[Last modified: November, 20 2024 10:02 AM]
UCL’s IOE building is one of the most diverse areas on campus, with classrooms, cafes, study rooms and more. It is a microcosm of the students’ life, each seeking their own place in their academic journey. I chose to sit on the single sofa in the hallway, which gathered the most people so that I could observe.
An Asian boy, wearing black jeans and a beige bomber jacket, was hurrying from the end of the hallway to the other. He kept checking the time on his phone as he ran, because he was on his way to his next class. Such a rush is not unusual in this space. Because everyone’s schedule is strictly arranged, every minute is rushing for the future career.
The tension was in contrast to the scene across the corridor. Several girls who had just finished their course were talking happily. While discussing the classes they just finished, they shared their funny stories with each other, bringing a sense of relief to this intense learning atmosphere. This is the college life, study and social interwoven together, together woven youth.
On a sofa in the corner, a student with black glasses sat quietly. He hold the phone in hand, while often looking up and around. He seemed to be waiting for someone, perhaps a seminar partner, perhaps a simple moment of rest. Although his behaviour seems to be isolated from the outside world, he may actually be communicating with the outside world through his mobile phone.
In the booth in the distance, two students focus on their laptops and the papers scattered on their desktops. In addition, they have water bottles and snacks on the table. It was a marathon of minds, their eyes glued to the computer screen, occasionally discussing with each other the points of data analysis or research papers. This scene of concentration and collaboration is crucial in academic life. While pursuing the depth of knowledge, they are also building academic networks that support each other.
From these scenarios, several key anthropological themes can be distilled: the use of space, the impact of constructed environments on behavior, and the role of communication in shaping a sense of community. In particular, the theme of “communication” is particularly prominent in this diverse academic environment. Students communicate in a variety of ways: face-to-face conversations, remote communication via mobile phones, and academic discussions via laptops. Students find a sense of belonging in these exchanges and form a supportive community that is key to their ability to navigate college successfully.