~ by Thomas Felix Creighton I first came across C101 when I was learning French in my first year at university, and found it to be a friendly and welcoming environment. I am now in my final year of my Peace Studies (BA) course, and I don’t think I could even begin to count the hours I have spent in this room over the few years. I feel sure that if the university ever found out, they would start charging me rent! One day, I took part in Michael’s Wednesday debates, and argued over such issues as ‘does God exist?’ and the rather more important ‘which is better, tea or coffee?’. In doing so, I came across a variety of people from a variety of backgrounds who quickly became my closest friends in this peculiar country/city/uni. We ended up organizing activities together, both in C101 and going to Ilkley for tea at Betty’s, as well as having picnics in Lister Park. I have even hosted some debates when the main man was called away, and still argue with people over whether cats better than dogs. The answer is clearly no. Over the past year in C101, I have organised film showings and English culture classes, held practice IELTS speaking exams, and helped Michael and his wife Amy take over one hundred students on a trip to see a fifth of November fireworks display. It’s been a central part of my university experience. I have learned French, Chinese and Arabic in formal classes – in C101 I have then taken part of language exchanges for all three of these, being helped by native speakers in return for my helping them with English. Overall, C101 has been one of the most positive aspects of life at the University of Bradford.