Day 1:
Hopped off the plane and got in a taxi--arrived at UCL around 2ish in the afternoon. Threw my suitcases in my (large, lovely --although maybe a bit moldy??) room, and ran out onto the (rainy/misting) streets of London in search of internet access/cell phone. Found my way to the UCL campus, which is about 15 minutes walk from my dorm. Purchased a cell phone and set up a pay as you go plan, then returned to the dorm and picked up food at PRET on my way, which is around the corner from my dorm. I'm living in John Dodgeson House, and I'll put some pictures up when I get a chance, but you can check it out by googling it if you're
Day 2:
Woke up after sleeping approximately 15 hours. Felt horribly groggy. Met up with a girl in my building named Amber who goes to Columbia and walked over to campus (in the rain). Stopped for tea on the way! Had first day of orientation session at UCL> Here's what I learned:
"[UCL/going to college is] an education in being . This is UCL's philosophy. An education in the responsibility and rights of being not only a national citizen, but a citizen of the world--not being defined by national boundaries, but rather on a global level."
Also, "The university should be a place where you learn to talk to strangers."
Later, met with English department and signed up for Shakespeare and Modern Lit.
That night, went out to a pub for 3 pound burger and beer!! What a deal! Later on, went to a pub/bar with friends.
Day 3:
Registered as a UCL student! Woohoo I'm official!! Ran all over campus, learning the campus layout and meeting with my departments, and also trying to switch housing to be closer to campus. Bought a new adapter for my computer, a hair straightener, and blowdryer (*essentials).
That night, Wash U "ACCENT" orientation. We're actually the only university at UCL with our own separate orientation! Go Wash u! The food here is super rich, and I already feel like I've somehow gained 5 pounds, which is crazy with the amount of walking I'm doing. But literally, everything is fried and/or laden with butter and sugar. Plus the beer/wine.
Anyway, that night went out to another local pub. Met up with John Croll there, which is absolutely crazy because he went to my high school but we've never met each other before until now! Small world.
Day 4--Today!:
More Wash U/ACCENT orientation. Learned more stuff, like professors are called by their first names here. And a 70 is an A.
Went to Topshop with Hillary!!!! Yay!
Today I really walked all over London, first going to Oxford St/Top Shop area. Walked all the way back home (40 min) and then walked to Drury Lane where all the theaters are to see a play! First stopped in at a restaurant for pasta and wine with friends. Then saw War Horse, which apparently is being made into a move by Spielberg! Interesting show-- People were horses-- yeah, hard to explain but basically visually fascinating and plot-based enjoyable, but predictable and a bit basic. After the show, walked ALL OVER London, ended up in Picadilly Circus after walking for about 45 minutes. Saw some nice parts though! Thought about going into a club called Tiger Tiger, but the line was huge, we were all exhausted, and a girl was puking her guts out outside so suffice to say we decided to head on home. Hopped on the tube! First time. It was actually surprisingly decent. Got home in one piece and stopped in Subway for cookies! Walking into that Subway just smelled like Wash U/ home to me, it was so strange. They also have chips there that look identical to Lays but are called Walkers. Actually, everything here is very similar except slightly different. It's disorienting. Speaking of which, I had a blended fruit green tea drink at starbucks today because they didn't have my usual green tea lattes! It was quite good. Would have prefered something warm though as the weather's been a bit cold, and very windy (already broke my umbrella).
Oh yeah, and on the way home there was a fox walking toward me on the street I live on. London is one crazy place.
No comments:
Post a Comment