Originally published 11 August 2003

Coming to the summer school for the first time, I did not know what to expect. A certain feeling of anxiety weighed upon me heavily. I had never been away from home for more than a week, and the prospect of leaving the house for so long seemed quite daunting. However, the opportunity to experience a different way of life, meet different people of the same academic interests, and learn some interesting maths, while partaking in exciting activities and events, was one I could not turn down.

Pulling up to car park 14 on the Westwood Campus was quite unnerving. Witnessing hordes of families gathering and heading towards the refectory for registration, I did not know what to think. It then crossed my mind that it was up to me to make the best of my stay at the summer school. I realised that there was no point in worrying myself about anything and everything. This was my chance to learn, compete, and share with top students from all over the UK.

I tediously dragged my heavily-packed suitcase to the place of registration, with my family in tow. We were met with a warm and friendly atmosphere. People smiling, people happy, and people waiting to help. I found it very pleasing. After many goodbyes and hugs from my family, and a quick exchange of money from mother to son, it was time to follow my Residential Assistant Dave Rea into the unknown.

When I look back upon summer school, I will see it as a valuable and wonderful experience. In trying to provide students with a varied mix of work and fun, the residential and administrative team provided a delightful, action-packed break from the stresses of everyday life. Right from day on, I made friends with all members of my RA group, and together our friendships grew, providing each member with a supportive and friendly atmosphere, where none were excluded.

The summer school would not have been a success, if it were not for the whole teaching and hospitality staff. My maths lessons had a teaching team that was second to none. The trips and visits were also very interesting, and relevant. The cooking and cleaning staff also played a major role in making our duration on campus as delightful as possible.

The summer school at Warwick University has been such a wonderful time. The daily schedule of lessons, breaks, and evening activities meant that we were never without something interesting to do. Awaking at seven in the morning, the next time we would lay in our beds would be half past ten at night. However, we hardly realised the time was elapsing, because of the continuous events and activities.

As I draw to a conclusion, I would like to reiterate my gratefulness to the Academy’s staff for the summer school. I am sure all the students realised how hard the staff worked to make it as enjoyable and useful as possible. I would also like to wish all the students who attended the summer school every success in the future.

Ademola Adebiyi (16)