The renamed, but not refurbished, Mason Hall on the Vale at the University of Birmingham was to be our home for our Masters year.

Once again I was sharing accommodation with HJ and SL, although this time it was not a flat. Instead it was tiny room containing one double bed. Next to it was a tiny bathroom with a camp bed under the basin. This was not going to be comfortable.

My sister S provided a convenient distraction from my accommodation worries, and study. While it was fun to spend time with her, before long I was falling behind with my work.

I wondered whether I might be better off asking to switch rooms, then knuckling down to some serious revision? JM was accommodated on one of the floors above us near the library. Perhaps he would have room for me?