Sunday, January 31, 2010
First Week of Classes
I have been in Leeds for almost 2 weeks and it already feels like home! My first week of modules went smoothly and I couldn't ask for a better schedule. This week I only had lecture style classes but next week I start to have seminars, tutorials, and workshops. The classes I am taking include: Linear Algebra, Logic, Differential Equations, Reading Poetry, and The Best of Broadway. Yes, a class about Broadway! Plus I don't have Friday classes! Yay!
I'm pretty much a pro at taking the bus by now, though the bus system does not always live up to its schedule. It was quite frustrating when Cat and I tried to see Avatar and we did not make it because the buses took forever! Ah don't get me started on that issue. Other than the buses I love the city and there are so many great places to go. The City Centre (that is how they spell it) is a shopping queen's dream and there are also museums, galleries, restaurants, bars, and clubs. You might think, "that sounds like the typical city," but you are wrong, it's LEEDS! I suppose I don't have much city experience but compared to Raleigh it's incredible!
Since the day I got to Leeds, socializing has taken up most of my time. I have been very impressed with the Study Abroad office and all the activities planned for us international students. My activities have included a tour of campus, a few orientation meetings, a meet-and-greet night, Global Cafe, International night at The Eldon Pub and at The Terrace, and of course other outings with my friends. Speaking of my friends- I have met some great people while I've been here! My flatmates are all outgoing and eager to help me with anything. I have met a few people in class but it has only been a week. For the majority of my time I hang out with Cat and Courtney along with a group of students from the US... most of them are from Wisconsin (must read with a Wiscaaansin accent).
Let me please rave about the Leeds University Union. It is like no student union you have ever seen! There are several convenient stores, a number of take out places, a hair salon, an eye-glass place, a beauty store, 3 gift shops, a bookstore, clubs and society rooms, and 2 or 3 bars plus several night clubs- all in one building. It's insane!
As it might sound, I am having the best time ever!
I'm pretty much a pro at taking the bus by now, though the bus system does not always live up to its schedule. It was quite frustrating when Cat and I tried to see Avatar and we did not make it because the buses took forever! Ah don't get me started on that issue. Other than the buses I love the city and there are so many great places to go. The City Centre (that is how they spell it) is a shopping queen's dream and there are also museums, galleries, restaurants, bars, and clubs. You might think, "that sounds like the typical city," but you are wrong, it's LEEDS! I suppose I don't have much city experience but compared to Raleigh it's incredible!
Since the day I got to Leeds, socializing has taken up most of my time. I have been very impressed with the Study Abroad office and all the activities planned for us international students. My activities have included a tour of campus, a few orientation meetings, a meet-and-greet night, Global Cafe, International night at The Eldon Pub and at The Terrace, and of course other outings with my friends. Speaking of my friends- I have met some great people while I've been here! My flatmates are all outgoing and eager to help me with anything. I have met a few people in class but it has only been a week. For the majority of my time I hang out with Cat and Courtney along with a group of students from the US... most of them are from Wisconsin (must read with a Wiscaaansin accent).
Let me please rave about the Leeds University Union. It is like no student union you have ever seen! There are several convenient stores, a number of take out places, a hair salon, an eye-glass place, a beauty store, 3 gift shops, a bookstore, clubs and society rooms, and 2 or 3 bars plus several night clubs- all in one building. It's insane!
As it might sound, I am having the best time ever!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
LEEDS!
After 14 hours of travel consisting of 2 flights, 1 train, and 1 taxi I can now say I have made it safely to LEEDS, UK! I left Charlotte Douglas Airport on Tuesday and had a transfer flight at the Chicago O'Hare Airport. From there was an 8 hour flight to Manchester. I absolutely loved the flight, as strange as it may be. The landscape from Charlotte to Chicago was breathtaking. It's crazy how you can go from 65 degree weather to freezing temperatures and snow in such a short amount of time.
To fill you in, I didn't begin this adventure all on my own. There are two other girls, Cat and Courtney from NC State that traveled with me and are also going to the University of Leeds. We met each other before we left and I know this experience will make us very close. It's comforting to have someone from home near by.
Everyone at Leeds has been extremely helpful and I was welcomed with open arms. I now live in a dorm called Oxley House and in a flat with 13 girls. I have my own room and sink and we all share a bathroom and kitchen. My kitchen last year with 3 other girls was a disaster... can you even imagine sharing with 13? Haha. Hopefully I stay healthy! I love my dorm because the architecture is gorgeous and the people are brilliant (yes... I'm picking up the new lingo). One downside to my new home is that it is about 3.5 miles away from campus so I have to take a bus everyday. But hey... I can meet some pretty interesting people on a city bus :)
There is so much to talk about but so little time!
To fill you in, I didn't begin this adventure all on my own. There are two other girls, Cat and Courtney from NC State that traveled with me and are also going to the University of Leeds. We met each other before we left and I know this experience will make us very close. It's comforting to have someone from home near by.
Everyone at Leeds has been extremely helpful and I was welcomed with open arms. I now live in a dorm called Oxley House and in a flat with 13 girls. I have my own room and sink and we all share a bathroom and kitchen. My kitchen last year with 3 other girls was a disaster... can you even imagine sharing with 13? Haha. Hopefully I stay healthy! I love my dorm because the architecture is gorgeous and the people are brilliant (yes... I'm picking up the new lingo). One downside to my new home is that it is about 3.5 miles away from campus so I have to take a bus everyday. But hey... I can meet some pretty interesting people on a city bus :)
There is so much to talk about but so little time!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
5 Days To Go!
Over the past week and a half I have completed my winter vacation goal of accomplishing as little as possible. I have watched hours of TV, eaten entirely to much food, and have slept enough to last me a couple months. But hey... I'm in college, that's what I do best :)
Truthfully, I may not be as lazy as I make myself out to be. I have actually made my way through much of North Carolina. Last week my family and I went to a UNC Charlotte basketball game and we had a blast (even though they lost to Georgia Tech). It's rare that we find time to go places as a family so I try to cherish it while I can.
Last Wednesday, Meredith, my dad and I went to Boone and went skiing at Sugar Mountain. It was snowing and around 15 degrees! Ouch! But it turned out to be the perfect day. I had not been skiing in years but I still picked it up like a charm. At first Meredith was frightened to death from her former experience of falling off the mountain (so she claims) but this time around she was fearless! Thanks Dad for taking us and showing us how to do the pizza pie and french fry!
This past weekend I went to Raleigh, my beloved home away from home. I spent time with Megan, enjoyed her delicious cooking, and we attempted to look for an apartment for next year. I also got to hang out with some of my friends (cough.. Davis) and have some fun around State.
The past couple days at home I have been packing and picking up last minute items for Leeds. It is so hard to decide what to bring and what to leave. Decision making is not my best quality. It's a good thing that I'm not hard to please, I could settle with bringing two pairs of clothes but I doubt my Mom would approve.
Only 5 days to go until I leave for LEEDS! Whahoo!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
My First Blog
Hello everyone! This is my first blog for my semester studying abroad! In 15 days (January 18) I will be on a plane headed to Leeds, UK and I will be there for 5 months. I have been looking forward to this trip for a long time now and it is finally becoming a reality. After much preparation, all the details are final and I will soon be on my way.
You may be asking, "Why England? Why the University of Leeds?"
Well, long story short... I have changed my destination several times but when least comes to least I now know I have chosen the best place for me.
1. Leeds was HIGHLY recommended by my international friends
2. I was awarded an EXCHANGE slot (I pay in-state, NC State tuition)
3. They speak ENGLISH (needed for my math courses)
4. It is in EUROPE -- makes for easy travel to amazing places :)
5. Leeds is a large city with a lot to offer!
I hope this gives you a little insight to my choice and more details are to come.
And so the packing begins....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
