Weekly Flâneur: Alma Mater

Roehampton University in London was recently named the most picturesque university campus in the UK in an article by student website AllAboutCareers.com.

Though the article states with displeasure, and rather bitterly, about its first place local: "You could argue that Roehampton doesn’t actually have the most beautiful campus in the UK, but the reason that it’s managed to grab the top spot is the university’s absolute dedication to ramming the beauty of its campus right down your throat. As soon as you go on the homepage of the university website, KAPOW!, you’re slapped in the face with an inviting image of Roehampton’s most idyllic vista."

What the author doesn't quite grasp is that dear Roe needn't "ram" anything; the campus actually looks like it does in pictures all the damn time.

As a student at Roehampton, the inevitable grumbling moments of academic frustration sometimes hit and as I found myself tromping through the rain to the library or to the bar, it would not escape me even in my worst mood that the campus was still just as beautiful as the first time I saw it in full bloom. Even the drunken uni kids leaving beer bottles on the sidewalk couldn't hinder the over-all lush beauty of the gardens, the ponds, and the stoic buildings. It needn't try to be pretty or tranquil; it simply is.

For this week's belated Weekly Flâneur, I give you 14 images of my beloved alma mater (appropriate Latin for "nourishing mother"), Roehampton University, in her glory through the seasons.

The reflecting bridge. Click to enlarge all images.

Bridge in the snow.

Summer fountain.

Our favorite geese. First seen in this post.

Wisteria!

Digby courtyard in the morning.

The big house.

Hidden in the snow, again!

Keeping an eye on Roe's students.

Feeding baby geese!

Close-up of the summer fountain.

Goose butt.

Snohampton.

Where the heart is.