London
I am finally here!!! I'm sorry that it has taken me a little while to update...things have been CRAZY. My adapter did not fit my laptop's plug and the battery was dead. I didn't have a chance to get a new one until tonight. After going into various shops asking if they had adapters, I finally came across a store that wasn't sold out of them. I bought one and raced back to the dorm to use it...but it didn't work. I went back to the store and the lady gave me a cheaper one (yay for saving money!) which worked. It was funny though, because she put the bad one back on the shelf.
But anywhoo, I am finally all set up. Everyone here is incredibly nice. There are about 30 of us living in a very posh neighborhood (which had a movie named after it starring Julia Roberts) in a Victorian mansion. Our GR (Graduate Resident) Jeff, said it is worth between 5 and 6 million pounds ($10-12 million). It is amazing! I live in a room with 3 girls who are all really nice. I've also been hanging out a lot with 4 other girls who are amazing as well.
The first day here, we just unpacked, relaxed, and had a small orientation. The heads of the program introduced themselves, and then we had a really good buffet dinner. The salmon was incredible. The next day (Wed.) we had orientation all day. A lord (from Parliament) came in to explain the differences between the UK's Gov't and the U.S. Gov't. Basically, the UK doesn't care about the moral issues that are extremely controversial in America (i.e. abortion). We also had another person discuss safety in London with us. London has a fairly low crime rate, but has the most theft of any city in the world. He gave us some really good tips on how to stay safe here. After orientation, Paula and I went to get cell phones, but the store was sold out. That night we went to a play called A Woman in Black. The first half was miserable, but the story really picked up after intermission. It ended up being really scary. We also went to a cute pub in the neighborhood that night which was fun. I've grown to like cider...but you have to be careful because it is strong.
On Thursday we had a super short orientation and then had the rest of the day to ourselves. The program gave each of us a free Big Bus Tour pass, so Sarah, Sharon, Christine, Paula, and I decided to do that. The weather was cold yesterday, but the sky was clear. The tour was great because it gave us a good idea of where things are located, as well as some new ideas of things to do! I also got a cell phone, so if you want the # send me an email. Last night, we attempted to find this one pub we had heard a great deal about, but after walking around for awhile, we gave up and went to a different one. Later on, we found the original one but it was closed.
Today we had orientation at our University. Apparently, Birkbeck is one of the best colleges in the UK. It is comparable to Oxford and Cambridge. The first British female astronaut and Dido studied here. I am enrolled in Media Forms and Institutions, Modern Theater, British Society Since 1945, and London in Literature. I am so excited for my classes! After orientation, we attempted to walk back to the dorms, but the amazing shopping on Oxford St. distracted us. We ended up taking the tube back to the dorm and chilling here. Plans for tonight are still up in the air.
I absolutely love it here. There are a few things, however, that are not so great about the UK. It is extremely expensive here. Whatever you pay for something in the US, take that amount and double it. That's what we pay here. The 99 cent meal at McDonalds is really $2 here. Also, there are 4 or 5 bathrooms in this house for 30 people. This means there is never any hot water. Other than those things though, it is fabulous.
Oh, and I changed the comment settings so anyone can comment now (thanks Shawn!!!)...feel free to leave me something!!! I miss you all! I'll update soon :)
But anywhoo, I am finally all set up. Everyone here is incredibly nice. There are about 30 of us living in a very posh neighborhood (which had a movie named after it starring Julia Roberts) in a Victorian mansion. Our GR (Graduate Resident) Jeff, said it is worth between 5 and 6 million pounds ($10-12 million). It is amazing! I live in a room with 3 girls who are all really nice. I've also been hanging out a lot with 4 other girls who are amazing as well.
The first day here, we just unpacked, relaxed, and had a small orientation. The heads of the program introduced themselves, and then we had a really good buffet dinner. The salmon was incredible. The next day (Wed.) we had orientation all day. A lord (from Parliament) came in to explain the differences between the UK's Gov't and the U.S. Gov't. Basically, the UK doesn't care about the moral issues that are extremely controversial in America (i.e. abortion). We also had another person discuss safety in London with us. London has a fairly low crime rate, but has the most theft of any city in the world. He gave us some really good tips on how to stay safe here. After orientation, Paula and I went to get cell phones, but the store was sold out. That night we went to a play called A Woman in Black. The first half was miserable, but the story really picked up after intermission. It ended up being really scary. We also went to a cute pub in the neighborhood that night which was fun. I've grown to like cider...but you have to be careful because it is strong.
On Thursday we had a super short orientation and then had the rest of the day to ourselves. The program gave each of us a free Big Bus Tour pass, so Sarah, Sharon, Christine, Paula, and I decided to do that. The weather was cold yesterday, but the sky was clear. The tour was great because it gave us a good idea of where things are located, as well as some new ideas of things to do! I also got a cell phone, so if you want the # send me an email. Last night, we attempted to find this one pub we had heard a great deal about, but after walking around for awhile, we gave up and went to a different one. Later on, we found the original one but it was closed.
Today we had orientation at our University. Apparently, Birkbeck is one of the best colleges in the UK. It is comparable to Oxford and Cambridge. The first British female astronaut and Dido studied here. I am enrolled in Media Forms and Institutions, Modern Theater, British Society Since 1945, and London in Literature. I am so excited for my classes! After orientation, we attempted to walk back to the dorms, but the amazing shopping on Oxford St. distracted us. We ended up taking the tube back to the dorm and chilling here. Plans for tonight are still up in the air.
I absolutely love it here. There are a few things, however, that are not so great about the UK. It is extremely expensive here. Whatever you pay for something in the US, take that amount and double it. That's what we pay here. The 99 cent meal at McDonalds is really $2 here. Also, there are 4 or 5 bathrooms in this house for 30 people. This means there is never any hot water. Other than those things though, it is fabulous.
Oh, and I changed the comment settings so anyone can comment now (thanks Shawn!!!)...feel free to leave me something!!! I miss you all! I'll update soon :)
posted by Jen at 12:08 PM
5 Comments:
jen you probably could've deleted the test "hi" post lol
is Strongbow a cider? i've had that and i know its from the UK...
i FINALLY saw Casino Royale yesterday, hate new Bond. grrrrr. but i liked the horsie on the beach!
k i have nothing of substance to say (as usual haha), keep the posts coming!
Jen, glad to see that you are up & running ! It does sound like they are keeping you busy ! I can't wait to hear how your classes are. When do you think your first group trip to somewhere exciting will be ? Enjoy ! Luv, Mom
P.S. E-mail me your phone number
Comments!!!! Yehaw!
Err, I have nothing to say now.
It all sounds amazing! What neat experiences you will have over the next few months. That sucks the shower thing but Im sure you will get used to it. Love, Mary
Hi Jen!
Boy, I thought it was a thrill to be able to go to California with my senior class in high school. I can't imagine studying abroad. Did you know my mom and dad lived in London for a couple of years? That was after they lived in Italy and before they moved to Argentina, where I was born. Good luck to you. Have fun, be careful!! I don't want to hear your mother stressing out! Love, Mrs. Bainter (I'm not really Mrs. Bainter for a long time, but that's what you always call me so I don't want to confuse you).
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