Okay, when ever you go abroad I am sure there are those little things that just strike you as different than in your home country. These last two weeks there have been a few. First let me tell you that the people of the UK are small and look really young. I am not kidding. I had a conversation with a kid from Finland today. He is 20 and looks my age, minus the facial hair. However, he totally agreed with me. I have an 18 year old from Scotland in my flat who looks like he is a freshman in high school, not college. Part of it has to do with the fact they start College a year earlier than in the US. That is, all of the freshmen are 17 or 18, instead of 18 or 19.
The second obvious difference is the way they walk and drive on the streets. First, everything is switched. I mean if it should be on the right, it is on the left. I even stood in a line today that was divided alphabetically with Z on the left and A on the right. In addition they like to keep to themselves when they walk. No one makes eye contact or smiles as they pass you. I guess they will just have to get use to me.
Registering for classes here is a nightmare. Everyone registers within a two day period. They have over hundred professors doing it all at once in three rooms. They go through 400 kids an hour. It is pure mayhem. Despite the craziness, I think I am now registered for classes. Let’s just say it has not been the highlight of the trip.
Finally, Wabash has nothing on Aberdeen when it comes to parties and drunkenness. In fact no American school can top Aberdeen (sorry IU). The two major sponsors for all of freshers' week (that is what they call it) are the university student union and liquid. Liquid is the major night club and drunk bar. Upon arrival the first thing every student gets is wrist bands that give them discount alcohol all over the city for a week. You have to understand the drinking age here is 18, but wow. The Dean even suggested in an assembly that lectures are optional if you are drinking; just make sure you attend all tutorials.
Well, that is all the abnormalities I can think of at the present time. I am sure some more will cross my path and I will be sure to give you the update. I start class on Monday and anything could happen at that point. The picture is in the words of one of my friends "Rob Giving the state of the castle address." Maybe one day I will redesign the white house to look like a castle.
The second obvious difference is the way they walk and drive on the streets. First, everything is switched. I mean if it should be on the right, it is on the left. I even stood in a line today that was divided alphabetically with Z on the left and A on the right. In addition they like to keep to themselves when they walk. No one makes eye contact or smiles as they pass you. I guess they will just have to get use to me.
Registering for classes here is a nightmare. Everyone registers within a two day period. They have over hundred professors doing it all at once in three rooms. They go through 400 kids an hour. It is pure mayhem. Despite the craziness, I think I am now registered for classes. Let’s just say it has not been the highlight of the trip.
Finally, Wabash has nothing on Aberdeen when it comes to parties and drunkenness. In fact no American school can top Aberdeen (sorry IU). The two major sponsors for all of freshers' week (that is what they call it) are the university student union and liquid. Liquid is the major night club and drunk bar. Upon arrival the first thing every student gets is wrist bands that give them discount alcohol all over the city for a week. You have to understand the drinking age here is 18, but wow. The Dean even suggested in an assembly that lectures are optional if you are drinking; just make sure you attend all tutorials.
Well, that is all the abnormalities I can think of at the present time. I am sure some more will cross my path and I will be sure to give you the update. I start class on Monday and anything could happen at that point. The picture is in the words of one of my friends "Rob Giving the state of the castle address." Maybe one day I will redesign the white house to look like a castle.
.JPG)
2 comments:
Something tells me that they will indeed "need to get used to" you! Keep smiling!
Hey - would love to see some pictures posted of the campus...where you attend class...your flat, etc.
Dad
Hi,
My name is KC Owens, I’m a college student and I love to travel! While cruising the Internet, I found your site and really enjoyed reading your posts. I have been to countries all over Europe with just my backpack and a camera. Since I am a college student and I have significant bills, it can be difficult to find ways to travel the world. However, I have done this several times, with less than ten pounds of luggage and while on a college dime!
I was hoping that you would allow me to write a post for your site to share my tips and tricks with your readers. I put a lot of time into my traveling, it is my biggest passion and I would love to inspire others by sharing my stories, mistakes and triumphs. I look forward to hearing from you!
Best,
KC Owens
Post a Comment