JoshC.

First off, I understand that the Blogs feature was introduced with the intention of Trip Reports going here, but I'm still going to continue these sorts of blog entries here and in my other blog from time-to-time (if that's okay of course!) Anyways, as most will know - or have worked out - I'm a university student, and I've just finished my first year (woo!). I decided just to do a quick entry just going through what it's been like, the ups and the downs and such, and just give a small insight into 'uni life'. Hopefully it'll be interesting to some, and may even help people who are thinking about going to uni / going to uni this year in some way. Either way, hope you enjoy! So yeah, despite missing my offer effectively by two whole grades, I got accepted by my first choice - the University of Warwick, to do Maths. It's regularly ranked in the Top 10 universities in the country, and the Maths Department was this year ranked 23rd in the world. Personally, I don't like the idea of university rankings, as there's no fair way, in my eyes, to rank universities, as many surveys will focus on student satisfaction (and so students could just rate highly to improve post-university prospects), research successes (which has little to do with degrees) or results (and due to the wide range of courses and their difficulties at all the universities, that just seems silly). Nevertheless, it's nice to see 'my uni' ranking well.. The Maths department is also home to one of the country's more famous mathematicians - Ian Stewart. Not only has he had many successes with his research, he's also a popular science author, with a ridiculous number of books to his name (80 something I think), and has also worked with Terry Prachett on the 'Science of Discworld' books. Whilst he's now retired, he still hangs around the department a lot and gives the occasional talk, and he's always happy to have a little chat with people and sign a couple of his books (which I've taken advantage of). I guess you could say he's one of the 'John Wardleys' of popular Maths. I also found out my Personal Tutor before arriving at Warwick, and after a minute of research, I found his Wikipedia page(!) and it turned out he has had a few prizes for his research - found that a bit daunting to be honest! Now, before arriving to uni, I didn't know what exactly to expect. I was moving 100 miles way from home, and whilst I knew 1 person on my course, I didn't really like them, so wanted to try my best to avoid them. So, I was in the usual uni position - moving a long way away from home, knowing no one, not really knowing how to cook, afraid of budgeting properly, as well as being not so confident and having a difficult course looming! I do think some people, especially in the media, forget just how much students have to deal with when moving to uni, and make it seem much simpler than it really is. But, strangely, when I had moved in and everything, it all just seemed to work. Everyone was nervous, in the exact same position, and even if they were a confident person, being plunged into that sorta situation brings most people to jelly. One thing which scared me was the fact that I didn't drink, and feared that would hinder my chance to make friends with people / I'd be forced into drinking. That did not happen. A fair few people were similar to me, so it really was no biggie. So, seriously, anyone who's thinking about uni and doesn't fit the 'media-portrayed student' of loving to go out get smashed every night - don't worry, uni is not really like and that, and if you're not that sorta person, you will be fine! Now, unlike most unis, Warwick doesn't have a traditional 'Fresher's Week' (ie the first week of first term has no lectures, and you can party and get to know people and stuff). Instead, we have lectures from the start, but have a 'Fresher's Fortnight', where there's loads of special events to help people adjust to uni life, but still have lectures and classes and whatever else. Seems nasty, but that's university! So, for my first two terms, I had in the region of 20-24 hours of contact time a week (may not seem a lot to those outside of university, but trust me, it is a lot for university. For example, History students and Warwick have 8-10 hours!). I had 2-4 assignments due a week, which for the most part was just a series of questions. Usually, an assignment would take me 3-6 hours, depending on difficulty and length, and that's whilst working with others. Each assignment counted to each individual module, and each module counts to my overall grade for first year, which was 10% of my overall degree (despite first year for most degrees not counting). So, needless to say, it was essential to do them well! I'd also spend a few hours a week going over notes, writing them in neat, etc. So, some weeks, I could be working up to 55-60 hours a week; even then, I always felt like I 'could be doing more'. I'd like to point out that's probably not the norm for your average student (in case anyone is getting a bit scared or put off!). Maths at university is EXTREMELY different to at GCSE and A-Level, and so at any uni requires a lot of contact time to explain and teach everything, and a lot of time outside of lectures to actually understand what you need to. Other subjects tend to have less contact hours (except science subjects, which have lab sessions, which can last several hours at once!), but a lot more reading material to be read in your own time (so whilst people doing History have 8 hours of lectures a week, they could spend 5-10 hours reading and making their own notes, for example). Then they'll have essays and such as well, so probably a rough estimate would be about 40 hours a week working, in theory. The third and final term of the year at any uni is defined by one thing - exams. It's a shame that exams are the easiest way to grade somebody (which, after all, is one of the key points of uni - to get a graded degree), as it doesn't always reflect somebody's true potential; whatever level. At least at university, the lecturer will write the exam, rather than a group of old farts in some office, and so reflects what you have been taught directly, but still. So, I had a whole one hour contact time a week with my supervisor, where with 4 other people, we could ask questions on stuff we were stuck on. It wasn't particularly helpful, as there's so much stuff and so little time, and everyone struggles with different things. So, basically, I'd spend all day revising, and about 2-3 evenings a week, I'd relax and watch a film or something. When I wasn't working, I'd normally just be relaxing with my flat mates. Normally we'd watch a film or a few episodes from a TV series a couple of nights of a week, play board games, etc., some people would go out a couple of times a week to the Students' Union (personally, I went out about two or three times in the first two terms, and not once in the last term), or pop down to the pub every now and then. It may not sound like much, but you can spend so many hours just doing stuff like this, before realising it's 2am and you probably should get some sleep 'cause of a dreaded 9am lecture! When it came to things like shopping and cooking, I was fine with that. I was able to get my weekly shopping bill to about £20-£25, sometimes cheaper, but was still able to have a variety of food, which was healthy as well. More importantly, I pretty much stayed away from all ready meals, apart from an Iceland pizza once every couple weeks (which I'd highly recommend btw - only £1 and absolutely brill!). I was able to find time to cook decent, healthy meals every day, and quickly found myself to really enjoy cooking, and to be pretty decent at it. I did briefly turn into one of those people that takes photos of their food and shares it all over Facebook; I am no longer one of those people thankfully! I guess one of the last things to talk about should be results. For those a bit unsure, the classification of results goes: -First (at least 70%) -2.I: two-one (60-69%) -2.ii: two-two (50-59%) -Third (40-49%) -Fail (less than 40%). I was disappointed to find out I'd gotten 56% for my first year, which after all the work I had put in, I felt wasn't a true reflection of my ability. However, I did find that this did include an exam I missed due to breaking my ankle, which for the time being has been scored a 0%. So, when I sit the exam in September, as long as I pass the exam, I'll just sneak in a 2.I (with my grade probably bumping up to 61-62%). Whilst I would have wanted higher, I was hoping for 68%+ honestly, it is something I will take. It was first year of uni, and some modules didn't play to my strengths, and so dragged me down quite a bit. Other years are worth more overall, and I have more choice in modules, so I can focus of my strengths - focus on the positives I guess. Well, that ended up being a lot longer than I anticipated - sorry for the rambling, and congrats if you read that all! But yeah, hopefully that has given a bit of insight into the world of being a student. Just a couple of final points - what you tend to hear about university is it's the best time of your life, you'll look back fondly of it, etc., and the media focuses a lot of the partying side of it. However, what tends to be mentioned very little is how hard it can be away from the academic side. University is emotionally draining - you're away from home, and so much is piled on you so quickly at times. If you go to university, whatever you do, wherever you go, it's difficult to cope, and mild depression is more common than you may think. I hate to practically finish on such a down note, but I do remember Benin (I think) saying something similar when the topic of uni was being discussed on the forums before Sidders, Smidget and I started, and I admittedly thought it was an over-exaggeration. However, it's true - university is extremely tough in a personal sense, as well as an academic sense, and there's no way you can prepare for that in my eyes. It's something that's sometimes forgotten in the stress of it all, but I think it's safe to say that, at some point during a student's life at university, there'll be tough moments where you feel you can't deal with uni, for whatever reason, and you need to try and work your way up from what can feel like rock bottom. Though, I guess university is meant to help prepare you for life. And, well, that's life. (Again, sorry about the length of this. Really did not expect to ramble on this long! :S )

Very true! However, I can't help but feel it would look, and feel, a bit cramped in that area. That, and I think (if the park goes down a more family-friendly route) the arena could be better for families than a low-throughput spinning coaster.

We should all get Samsung Galaxy S4s, then we can! On the topic of Spinball, here's the topic about Alton's LTDP / MTDP: http://forum.maniahub.com/topic/5641-altons-mtdp/ Specifically, it says: Of course, this was 4 years ago, and plans change. However, I just can't see Spinball making it's way to Thorpe. Where would it go? After having a quick scan over with Google Maps, it seems to occupy a space of 175ft x 125ft (really rough approximations there, but that seems to be the sorta space required for it to fit comfortably), which I just can't see fitting into the park nicely anywhere. I'd also hate to see it 'do a Storm Surge', and look like it's been randomly plonked somewhere and stick out like a sore thumb (a bit like how most see it at Alton...)

Glad to hear everyone had a good time! Samurai 10th Birthday ERT next year? Actually, nah, Saw ERT, seeinghow it's the only major coaster TPM haven't had an ERT for?

At the top of where you write your posts, there's a button that looks like a painting (just underneath the smily face), which should say 'Image' when you hover over it. Click it an copy the image url of your photos (add them to Photobucket or Flickr or something if you haven't done that!) into the box that pops up and that's it!

I don't think it looks painful. However, riding a coaster in what looks like a small, floating prison cell isn't exactly what I look for...

The sheer length of this coaster alone is something to be inspired by. It looks absolutely incredible. I also love how the Screamin' Swing (sorry, don't know it's name!) is just going to be surrounded by it.

Brilliant couple of posts on the previous page Sidders! Just wanted to add / point out a couple of things: I really do agree here. Another thought which springs to mind is the fact that the MTDP stated the next two coasters (ie, Swarm and the next one) would not exceed 850m in length. Take into account a potential 50m high lift and 50m high drop, that will add up to about 150m of track there alone (unless you have vertical lift / drop), which leaves very little ride track. Granted, Outlaw Run is just under 900m, but I've always thought it's a short coaster, and doesn't do a woodie justice in that sense. Maybe, though, a short woodie would help with the planning permission, as less track means less 'visual pollution', if you will. Also, with the idea of a flyer, I've heard it's highly unlikely Thorpe would get one now due to Swarm, and the fact a flyer and winged coaster are classed as similar experiences. Whether that holds true though we can only wait and see.. I definitely remember around the time Saw opened hearing that the Saw IP was 'fastracked'. I remember it being in an interview with someone from Merlin and/or Lionsgate, but the actual IP tie-in was pushed forward quite quickly. If I remember correctly, the original plan was just the abandoned windmill style, before an IP was decided later on after planning was granted, with a couple of horror franchises being considered, before Saw was agreed upon (Texas Chainsaw Massacre was a candidate I believe, for example). As you say, the videos didn't really give any nudge to Saw whatsoever until the name was released (at midnight - on a Tuesday ), and then afterwards the videos ran dry until opening. I remember the minisite showed space for monthly videos from November until March, which many speculated would set up a good backstory, but instead a November video with a No Limits recreation of the ride and a March video on the day of opening only turned up. I do agree that a variant of the Dark Forest theme could have easily fit in with Thorpe and Canada Creek too. Swarm's plans came online on 11th February 2011. For comparison, Saw's came out 16th November 2007 and Stealth's sometime in November 2004. For Th13teen and Smiler both had their plans submitted in December/January. So, any time between November and February is usually a safe bet for seeing plans surface.

The 'Merlin Membership Pass' website is live - http://www.merlinmembership.co.uk/ (I understand that the previous discussion was removed for a reason, but outta interest, is there any chance it can be brought back now?)

Pizza Hut seems to be a popular choice with members - maybe TPM can organise a Pizza Hut ERT sometime soon?

I don't think Thorpe themselves have said it, but I think it's a Merlin-wide thing anyway. I can't remember where or when it was said (I get a feeling it might be when the ECC had a Swarm ERT last year and got to see the woodie plans that Saw replaced, but probably earlier than that) that market research has told Merlin that the public feel woodies are unsafe / not good enough, and as such are hard to market. I think it's just easier to say 'because the public think woodies are unsafe' though, rather than explaining it like that. http://www.totalthorpepark.co.uk/features/btsthrillsworkshop.shtml - There's a bit about the Thorpe woodie plans shown during the ECC tour, which says about that. Maybe someone who went (Mer, BenC, Valentez all went I think?) can shed a bit more light there? EDIT: SCB's point is a lot better than mine; feel free to ignore this. XD

But don't RCDB partially rely on the park's press releases and such to help them along? For example, they originally had Swarm down as 4 inversions, but once press releases said it had 5, they changed it to 5? Then it just skews it marketing departments and such.

I do agree with you here, but, to me, there isn't a lot of light, and there isn't a lot of sound. I liked the music, but it wasn't loud enough, and it didn't feel immersive enough. The lights were okay, but they didn't blow me away, and it felt a bit repetitive after a while; the whole 'show' it was putting on was a bit boring. I appreciate it's a family coaster, and certainly seems geared for younger children as a 'build up' ride, but I don't think it's been made clear enough. As it stands, X should be made out to be a junior coaster, as that's what it is, but instead it feels more like it's being made out to be a family coaster, suitable for kids, but appealing to the adults, which it just fails at in my eyes. Maybe if the park do further the whole 'family park with thrill rides' image, X will have a clearer target (to be the kids coaster). As I've only ridden it once, and there's been improvements since then, maybe me views will change once I ride again, but as it stands, I can't help but feel the park tried to accommodate for everyone with the ride, but missed the mark.

The one thing I've never got with Thorpe is, if 'woodies are unsafe' or whatever, why did they show Swarm to be a ride destroying test dummies, Storm Surge to have disturbed an ancient burial ground, Saw to have awoken ghosts after staff used a ouija board (to advertise Fright Nights, but the point stands), etc.? Surely if the public don't want to ride unsafe rides, then such press stunts are going to have a negative affect to people wanting the ride these rides? Yet, we didn't see such widespread responses...

A full price entrance ticket is what, £43.20? And the TPAP is about £85? So, in effect, they're giving people half price Annual Passes, which allows them to come back and spend more money on park as and when they want. It's a big encouragement for guests to return, especially if they thought it was expensive, so it seems to make sense. But, as has been mentioned, it is likely an indication of how well (or not so well!) Thorpe are doing right now...

Do you watch Doctor Who? If so, it could be the 'Are you my mummy?' episode that caused that one - I know I hated the thought of them for weeks after watching it!

The Swarm. Every. Single. Time. X or X:\NWO?

With spiders, I don't really like the thought of coming face-to-face with a huge, potentially dangerous, one in a day-to-day situation. However, I think that's the same for pretty much everyone, with any dangerous creature. Fortunately, there aren't many (if any?) dangerous ones which we come across in England, in our houses say. So, I'm fine with them, and will quite calmly scoop it with a cup and paper. It's not exactly something I like doing, but I can do it.

For Colossus' 10th ERT last year, 11 trains were sent. I don't know what Swarm's ERTs were like, but I'd assume 10 to 12 like EC said. They'll probably try to do at least 10, considering it;s the 10th birthday celebration. After that, it probably depends on what they're doing afterwards and time restraints as to how many more rides there'll be.

I can safely say I have aichmophobia - fear of needles. I absolutely can't stand them, and can go all nervy about having to have injections and stuff. Blood tests are the absolute worst - I go into cold sweats and everything about them. It is something I really want to overcome as I do want to give blood during my life... I must admit the past year or so, I've got a bit better about injections, but still really hate them. In saying that, last year when I was having a tooth pulled, I had the anesthetic needles in my mouth (god, I REALLY do hate them...), but before they started to pull it out, they asked if I wanted to be sedated - I said no, purely for the fact it meant more needles... :S I'm not sure it's an actual phobia to me per se, but I also hate the idea of forgetting. I can't explain why to be honest, but the idea of forgetting things (even if it was just a few hours) scares me. Whilst I know it is possible to have a phobia of forgetting, I don't think I'm it's 'big enough' to be a phobia, but I just hate the idea of it.

I'm also out of this meet I'm afraid guys. I'll probably still be in my aircast for my ankle, and I've an Alton trip planned for the weekend after, so focusing on being fit for that. I will make a meet this year, eventually.

I think it looks as I expected it to look - average, with a fun looking gimmicky feature. No doubt the ride will be lapped up, what with the size and launches. So I guess that makes it a success?

Interestingly, I've noticed in this year's Press Pack, Thorpe state Swarm only has four inversions - http://www.thorpepark.com/downloads/press/THORPE-PARK-Press-Pack-2013.pdf (page 11), but it's still says 5 on the actual Swarm section of the site. Not sure whether it's a typo or they're slowing going to downplay it and eventually just say it's 4? I think what 'makes' an inversion is going to be down to the individual person. I do agree that Swarm's inclined loop can't really be classed as an inversion, but at the same time, I can see why marketing can get away with it. To me, I'd say an actual inversion probably has to be a turn of 150 degrees at least, as there are cases of extremely over banked turns which don't really invert you. I do agree that the line between inversion and 'over-banked' is very hazy, but I guess that makes it slightly easier for marketing departments, ey?

Thanks for the heads up about Gimp - I'll give it a go! Also... Positioning the coasters was the hardest thing actually. Personally, I'd have switched Stealth and Inferno around, but seemed a bit unfair, what with Stealth being the 'majorest' coaster. But, I've noticed in marketing that usually the coasters are mentioned in this way - Swarm or Stealth, Saw, Colossus; Inferno, so decided to stick to that. The best you're gonna get from me is switching Inferno and Colossus around; sorry love

So, as I have a lot of free time on my hands at the moment, I've decided to create a 'Thorpe Park Monopoly' for a bit of fun(Alton Towers have their own version; why not Thorpe?! ). It's a work in progress at the moment, but here's the game board as it stands... As you may notice, the template I found is the American one, so the prices are in dollars, but ah well.. It's lacking text at the moment too, and a few pictures and such, because it's just the 'first version', and it looks really bad because the best editing software I have is Microsoft PowerPoint. The plan I have is to create mock ups for the property, Chance and Community Chest cards as well, pretty much as something to do. Of course, it'll all be themed around Thorpe, so it should be a bit of fun. Here's the 'Space Conversions', if you can't work a couple of them out, as well as the planned Chance and Community Chest cards: Board Places: Chance Cards: Community Chest Cards: If anyone can think of any funny names for Free Parking, Chance, Community Chest or the Bank (relating to Thorpe or Merlin of course!), let me know. Likewise, any suggestions - just throw 'em at me!