Party Girl

That would not be me by the way. Title of resident party girl has to go to Jace who had four beers and two mixed drinks last night. I do not envy her the headache she'll have when she wakes up. It is going to be a brutal one. Hopefully she drank the water I left her.

But anyway, last night was my first Friday night in the big city and I celebrated in style...by conclusively deciding that beer is something that was probably ingested on a dare the first time anyone drank it. I may have to drag my tongue along the carpet to finally get rid of the taste. Apparently two glasses of soda and half a bag of Pirate's Booty did not get rid of it.

Myra and Cal didn't make it to the club with us (sad face). Myra was feeling a little light-headed so Cal helped her home. But I'm thinking they had something better in mind when they left Jace and I. They're so sweet together!

Developments on the boy front: I met a guy at the club last night. His name is Ben and he's a student. I think. We didn't get much of a chance to talk since Hurricane Jace ended up pulling me away early. But he has my number! And he called me lovely. Here's hoping he wants to do something next weekend.

I guess it only makes sense for an out of character night to end up in an odd place. It was weird. But at least I ended up sleeping in my own bed. I call the night a win.

More details later

Julie

First Day: Otherwise Known As Oh God We're All Going To Die

This morning started off a bit rough. Turns out a sleepover the night before your first day of classes is not actually a good idea. Also, my bathroom tried to kill me when I was getting ready for school. But after eating a chocolate croissant and a quick symptom check (thanks Ian!), I am concussion-free. Probably. And I even caught the early bus to school.

Where I was then thrust into the thick of what I think of as the United British Foundation for Higher Education. Also known as the English school system, which is a little more terrifying than the American system. One of my teachers actually told us to get out of the room if we're not willing to put 110% effort into it. He's terrifying. I swear one of the girls he called on in class near-about fainted from fear.

But I also got a teacher who reminds me of my grandmother. I am convinced she probably has butterscotch candies in her purse. And my Reading for Writers class looks terrifying, but only because they expect me to actually write. I am not now, nor will I ever be, a creative storyteller. Luckily Myra can give me some pointers.

Did some grocery shopping (actual grocery shopping this time. Something more than just chocolate and chips) and ran into Ian, who convinced me I am not going to be murdered by my classwork. Well, kind of. I am simply only 50% sure it will kill me instead of 95% now.

More details later

Julie

Welcome Wagon

Whew, last night wiped me out. We ate, we danced, we laughed, Jace went on a sugar bender; it was a good night. I met a girl that'll be in my classes who's really cool. And I learned a very important lesson: never trust an innocent pixie when it comes to board games. The sweet ones are always the sharks.

Still figuring out public transportation. The buses are super confusing since they are apparently run by different companies. And they charge fare the way a taxi does rather than a standard charge. But I feel like Harry Potter every time I have to hail the bus to stop. Oh the things you'll learn.

A girls night with snacks and a movie was the perfect end to the night though. Even if we didn't even make it through half the movie. Oh well, there's always next time, right?

Have to run. Can't be late for my first day of class!

More details later.

Julie

Welcome to London: A Crash Course

Hey everyone, just popping in to say hello before I run off to the Welcome Reception they're hosting for us tonight. But I thought I'd give an update (Hello, Mom. I'm not dead or kidnapped or part of a prostitution ring. Please stop texting me).

Let me tell you people, jet lag is a terrible thing. It'll make you pass out hard at four in the afternoon only to find you lying wide awake at two in the morning. Although if you have a crazy flatmate who takes you out to the river at four to watch the sunrise, it's not such a bad thing. I mean, unless you almost miss the bus which turns you into a crazy person (this may come as a surprise, but I don't like not being early to places. Especially important places)

However, I have now been properly oriented to life in my new home. Which was...an adventure to say the least. I am the proud new owner of a Kingston University student ID and a Travelcard that will take me on any of the trains, the Tube, and a lot of buses (not ALL the buses though, as I discovered). Plus I know far more than I ever thought I'd need to know about the English school system and grading policies. Can't wait for my first class tomorrow!

Also got to know Surbiton a bit. She's a quiet town, but a pretty one. Our dorm supervisor, Ian, ended up leading the tour and gave me his number in case anything should happen. Glad I'm so looked after.

Jace just popped in to tell we we've got to go, but more details later. Promise.

Julie

Guys? I Was Kidding About The Boat

Operation Study Abroad was temporarily derailed yesterday. Here's a pro-tip: never rely on the planes. They are giant hunks of metal that should not be able to fly and thus hate to accommodate those who want to use them to that end.

From the hour delay in actually getting to the airport, to being trapped in a tiny outpost in Switzerland for twelve hours and arriving to find all of the program assigned buses gone, the last twenty-four hours has been an adventure to say the least. Part of me wonders if taking a boat across the Atlantic would have been faster. This'll teach me to buy cheap airline tickets I supposed.

But hey! I met one of my flatmates (flatmate--doesn't that sound so British?). Her name's Jace and she is awesome. Plus our flat supervisor seems like a decent guy. And I am in LONDON! Well, just outside it, in Surbiton. But still! ENGLAND!

Have to dash for Orientation. More to come

Julie

Is This The Real Life?

Dear Ms. Cate,

The EuroLearn Kingston University program is pleased to welcome you to its Fall Term Abroad. The selection process faced the largest applicant pool in its history and we are happy to announce your inclusion. Here at Kingston, you will be among the top abroad students from around the world.

Enclosed please find a form for financial aid and payment as well as a suggested packing list...


That's right guys, I am head across the pond for the entirety of the fall semester. Nearly four months in beautiful England at a top university. This is the dream people. I can't wait until the syllabus finally shows up. England's school system is so much stricter than ours. I'll really need to buckle down and study.

But for now, I get to start packing those bags and dreaming of that English rain.

More as life develops

Julie