study-acrossthepond:
At this time, I haven’t actually left the US. As an
international student with the University of Hertfordshire, I’m not required to
arrive until September 19. By this time next week I will be on an overnight
flight to the UK! This past week has been filled with last minute details and
goodbyes. I had an official party with my friends but it turns out saying
goodbye is a process and, as my departure draws nearer, I’m eager to spend as
much time experiencing that process as I still can.
My life right now has turned into a series of boxes and
suitcases. Packing, like everything this week, has been a process. I’m taking
two suitcases: one 24 inch and one 28 inch. It’s involved only including what
is deemed most necessary. For me this is particularly difficult, as shopping
and clothes are my vices. Limiting myself to a certain number of articles of
clothes has been the part to which I have been least looking forward. Also, I
have so many fun, printed socks and I’m sad that I’ll have to leave some of
them behind in favor of making space for something more important. I’m hoping
to fit as much as possible so I won’t have to buy much while in the UK. From
experience, I know things are at least twice as expensive after the exchange rate.
I’m eager to see my accommodation. Hertfordshire offers many
accommodation options on their de Havilland campus and College Lane campus. I
opted to accept an offer for a studio flat at College Lane so that I would have
a place to go and decompress. I have spent the majority of my life living with
my parents so this will be the first place I get to call my own for a length of
time! I recently went through hosting a yard sale and, despite previously
stating I’m hoping to fit as much as possible in my suitcases, it inspired me
to try to practice a more minimal lifestyle once I get to the UK. The garage sale
and packing have really made me pause to consider what is most important.
My experience up to this point has been very positive. My
Across the Pond advisor consistently helped me this past year to make sure that
I would be prepared. She answered all of my questions and pointed me toward
other helpful resources if she couldn’t directly help. My university’s website
has also been a great source for information and they have responded to any
questions I’ve had. I’m not going into this adventure feeling like I don’t have
the information I need. Even with all that in mind I can’t help but feel
anxious! But I mean that in the best way possible.
For now, there’s still a lot to do and get out of being at
home.
I plan to squeeze as much out of this amazing experience as
I can and share it with you, my friends, and family. You can look forward to
lots of photos and some videos throughout the coming year.