Friday the 24th of January saw one of the worst storms hit the UK, predominantly affecting the majority of Scotland and Northern Ireland.
As many students were arriving back from the long winter break it proved to be an immensely stressful situation - the consistent fear of work piling up, delayed flights with no refunds AND the stress of not being in control over the situation and what it may endure.
For a storm named after arguably the best Lord of the Rings character, Eowyn proved to be one of the deadliest storms in UK history.
Credit: The Guardian
On Thursday the 23rd of January, millions across the UK received the blaring phone alert - which was particularly terrifying as the alert started echoing throughout the St Regulus dining hall.
In light of the red weather warning issued by the met office, schools across the country were closed for the day. This also affected many of the University of St Andrews facilities, with a consistent number of school-related buildings having to close for the day.
Those who ventured out into the storm reported roof tiles cracked upon the ground, the rining of the rain in their ears, and tree branches collecting in the road.
As a literature student, I could not help but draw comparisons from the wind hitting against my window to something akin to a gothic novel, perhaps relating to Cathy's ghost in Emily Brontes Wuthering Heights.
Nevertheless, I was one of the lucky few who was at this time, already safe and settled back in my university accommodation. With the university boasting a wide international population, I heard horror stories of those who were planning to arrive back on the Friday and settle in over the weekend, not arriving till 2 am on Monday, dragging their luggage from the bus station and doing their very best in the first lectures of the week whilst suffering from the jet lag perpetuated in the wake of a long flight.
In sum, I am confident that during the first week back into the academic environment of the university, the effects of Storm Eowyn are still lingering on the minds of those who were affected. However, I’m sure in time it will be a fascinating story to tell the grandkids how the saints survived the storm.
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