A Student's room is his castle - Geovictwardian accomadation

Assegai and shield decoration

Georgian prints

The blank canvas

Facing a lifestyle that will inevitably result in compromising some of his/her Geovictwardian character, a Geovictwardian student should at least make his/her residence for the next three years reflect the ideal's diminished lustre.

Facing the blank canvas that is his room, he or she will must likely first consider the warderobe - cornerstone as it is of any dandyism based lifestyle. As well as such functional garments as shirts, casual trousers (never jeans, never. Why after all would you want to look like a railway navvy?) and even the infamous "t-shirt", to preserve some vestige of my past identity I included two vital complete geovictwardian ensembles - the special occasion garments of morning jacket, tricorne, boots etc; and the "casual" look of velvet spencer jacket, trilby, and cavalry slacks; the cane also was essential.

Next, as any Geovictwardian will try to stay as aware of the modern world around him (in order to adapt his life philosophy to changing circumstances), a communications hub of laptop, TV , and phone had to be set up.

Finally, decor. Although Halls of Residence walls present much alteration - hangin indispensible Georgian prints, and an elegant Assegai and Shield wall decoration were both possible and essential.

More to come later, but for now I must go and explore my Halls and introduce myself to the new society.

Frisax

Inventory - a Geovictwardian checklist

Inspired by the student handbook's to do list, I decided to produce a Geovictwardian interpretation:-

Before you arrive

• Pre-select Complementary Study Modules. Those courses which lend themselves best to the Geovictwardian lifestyle include those which embrace the finest aspects of modern technology (Computer Programming, Using IT, Website Construction, Inventions in Society etc); philosophical skills (Human and Moral Agency, Philosophical Topics, Critical thinking etc) ; social and political skills (Entrepeneurship, Representing Students, Strategic Thinking); or the arts (Drama, Creative Writing, Journalism, etc). Over exposure to foreign cultures (such as modern languages); complex mathematical and scientific courses; or anything dealing with complex financial management (especially since many great historical dandies lived splendidly and in serious debt - like most students in fact) are best avoided.
• Print Calling Cards. Although most universities provide a student ID card, no self respecting lady or gentleman would leave without this far more elegant form of identification.
• Reject Student Loan. Not compulsory, as it is equally acceptable to spend this securing the finest accomadation, or through drinking and gambling, a more genuine Geovictwardian approach is to have wealthy relatives pay your way through university, or take up an appropriate job to pay for it yourself.

When you arrive:

• Collect Keys, Furnish Residence Elegantly. On arrival, a Geovictwardian will furnish his or her residence with such neccessities as clocks, hat stands, mirrors etc. This will be covered in greater detail in a later entry.
• Announce your arrival. During the Regency, any new person of substance arriving in an area would announce his or herself by distributing calling cards to anyone of social standing, and inviting especially worthy individuals to a reception with fine drinks. An excellent way to introduce yourself to your new community is to do likewise - a simple yet elegant calling card bearing your name and room number slipped beneath each door in your block works admirably.
• Locate essential local establishments and soirees. To live life to the full a Geovictwardian, like any student, must discover the location and opening of essential venues such as local pubs in town, the best SU bars and restaurants, live comedy/rock or jazz music/cabaret nights.

Frisax

An Introduction

Welcome to the beginning of the sartorial, academic, and social adventure that is student life seen through the eyes of my elegant alter ego: Frisax.

But first, a little background for those confused ladies and gentlemen who may have stumbled across this bizarre journal. I am a young gentleman of 18, about to embark on a three year course at Keele studying Law and Criminology. After meeting Albion at a fencing club, I became an advocate of the Geovictwardian ideal, and now must find a way to adapt the elegant and dramatic dandy style to utilitarian and studious university life.

The inspiration must fairly be shared between Albion (to whose Geovictwardian movement I proudly belong); Beau Brummel (without whom, arguably, there would be no dandyism and no "fashion"); and to the wonderfully inspired and talented photographer Fiona Campbell.

Now, the journal itself. As well as providing anecdotes similar to those to be found in the rich lives of George Bryan Brummell and William Hickey, I intend to provide a guide to such vital aspects of student life as:-

-Geovictwardian accomadation
-Fresher's Week societies
-The Geovictwardian approach to 'student chic' fashion
-The essential dandy drinks menu
-and more...



Frisax