Pulling teeth

Late June: it would be helpful to know whether I am starting Uni in September or February so I can plan. It probably will be February because that is what I asked for but I need to hear it from them. I phone the admissions people and am told the deadline for students to get their preferences in was in a couple of weeks so I should hear soon after then.

Last Monday: back from hols - no letter, though I do have my bursary form which I can't fill in until I know when I will start. I call the faculty of health admissions phone number and am greeted by a long recorded message. I leave a message asking them to call back.

Last Wednesday: no phone call yet, I try the number again and hear the start of the recorded message. As I'd rather try and speak to a human, I put the phone down. I realise the end of July is approaching fast and if I end up on the September start I'll need to hand my notice in PDQ.

Last Thursday afternoon: no phone call yet, I decide to leave another message. Listen to the entire message - oh no! The end of it has changed - it says not to leave a message as it they won't answer and if the query is urgent, call the general admissions number. I phone general admissions and the message says that this person only works mornings. I leave a message.

This morning: no phone call yet, I phone general admissions - oh no! The message has changed, the admissions person has gone on holiday for 2 weeks. For really urgent queries phone this other number. I phone the other number - oh no! This person is not back in the office until Wednesday. I leave a message.

This morning (after beating my head against the desk a few times): I consult the internet, find a person listed as the 'contact' for the Medical Imaging degree. There is a recorded message, no indication that this person is on holiday or anything, I leave a message with a slightly desperate tone to it.

1 hour later: the 'contact' calls me back - I am starting in February as I hoped! Hurrah!