Linda Y. blogs about life at Mary Ward House

I still remember the day when I first came here. It was 5 September. I was both nervous and excited.

After a tour, I understood that our house is divided into a number of different circles, decorated in different colours. Each circle is associated with a particular value. For example, in our circle, this is that everyone should treat each other as family members.

The boarding house also provided us with great range of trips at weekends, from punting to Harry Potter world… I participated in many of them and they were all great fun. For example, I have already been to a Christmas market and the Escape Rooms. In addition, there are some activities to help you build friendships and understand each other, such as having a picnic and talking to each other. Going into town and spending some times with friends is always a fantastic choice.

I love this place not only because of the colourful activities it has, but also the warm, sympathetic care. First of all, I am very happy that I can live with my friends; we can always give and receive support and help from each other. Secondly, whenever we are unhappy about something, we can speak freely to the teachers here at the boarding house. During the days away from home, every teacher here is like our mother and sister, and everyone who lives here is a family member.

In addition, my roommate and I spent a whole day decorating our room. After we finished, the whole room was our favourite environment. A unicorn, fairy lights, photos on the wall. . . Every time someone comes in and says they like our room, we feel very proud.

Whenever someone has a birthday, we secretly prepare a birthday party and a gift for that person.

Overall, I really like my dormitory life. If someone asks me where my home is in the UK, without hesitation, I will say it is here.

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