Up To The Present: FRESHER'S WEEK!

Fresher's Week at the University of Essex is a time when the University hosts several lectures (talks) during the day for students to attend either at their will or because it's compulsory (mandatory). In addition to this, the Student Union on campus (award-winning for it's massive size, organization and student venues) fully stretches its legs so that the newbies know what their campus has to offer, specifically, booze.

Let me explain the building in which I live. It's called Eddington Tower. There are currently 5 towers on campus, all at least 14 stories tall or greater. Each is either comprised of all freshman and international students, or 2nd years, freshman and international students. Each floor (corresponding as the flat of the floor number) has ceiling to floor windows, specifically in the kitchen which lies in the center of each flat and has a wall that literally is just windows, and each flat has students stripping, dancing, drinking and screaming in these windows from the hours after 6pm and before 6am. I'll just watch . . . Oh the joys of Fresher's Week!

On Monday, the 5th of October, I finished my shopping at Tesco's where I spent ENTIRELY way too much money, I attended the Intro to the University talk and the International Students Welcome. One was comparable to the convocation ceremony North Central holds for freshman when they first move in, so it really didn't apply much to me, and the other pretty much told us NOT to break International Law or we would be reported . . . . greatttttt. So, needless to say a visit to Flat 3 was in order. We spent the night talking to the residents of Flat 3 and we exchanged questions, beers, jokes, etc. Even started teaching them American alcohol games such as Beer Pong, Flippy Cup and Circle of Death.

Tuesday, October 6th was registration day! I finally got my University of Essex ID! I attended the Accomodation Induction talk (DO NOT START FIRES!) and I attended the Orientation for Study Abroad where I had my first real, genuine, English cup of tea! Haha! American refreshments at a school function = pop and pizza: in England = tea and biscuits (cookies)! Another night in Flat 3 after all of the formalities, lol. More joking, drinking and pizza!

Wednesday, October 7th was quite possibly the worst day I'll have here (let's hope)! My new laptop that I purchased specifically for this trip crashed. I called Dell and wasted 2 international calling cards for them to tell me my hard drive had crashed and they can't do anything until I get home (it took 11 transfered calls for this). In addition to this, I still had no internet connection in my room because I needed to register my netbook and you're only allowed one registered computer per each room. Because of my lack of internet, Matt and I were still talking on the phone at a rate of 99 cents a minute so my phone bill was racking up INSANE charges, my university access codes weren't working and I realized that this trip is going to be more than I can afford if the exchange rate remains so poor. Because my day was turning out so shitty, Brigit came down and canceled her plans (we were supposed to visit the local town, Wivenhoe Park, and go on two campus tours). She sat with me and waited while I got things straightened out. I paid my phone bill, credit card bill from Tescos (ick) and recharged my international phone card. Brigit made me a cup of tea (because it's what the English do to make someone feel better and to lend a listening ear) and I fell asleep on Brigit's bed. I slept a total of 18 hours that day. I was exhausted both emotionally and physically. This experience does take a tremendous toll on the body.

As of Thursday, October 8th, I was officially enrolled in all of my classes. I went to each department found my seminars and lecture times and made a timetable for my days here at Essex. I have class a total of 8 hours a week! THAT'S IT! I mean, of course I'll have oodles of writing and reading to do, but structured, pre-determined class time is at an all-time-low for me! AND, I don't have class on Fridays :) I also ate at a restaurant on campus called Mondo's -- realllllly good pasta and pizza. It's telling of just how bad The Cage really is ;) In addition to this, I also officially purchased my University of Essex hoodie (jumper) which is something I've been looking forward to doing since acceptance last spring! It's orange. Weird, right? Not what I would have thought, but I really like it :) I went to bed early this night after talking online to Matt via Skype for the first time. I missed his beautiful face :)

So that brings me to today. Tonight, October 9th, is supposed to be the Fresher's Ball. I'm not sure if I'm going to attend this or if I'm going to make a return trip to London to see a play at the Globe theater. We'll have to see what the day brings.

Now we're all caught up! Hopefully I can post daily or every other day from this point on. I miss everyone back home, I miss North Central! This blog is supposed to help! Write to me! I love anyone who's actually reading this!

KISSES,
Brittany

(Pic is of my dorm room so ya'll can picture where I am -- I'll get some campus pictures up soon -- Brigit, Katie and I had a photo shoot yesterday!)