I arrived in the UK a little over a week ago and after spending a few days in London, I moved into my dorm at the University of Nottingham. Nottingham is situated in Northern England (it?s about a two-hour train ride from London) and it?s much colder and windier than Texas. It?s the home of Sherwood Forest (as well as the legend of Robin Hood), Nottingham Castle, and the oldest pub in England. I?ve had a lot of fun exploring the city and learning about its history. The easiest way to travel between campus and the city center is via the bus/tram system. It took some trial and error to figure out how to use and navigate this system as I am used to driving pretty much everywhere back home. But I?m happy to say that I think I?ve got it mostly figured out and I love how convenient it is to take the bus and/or the tram. I?m grateful that I don?t have to drive anywhere as the English drive on the other side of the road. I just have to remind myself to look in the opposite direction than what I?m used to before crossing the street.
One thing I?m grateful for is the absence of a language barrier. However, it?s been interesting figuring out the different terms the English use. For instance, French fries are called chips in the UK and potato chips are called crisps. Classes are called modules and when you meet someone on campus, you don?t ask what their major is, you ask what course they?re taking.
My classes (or modules) started yesterday and I?m enjoying them so far. The school system is very different here. My class schedule changes almost every week which makes me miss the consistency of A&M?s class schedules. Also, I don?t have any weekly assignments, quizzes, or tests. My grade depends solely on a cumulative exam at the end of the semester. Because of this, I?ve had a lot of free time to explore both the campus and the city. I?ve also noticed that students tend to dress nicer for their classes (and just in general) than they do in the US. The University of Nottingham has a large population of international students so there are a lot of opportunities to meet people from different backgrounds as well as get involved in different organizations (which are called societies here).
I?m definitely still adjusting to life in a foreign country but I?m excited to be here! I?m looking forward to traveling around England and experiencing more of its culture during my semester abroad!
