Diaries

When my old A level English teacher told me that my time at university would fly by, he really wasn't kidding. I've been meaning to kick myself into writing a new diary entry for BBC Leeds since September, but as always, various projects have diverted my attention elsewhere. Next month, it will be a year since I last submitted a diary entry – a scary thought.

The second year of university is the perennial 'filling' of the university sandwich: a time when you've experienced most of what university has to offer and by now you know who your friends are; but you still have time to take on new challenges and embark on new ventures.

This year has already brought so many new experiences, the most obvious one being moving into a house with three other university friends. After living in halls, moving into a house has been a massive breath of fresh air. In November I joined the university field hockey team. Next month I'm going to Spain with the team for what is technically a competitive tournament, but is really something of a boozy holiday.

Before Christmas I began writing for music magazine Sandman, and have been printed in two issues to date, with a full length feature on local band O Fracas to appear in the March edition. In January, I interviewed the features editor of the NME, James McMahon, and have gained valuable insight into the murky world of freelance music journalism.

I also have my own website - AudioScribbler - has also been growing: I was lucky enough to interview Irish superstars Ash; and after purchasing a podcast kit I now broadcast a weekly live internet radio show from my website, playing new and unsigned bands:

So up until this weekend, it was all good. On Saturday night, I was arrested in Leeds Met University car park for inconspicuously 'relieving' myself behind a van. I was with two fellow students – we had been to one pub. I may not be a drinking heavyweight, but I don't think I'm ever 'drunk and disorderly' after one pint. I was caught, and promptly escorted into a police car and thrown into a freezing cold cell at 11.30pm and fined £80, before being released early the next morning.

'Harsh' seems to be the general consensus from the people I've told. So I'll take this opportunity to warn my fellow students, especially the male ones who may be tempted to utilise our history-long, innate toiletry privilege. Don't do it. It’s not worth the risk. I've learnt the hard way!