Move in day was Saturday around 2pm. We loaded all of our excessive luggage onto a coach bus and began the 45 minute journey to our University of Westminster campus housing. On the tub (subway system) it's only about a 20 minute ride to central London which is much faster than driving! Thank goodness!
We moved in the same day as all the first year students. In the UK they are called "Freshers", stolen from the American term, "freshmen". It's incredible how many people I have met from all over the world. I live in a flat with 5 other students. We each have our own bedroom, shower and toliet (English people do not use the term "bathroom"). We have a communal kitchen. After carrying my bags up one flight of stairs to my room, I was so relieved to finally be moved in. I've been here over 48 hours and still haven't unpacked. If you know me well, you know that is not a surprise. I HATE packing and unpacking. Hopefully tomorrow I will finish. Probably not. But maybe. ;) Anyway, the guy who lives next door to me, Chris, is from Wales. He was the first person I met on my floor. I screwed up my internet within 10 minutes of getting started (big shocker right?) and tried to use his internet to sort my issue out. I got my user ID and password soon enough. Everything is fine now, obviously. Across from him is Erica from Sweden. Her parents work from the European Embassy so she has moved around her entire life. Most recently she lived in Bangkok, Thailand. Her parents are moving to Greece in a few weeks. Such a contrast to my life growing up in the same house since kindergarten! Across from me is Shama;s room. She is from the London area. Her boyfriend is also from the London and he has stayed here a few nights, so I have met him as well. A girl from Romania lives next door to Shama. I can't remember her name at this time. She moved in later than we did and is also an exchange student. Jake lives at the end of the hall. He's very quiet and I haven't chatted with him much. Chris, Erica, Shama and Jake are all pursuing three year degrees. Here, Uni (they don't use the term "college") is only three years instead of four. It's been great getting to know all of them. They are very interested in America and they have LOVED trying my American snacks I brough from home! Thanks Mom, or should I say "Mum"? Jolly Ranchers and Reese are the favorites for sure.
There is an on-campus Pub which I went to with them last night. I met a LOT of Freshers. It's a bit strange being older than everyone. You can tell they are all nervous trying to meet new friends and finding their place. For me, I don't feel any of that pressure. I like this side MUCH better! Whenever students here my accent, they immediately know I'm American and want to chat. They ask where I am from, have I been to NYC and what my major is. Many students don't understand why I am only staying for a semester. They assume I will be graduating from here. I find that interesting because it is so different from how America views foreign exchange students. It's rare to find foreign students pursuing four year degrees, well, at least in Indiana.
I feel like I have finally completely figured out the tube system. My friends and I went to Camden Markets and the Tower Bridge. Today was a day of exploration! I'll get more details and photos up soon!
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