However we, equipped as we are, with sturdy bodies and enterprising minds know how to escape from the droll and the mundane, and get into the exploratory territory of the outdoors. As an aspiring human factors engineer I am often asked questions by people wanting to know more about today’s pressing issues, such as "Why do you dress like that?". To which I usually reply "Because I’m too big for stubbies anymore!" But it gives me the chance to apply cutting insight into what separates the members of CUTC from any other bunch of mildly introverted mostly-students, such as The Eden Network, of which I am president.

Tramping is placing you in the laboratory of life, where you can conduct your own naturalistic scientific studies into the interpersonal dynamics of small-group living. To launch you into this world of discovery here is a quick starter research programme:

• Read a chunk of Freud, preferably a section with lots of use of the phrase "oral fetish" and look for examples in your hutmates sleep-talking. Explain their underlying psychopathology to them over breakfast.

• Eat only curried rice, green peppers, beans and egg foo-yong for meals. Lead while your party walks. Observe who amongst you has the most sensitive olfaction.

• Do a wee study of emotion, by telling scary ghost stories and seeing who goes to bed first.

So, live as students by week, adventure-seekers by weekend and you’ll strike a balance perfect enough that you’ll probably make a gonging sound when you move! At the very least you’ll have a new bunch of friends and free places to sleep when you travel overseas.