cookies in disguise. You can also purchase soda or instant coffee. Tea and Coffee sell for about �0.20 for each cup, regardless of cup size. Biscuits are �0.05 each and soda is �0.40 per 125ml can (about 8-9 ounces). Did I mention that everyone comes out? Professors, MSc students, PhD students, everyone. At 11:30 most of the MSc students are hearded back into their lectures, but the PhDs often sit and talk for another good half hour (so it is now 12). Then at 12:30 everyone breaks for lunch, with the exception of secretaries who take from 1-2 off for lunch. At 4pm Tea Break happens again, with everyone coming out. Then everyone leaves at 5pm.

I have discovered that a standard work week here is 37.5 hours with an average of 4 weeks of vacation a year. It all leads to a rather stress free existance.

I am however sore from volleyball last night... We have our first game on Sunday.

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