Still exploring the city!

I know I haven’t written in a few days, but the truth of the matter is, nothing new has really happened.  I leave for Ireland early Thursday morning, but until then we have just been hanging around and exploring the city.  The weather hasn’t been too bad, just a bit cold, but for the most part sunny!  It makes for an enjoyable walk around downtown.

I was on a mission today to find the first book I need for my Shakespeare class.  Could I find it?  No, not in stores.  They could order it for me, but it would take a week to get.  Not good when my class starts on Monday and I have to read something in it before then.  I’m sure people are wondering why I didn’t look for it sooner.  Yes, I have been here a week, but I didn’t get book lists or anything until yesterday when I emailed my professor.  So, I’m hoping they will have it at the library on the main campus tomorrow, otherwise I will hopefully find it online somewhere and get it shipped quickly to me.

Other than that, nothing new has been happening.  Took a few photos of flowers yesterday.  That’s about it!

Friday night.

First time in an English pub tonight.  It was fun.  Went with a group of 20.  Had my first pint of cider.  Pretty sure I love it.  I’m tired right now.  But today I had a full day.  We got our student IDs today. Therefore, I’m officially a student of an English university! I had my first bit of fish and chips! Then a few of us went downtown again. I have more pictures! Then we ate dinner and went out to a pub.  Had my first pint of cider.  Yum is all I’ll say.

To bed with me!

First day at the main campus.

I woke up this morning, went to the bus stop, and got on a bus that took me, and the other study abroad/exchange students to the main campus.  Let me be honest, it is bigger than the Stritch campus, but not by much.  I like it!  We had an orientation, met a few important people, and got our course schedules.  This is where the fun begins.

60 credits.  Well, at least here.  It will transfer to 12 credits back home.  That is fewer credits than I would normally take in a semester, but I’m in England! I have to explore!  With that being said, I am in lectures only 8 hours a week.  Again, I feel like a slacker.  But, I do realize it will be a lot of work I will be doing on my own.  Shakespeare is going to kick my butt.  I have off Tuesdays, and I only have class two hours per day the other four days of the week.  I cannot complain!

Eh, nothing more happened today.  I just have a to-do list here that I should work on before I start to get homework.  Which, by the way, classes don’t start until October 4th!

Home for the next few months.

I’m here, safe and sound. I had a 5 hour layover in Amsterdam, which after adding a 2 hour delay on top of it, made for a long time sitting at an airport with nothing to do and the primary language one I don’t understand. I’m in my dorm right now, and I’m just getting settled in. I’ll make sure to take pictures and share them! The first person I met here (other than my awesome taxi driver) was someone from Michigan. He lives a few doors down from me, which is nice to know someone from home(ish).
The thing that has freaked me out the most so far (other than not knowing anyone) would have to be the taxi ride to school. Mostly because I’m not used to going left around a roundabout. I’ll make sure to share more later! I’ve got some unpacking to do!

Leaving on a jet plane

Today is the day.  I’m sick of waiting.  The nerves are just building.  A nice long plane ride will be good for me to sleep and prepare for this next adventure in my life!

See you all in a few months!

The nerves are setting in…

Whenever I add a new post to this blog, I feel like no one cares what I’m really saying.  Maybe it’s because I feel like I’m talking to no one, but the fact is, I know all of you do care! Well, at least I hope so!

So, I’m 4 days from departure.  I had off this week to get my packing done and spend some time with people.  The reality of me leaving finally set in.  There is no doubt that I am super pumped to go and experience a whole new country, but of course, the reality set in and now I’m beginning to get nervous.

If you’d ask me if I am more excited or more nervous, it depends solely on the moment you ask me.  Right now I’m feeling way more excited than nervous.  But when I get done with this post, I am going to go work on some more packing, then I’ll be a little more nervous than not.

Eh, I’ve finally received emails about who will be picking me up at the airport, and what I will be doing the first few weeks I am there, before classes actually start.  I am super excited not only to meet new people from Liverpool, but also to meet other exchange students from around the world who have decided to study at Liverpool Hope.  As you all know, I’m a pretty social person, so I don’t foresee myself having any troubles settling in and making friends.  Let’s be honest, friends are probably my favorite thing in the entire world!

I’ve got my luggage :)

Mom surprised me with a new set of luggage a few days ago.  I’m just under 3 weeks from leaving.  I’ve got a lot to pack.  Not quite sure where to start, but at least I have a shiny new set of luggage that I’m sure the airport workers won’t mind scuffing up a little bit.

Tell me, how does one go about packing for being gone 4 months?  Does anyone have any clue as to what my wardrobe entails?  This shall be fun!

And the countdown begins.

4 weeks until departure. I can’t believe it is coming so fast! Classes started at Stritch today, it feels a little weird not being there sitting in classes with everyone.  Oh well, I will gladly welcome one more month of summer!