10.20am
Well then. With DJ Shadow’s “The Private Press” in one ear, and the rustling of dozens of loosely-packed bags in the other, I’m off. As I type this, my iPAQ and keyboard wedged between my legs, we’re heading through East Grinstead with a truck full of my gear, wending our merry way towards Coventry.

The getaway was smooth, no last-minute repackings or frantic hunts for missing items; boxes were duly filled and lists duly checked. It really does feel like I’m moving out. I can only assume that when I actually move out, it will feel more chaotic than this.

So, my University career starts here. I can only hope it isn’t marked by upper-body injury sustained while hoofing all this stuff up the inevitable flights of stairs to my room.

11.27am
We’re about halfway up. Sights so far include a continuous stream of Smart cars heading South on the M25, presumably to some rally or something; and some cunningly concealed gantry speed cameras ruining a lot of people’s shit.

More and more cars we pass contain boxes and duvets and student-like people, looks like mine isn’t the only enrolment day today :-).

12.16pm
Almost there. Just stopped at the first Oxford M40 services to get some coffee. The place was full of apes and anxious-looking students. As we got back onto the motorway, rain announced itself with a sound like the high-speed demise of hundreds of insects on our windscreen, but that seems to have passed now. Which is good, because I don’t envisage shifting all my stuff in pissing rain being much fun.

Just occurred to me that I managed to fit my entire wardrobe, plus coats and dinner jacket, into one massive canvas bag. Granted, the bag is as big as a good-sized fridge, but I suspect it wouldn’t be so easy for some of my more pop-fashion-oriented peers.

12.53am
How fast things move. Just got back from the SU with new friend Josh; taken in the sights and sounds there. It’s a pretty amazing place; I’m going to have to try getting it through a lens at some point this week. Walking through the campus at night, it feels like a city, though oddly once I got inside the SU and looked out, it felt like a ski resort - very strange. Everyone’s friendly though - had a few frames of pool, a few drinks, headed back. My accommodation is about 8 minutes walk from the SU, and it too is pretty amazing. Big room, nice ensuite bathroom, big desk, nice bed, the works.

But now I’m exhausted, so it’s bed time.