Philosophy, Politics and Law in Britain

- Life in Norwich

Norwich is a charming, mid-sized city in the rolling countrysides of the East Anglia, a predominantly rural area which encompasses most of eastern Britain. Norwich contains a wide range of entertainment and cultural activities. In addition, as a result of its close proximity to London (approximately one hour and forty-five minutes by train), Norwich offers a considerably cheaper and more relaxed atmosphere.

The Campus

The UEA campus will remind some visitors of Binghamton University, or perhaps what Binghamton would look like if it were transplanted to a mid-sized city in the rolling countrysides of England. Much of the campus is modern concrete and glass style-but some buildings are more interesting than Binghamton, particularly the Sainsbury Centre. Most buildings on campus are relatively close together, with the academic offices and classrooms mainly facing the center quad, and the dormitories encircling the main campus. The campus includes a lovely "broad" or lake, with ample space for walking, rollerblading, and enjoying the pleasant Norwich climate.

Dining at UEA

There are no true dining halls at UEA, and while there are on-campus eateries, most students take full advantage of the kitchen facilities located in the dorms. Campus cuisine is limited. Picolo's, an Italian food outlet, serves pseudo-Italian lunches and dinners. The Bowl, which specializes in standard lunch fare, as well as the omnipresent pre-made sandwiches, is another option. Curiously, precious few of the selections are actually served in bowls. The investigation continues...

Near, but not actually on campus, is a selection of pubs serving (not surprisingly) pub food. And of course there are the ubiquitous fish and chips shops, Indian and Chinese restaurants, and even "American" eateries downtown.

Dorms

Dorm life at UEA is not much different from Binghamton, with one major exception. As per British tradition, nearly all rooms are singles, affording a greater degree of privacy than most university accommodations at BU. There are a limited number of double rooms on campus, but students must specifically request them, and they are more aptly described at two attached singles than a true double.

In Wolfson, Orwell, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Waveney, rooms are set up in Newing-style corridors. Each floor shares a kitchen and communal bathroom, and general anarchy and strife is averted through the presence of Resident tutors, the rough equivalent of RA's. Specific anarchy and strife is handled on a case-by-case basis through appeal to the British common law. Constable Terrace and Nelson Court offer more suburban Hillside-ish accommodations at an increased price. They house two-eight person apartments which have private kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms. They are the newest dorms on campus, and house mainly international and upper class students.

The Union

The UEA student Union manages numerous on-campus facilities. The majority are in or near to the Union House, which is located at the center of campus. The campus Pub is a wonderful institution which contains billiards and foosball tables as well as a decent selection of beers and other alcoholic beverages. Spend time here, and the BU campus pub and the vast majority of State Street bars will quickly become a forgotten memory. The Union also runs a campus food store, paper shop (basically a British 7-11), Post Office, and Laundromat.