The first week was mostly an Induction to working at PwC and was a chance to get to know the rest of the London intake a bit better. Cue lots of talks, lunches, dinners, business games and a welcome event on the London Eye (after 3 years of going to university a stone's throw from the attraction....oh, the irony.). By the time we received our laptops at the end of the week and had our photos taken for ID, it was really starting to sink in that we were now members of the firm. However, I was still relieved when the weekend rolled over and soaked in the sun whilst watching a friendly game of family cricket.
The second week signalled the start of my ACA course, with the whole week spent in college on a crash course in Accounting. The week was execptionally busy and we were given lots of homework to complete outside of class too. Since I was going out for my friend's 22nd, I got slightly behind schedule and had to spend the weekend catching up on homework as well as revising for an exam on Monday.
The third week followed a similar vein but was slightly more chilled. On Monday had Accounting exam - did reasonably well on it. Tuesday was a 'business board game', the aim of which was to bring bookkeeping alive :P, in any case, it was a welcome break from college work. Wednesday and Friday were spent learning the fundamentals of Audit and Assurance for my second exam subject. Thursday was the designated PwC Day, and was meant to be a chance to learn more about the IT systems but ended up being more about socialising and having jokes with our team.
All in all, it's been quite good so far. Another test tomorrow and then more learning at college. Although I'm having a good time and it is making the transition from uni to work a bit easier (though still missing my friends), I can't wait till I actually start going out on client work.
So after spending a few days trying to figure out the differences between Business Casual and Smart Casual I've finally started to pack my suitcase for my Induction Welcome Event.
I can't believe that I'm actually starting work. The summer holidays has flown by, who knew 3 months wasn't really that long.
This week i've been doing last minute preperations, filling out forms, photocopying passports and attempting the stack of pre-reading material.
Woke up extremely early this morning, I guess due to the mix of nerves and excitment. Hopefully, this first week will go smoothly and i'll be part of a nice team.
Well, fingers-crossed...
I can't believe that I'm actually starting work. The summer holidays has flown by, who knew 3 months wasn't really that long.
This week i've been doing last minute preperations, filling out forms, photocopying passports and attempting the stack of pre-reading material.
Woke up extremely early this morning, I guess due to the mix of nerves and excitment. Hopefully, this first week will go smoothly and i'll be part of a nice team.
Well, fingers-crossed...
I've now had about 12 hours of driving lessons and booked another 10 hours this morning. So far I've learnt clutch control, moving off and steering and hoave had some experience of roundabouts. Hopefully I'll start learning more manovers now. I feel like i'm taking quite long to learn the basics - well actually, I feel i'm doing okay but I think the instructor is taking me quite slow. However, he keeps telling me that he wants me to know how to do everything perfectly before I get started on manovers. Hopefully, I'll not have any more 'off-days' from now on.
Spent the last two weeks with my cousins, mostly playing video games, board games and watching movies. It was a fun time and I tried to make the most of it seeing as I won't be able to stay over as often once I start working. Now I'm back I find it extremely quiet at home and a bit weird.
I've been busy this morning sorting through all the forms I need to fill in and send off before I start work. I should also start on the pre-reading material about Assurance and Accounting this week. I have to admit that I'm feeling nervous already, but I always feel this way when I know a huge change is about to happen.
Will try to meet up with my friends sometime this week or next - we still need to celebrate both mine and F's birthday.
Spent the last two weeks with my cousins, mostly playing video games, board games and watching movies. It was a fun time and I tried to make the most of it seeing as I won't be able to stay over as often once I start working. Now I'm back I find it extremely quiet at home and a bit weird.
I've been busy this morning sorting through all the forms I need to fill in and send off before I start work. I should also start on the pre-reading material about Assurance and Accounting this week. I have to admit that I'm feeling nervous already, but I always feel this way when I know a huge change is about to happen.
Will try to meet up with my friends sometime this week or next - we still need to celebrate both mine and F's birthday.
After three years of hard work and fun university is finally over. My reward for all those long days spent revising during the holidays and working diligently on courseworks: a first! (YAY - 1st). I glad to say it wasn't just all work, in fact, I think I had the most fun in my 3rd year of university - going out for long lunches and dinners, movies, bowling, theme parks, random conversations on the 'red' chairs, freaky Fridays with my friends....
I had my graduation ceremony on Tuesday 18th July. It took place at the Barbican on what must have been one of the most hottest days of the year. My family took the train into central London and the heat was unbearable. Also, there was no air-con in the Barbican Centre which made lining up for photographs and tickets quite exhausting.
However, once we put on our cape and gowns, it really started to feel like we were graduating. The ceremony was quite long but it was good to hear about all the achievements of King's and to see so many of my friends and classmates graduating. When it was finally my turn I walked up onto the stage and felt a great sense of acomplishment, especially when I saw the faces of my parents and brother smiling in the audience.
I managed to take some photos during the reception with my friends and finally had a chance to chat to them and their families. We even took photos of throwing our hats in the air - US TV Stylee!
I had my graduation ceremony on Tuesday 18th July. It took place at the Barbican on what must have been one of the most hottest days of the year. My family took the train into central London and the heat was unbearable. Also, there was no air-con in the Barbican Centre which made lining up for photographs and tickets quite exhausting.
However, once we put on our cape and gowns, it really started to feel like we were graduating. The ceremony was quite long but it was good to hear about all the achievements of King's and to see so many of my friends and classmates graduating. When it was finally my turn I walked up onto the stage and felt a great sense of acomplishment, especially when I saw the faces of my parents and brother smiling in the audience.
I managed to take some photos during the reception with my friends and finally had a chance to chat to them and their families. We even took photos of throwing our hats in the air - US TV Stylee!
Came back yesterday afternoon from a very long holiday visiting the West coast of the US. Here is an outline of what I got up to during my 2 1/2weeks abroad:
Day 1: Arrived in San Francisco in the afternoon and was picked up by my uncle and his brothers. Went to his house in Fremont and met his family. Then was taken on a long drive around the area and saw where the Millionaires lived - basically on every street. Took a 2 mile walk around Central Park in an attempt to keep us all awake (by now it was early morning UK time). Met the rest of the family in the evening in a party organised for us though I was quite out of it for the most part - being jetlagged and very sleepy = extremely light-headed too!
Day 2: No rest for us..my uncle's bro took all of us on a trip Downtown to see the Golden Gate Bridge, and wow did the temperature drop. We had ignored his advice to bring our jackets along and boy did I regret it - there was a strong biting wind Downtown which gave me goosebumps, in contrast to the sheer heat in Fremont. The view though was breathtaking, we went higher up a mountain for an even better view and for a picnic for lunch.
Day 3: Time for a day at the beach. We drove for two hours to XXX beach (can't remeber the name). But it was very cold there and I saw a dead sea lion washed up onshore (aww so sad). Went shopping for the rest of the afternoon.
Day 4: We were finally let loose on our own and travelled on the train to Downtown to visit Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf,see the sealions, go on the cable cars and other touristy things. Had a fun time and heapings of icecream, chocolate dipped giant strawberrys and other sweet stuff. Also more shopping - Rishi wanted to buy everything in the American Eagle Outfitters store but settled on a few tees and some jeans :P.
Day 5: Took a rest in the morning and then went on a drive to see Stanford Uni - wow it was big! Had lunch in one of the best Indian Restaurants in the area.
Day 6: Last day so did more shopping and relaxed.
Day 7: Flight to Vegas. Toured some of the hotels in the evening.
Day 8-10: Touring the Hotels and Casinos. Saw a magic show (Rick Thomas?). Didn't get a chance to visit Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon though.
Day 11: Drove for 5 hours to LA. Went to visit some family in the evening.
Day 12: Disneyland all day.
Day 13: Disneyland California Adventure Park and visited some other relations.
Day 14: Were tired of themparks so went on a tour of the beaches of Orange County (the OC!). Starting at Dana Point Harbour, onto Laguna Beach (fantastic beach with great views and well manicured gardens, not to mention huge houses), Balboa Island, Newport (including Fashion Island Shopping Mall) and Huntington.
Day 15: Drove to San Diego and went to see the world famous San Diego Zoo.
Day 16: Watched the shows at Seaworld - the dolphins and sea lions were amazing. Drove back to LA.
Day 17: Took a drive around Downtown to see Hollywood Blvd, Rodeo Drive, Sunset Drive etc.
Day 18: Universal Studios and more shopping.
Day 19: Some more last minute shopping before a rush to the airport and a Long flight home.
Day 1: Arrived in San Francisco in the afternoon and was picked up by my uncle and his brothers. Went to his house in Fremont and met his family. Then was taken on a long drive around the area and saw where the Millionaires lived - basically on every street. Took a 2 mile walk around Central Park in an attempt to keep us all awake (by now it was early morning UK time). Met the rest of the family in the evening in a party organised for us though I was quite out of it for the most part - being jetlagged and very sleepy = extremely light-headed too!
Day 2: No rest for us..my uncle's bro took all of us on a trip Downtown to see the Golden Gate Bridge, and wow did the temperature drop. We had ignored his advice to bring our jackets along and boy did I regret it - there was a strong biting wind Downtown which gave me goosebumps, in contrast to the sheer heat in Fremont. The view though was breathtaking, we went higher up a mountain for an even better view and for a picnic for lunch.
Day 3: Time for a day at the beach. We drove for two hours to XXX beach (can't remeber the name). But it was very cold there and I saw a dead sea lion washed up onshore (aww so sad). Went shopping for the rest of the afternoon.
Day 4: We were finally let loose on our own and travelled on the train to Downtown to visit Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf,see the sealions, go on the cable cars and other touristy things. Had a fun time and heapings of icecream, chocolate dipped giant strawberrys and other sweet stuff. Also more shopping - Rishi wanted to buy everything in the American Eagle Outfitters store but settled on a few tees and some jeans :P.
Day 5: Took a rest in the morning and then went on a drive to see Stanford Uni - wow it was big! Had lunch in one of the best Indian Restaurants in the area.
Day 6: Last day so did more shopping and relaxed.
Day 7: Flight to Vegas. Toured some of the hotels in the evening.
Day 8-10: Touring the Hotels and Casinos. Saw a magic show (Rick Thomas?). Didn't get a chance to visit Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon though.
Day 11: Drove for 5 hours to LA. Went to visit some family in the evening.
Day 12: Disneyland all day.
Day 13: Disneyland California Adventure Park and visited some other relations.
Day 14: Were tired of themparks so went on a tour of the beaches of Orange County (the OC!). Starting at Dana Point Harbour, onto Laguna Beach (fantastic beach with great views and well manicured gardens, not to mention huge houses), Balboa Island, Newport (including Fashion Island Shopping Mall) and Huntington.
Day 15: Drove to San Diego and went to see the world famous San Diego Zoo.
Day 16: Watched the shows at Seaworld - the dolphins and sea lions were amazing. Drove back to LA.
Day 17: Took a drive around Downtown to see Hollywood Blvd, Rodeo Drive, Sunset Drive etc.
Day 18: Universal Studios and more shopping.
Day 19: Some more last minute shopping before a rush to the airport and a Long flight home.
So...it's finally happened...after three years of going to the same place, stressing about coursework and exams, chilling out and joking around with friends on campus...my time at KCL has finally come to an end.
I had my last exam of a total of 5 just yesterday. It still hasn't sunk in that uni is now over for me, it just feels like i'm on holiday. Most of my friends still have exams so this could be why, and we have a farewell party on our campus with the lecturers next Thursday...maybe after that it'll feel more real.
I've booked my tickets for Graduation but still need to rent a gown and pay for photographs...i'm a bit hesitant to pay for them at the moment due to the lecturers' pay strike. If they don't mark our coursework and exams then who knows if the Graduation Ceremony will be able to take place? Hopefully the pay dispute will get sorted out soon and we will receive our proper Degree classifications.
Still waiting to hear from PwC about when I should be starting work with them - it'll probably be in September/October, which means I have about 3/4months off for summer. I better make the most of it since it'll be my last one...
I had my last exam of a total of 5 just yesterday. It still hasn't sunk in that uni is now over for me, it just feels like i'm on holiday. Most of my friends still have exams so this could be why, and we have a farewell party on our campus with the lecturers next Thursday...maybe after that it'll feel more real.
I've booked my tickets for Graduation but still need to rent a gown and pay for photographs...i'm a bit hesitant to pay for them at the moment due to the lecturers' pay strike. If they don't mark our coursework and exams then who knows if the Graduation Ceremony will be able to take place? Hopefully the pay dispute will get sorted out soon and we will receive our proper Degree classifications.
Still waiting to hear from PwC about when I should be starting work with them - it'll probably be in September/October, which means I have about 3/4months off for summer. I better make the most of it since it'll be my last one...
Pretty hectic week..
On Monday, my train was delayed so I ended up missing my first and only lecture of the day. But things got better when a group of us all went to Wagamamas for a long lunch. Did attempt some revision in the library but didn't really go to plan, and our original idea to go to the cinema kinda fell flat - no one really felt up to it.
Wednesday went to Strada for some Italian. We had quite an entertaining waiter who kept trying to crack jokes. There was also the freaky women on the table next to us who kept staring our way the whole time and one of them even seemed to follow F into the loos :S.
On Friday we went to Giraffe for a late lunch after IFS - our last lecture ever. Nice sunny weather together with good company made for a good end to our last term at King's.
Today was Jason's Birthday Party. Me and Ruhi somehow ended up waiting at the wrong station and then got lost on the way to his house. But we arrived eventually - fashionable late - just in time for the cake and the speeches. The weather had brightened up a lot so we were able to chat outside and chill. Shame that we weren't able to give him his present - it hadn't been delivered yet.
On Monday, my train was delayed so I ended up missing my first and only lecture of the day. But things got better when a group of us all went to Wagamamas for a long lunch. Did attempt some revision in the library but didn't really go to plan, and our original idea to go to the cinema kinda fell flat - no one really felt up to it.
Wednesday went to Strada for some Italian. We had quite an entertaining waiter who kept trying to crack jokes. There was also the freaky women on the table next to us who kept staring our way the whole time and one of them even seemed to follow F into the loos :S.
On Friday we went to Giraffe for a late lunch after IFS - our last lecture ever. Nice sunny weather together with good company made for a good end to our last term at King's.
Today was Jason's Birthday Party. Me and Ruhi somehow ended up waiting at the wrong station and then got lost on the way to his house. But we arrived eventually - fashionable late - just in time for the cake and the speeches. The weather had brightened up a lot so we were able to chat outside and chill. Shame that we weren't able to give him his present - it hadn't been delivered yet.
Well, there's now just four weeks left until my final exams begin. Still have lots of notes to make before I even consider learning all the topics. The weather over here has been pretty weird, like summer some days and then dull and rainy - but I guess that's normal for England.
Apart from revision, watching telly (Prison Break, Lost, Hustle and The Apprentice UK), listening to music and chatting to my friends, I haven't really been up to much. The lack of excitment these past few weeks is probably why I haven't bohered blogging.
My mum's at home for the long Easter Weekend and it's got off to a good start with us baking cakes - this time it was Lemon Butter Icing Slices topped with Coconut - really yummy! I love my mum's cakes, she's really got better at them and it's amazing how soft and fluffy they are without us using any eggs (Check out Recipes for the basic cake mixture we use).
I've been trying to get the gang together to go watch a movie but that plan has fallen flat on its face every week - perhaps it's because I haven't really tried to plan a time and date properly. Hopefully, we will go next week as there's a few films out that I think are worth seeing - in particular I want to watch Inside Man.
My friend's sister is getting married next week and I'm going to the reception/dinner next Sunday evening. It's being held at some Indian restaurant in Central London - so that should be good.
Only one week left of Easter hols, then i'm back to uni for one last week. Then I've got my friend's birthday party to go to - still need to decide what pressie to buy.
Apart from revision, watching telly (Prison Break, Lost, Hustle and The Apprentice UK), listening to music and chatting to my friends, I haven't really been up to much. The lack of excitment these past few weeks is probably why I haven't bohered blogging.
My mum's at home for the long Easter Weekend and it's got off to a good start with us baking cakes - this time it was Lemon Butter Icing Slices topped with Coconut - really yummy! I love my mum's cakes, she's really got better at them and it's amazing how soft and fluffy they are without us using any eggs (Check out Recipes for the basic cake mixture we use).
I've been trying to get the gang together to go watch a movie but that plan has fallen flat on its face every week - perhaps it's because I haven't really tried to plan a time and date properly. Hopefully, we will go next week as there's a few films out that I think are worth seeing - in particular I want to watch Inside Man.
My friend's sister is getting married next week and I'm going to the reception/dinner next Sunday evening. It's being held at some Indian restaurant in Central London - so that should be good.
Only one week left of Easter hols, then i'm back to uni for one last week. Then I've got my friend's birthday party to go to - still need to decide what pressie to buy.
The past few weeks have been very busy for me although I still seem to have lots of coursework to catch up on this reading week.
I've been hanging out a lot more with my friends after Uni - I guess since its the last term and we want to make the most of it. We've even started having late night group MSN chats although they are usually about random things.
On Friday, a bunch of us went for dinner and a movie after lectures. We watched Lucky Number Slevin a film where nothing is as it seems. Twenty-something loser Slevin (Josh Hartnett) happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Mistaken for his friend Nick Fisher, who is up to his eyes in debt, Slevin is unwittingly propelled into the middle of a brutal turf war between rival New York City gangsters.The film opens with three jumbled flashbacks, which only make sense at the conclusion, slotting neatly into place as missing pieces of the jigsaw. As it unfolds, Lucky Number Slevin dazzled us with its audacity and impeccable style. In particular, the dialogue was littered with some polished one-liners - with much self-deprecation and wit.
I'd highly recommend watching this film, if only to watch Josh Harnett and listen to his cocksure remarks.
For dinner we went to Floeri (or something like that), a cafe-bar in Leicester Sq. I had a Margarita Pizza but my friends went for Lebanese food like Falafels in Pita Bread. The food was okay, but we did get a suprise went we realised that glamour model - Jodie Marsh was also eating here - surrounded by men no less! Not that I really care much for minor celebs.
The weekend passed by with not much going on. I had Business Law coursework to work on so most of my time was spent working on that whilst listening to some Jack Johnson.
If I get enough work done, I might decide to go bowling with my friends this week - although i'm not very good it should be a laugh. Also, I need to remember to book tickets for my graduation this summer...
My parents are currently in the process of booking this summer's family holiday. It seems likely that we will be going to the US - probably visiting New York, LA, San Francisco and Las Vegas. I can't wait! The last time I went to the US was when I was just 9 years old - and that was only to Florida for Disneyworld.
I've been hanging out a lot more with my friends after Uni - I guess since its the last term and we want to make the most of it. We've even started having late night group MSN chats although they are usually about random things.
On Friday, a bunch of us went for dinner and a movie after lectures. We watched Lucky Number Slevin a film where nothing is as it seems. Twenty-something loser Slevin (Josh Hartnett) happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Mistaken for his friend Nick Fisher, who is up to his eyes in debt, Slevin is unwittingly propelled into the middle of a brutal turf war between rival New York City gangsters.The film opens with three jumbled flashbacks, which only make sense at the conclusion, slotting neatly into place as missing pieces of the jigsaw. As it unfolds, Lucky Number Slevin dazzled us with its audacity and impeccable style. In particular, the dialogue was littered with some polished one-liners - with much self-deprecation and wit.
I'd highly recommend watching this film, if only to watch Josh Harnett and listen to his cocksure remarks.
For dinner we went to Floeri (or something like that), a cafe-bar in Leicester Sq. I had a Margarita Pizza but my friends went for Lebanese food like Falafels in Pita Bread. The food was okay, but we did get a suprise went we realised that glamour model - Jodie Marsh was also eating here - surrounded by men no less! Not that I really care much for minor celebs.
The weekend passed by with not much going on. I had Business Law coursework to work on so most of my time was spent working on that whilst listening to some Jack Johnson.
If I get enough work done, I might decide to go bowling with my friends this week - although i'm not very good it should be a laugh. Also, I need to remember to book tickets for my graduation this summer...
My parents are currently in the process of booking this summer's family holiday. It seems likely that we will be going to the US - probably visiting New York, LA, San Francisco and Las Vegas. I can't wait! The last time I went to the US was when I was just 9 years old - and that was only to Florida for Disneyworld.
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