The first few days

Hello! I just got internet in my room (thats the most exciting thing thats happened today.) So heres my first real update.

I arrived safely at 6 in the morning with Lauren and we had a really hard time staying awake all day long. It was January 1st and it was literally us and pigeons outside. We stayed with Petey in a cute bed and breakfasty hotel and then moved into our flats the next day. I live with 6 people (a Spanish boy and girl, a Japanese girl, an American boy and a German boy). We're all international students and the other 5 have lived here for 6 months already. We share bathrooms and a kitchen and all have our own rooms. I've only met the Japanese girl so far and she ranks in the top five nicest people I've ever encountered. She laid out breakfast for me on the first day in case I didn't have time to go to the store! The American boy arrived back this morning and is asleep in his room but I'm about ready to go break down the door and introduce myself.

The dorm I live in is really social so its been nice to have people for the first week. We've done some exploring of pubs and restaurants and the city in general. As for the pub scene, its so strange being able to walk into anywhere without being questioned. Some of the more posh places are becoming 21 and up to keep out the riff-raff like ourselves. Boo globalization haha. The area by the river is gorgeous and Im hoping to head over there a lot. The rest of our time has been spent at school orientations and lots of talks about why UCL is the greatest college in the whole wide world.

And even though Im in London, adjusting culturally still takes some time. I have no idea what coins are what (theres like 10 different ones) so I take forever at stores. Lauren and I got yelled at yesterday for asking for a restroom because they are toilets. And crossing the street is terrifying. The cars are coming from the opposite directions and will stop for no one. But all of the locals have been really friendly and helpful which makes everything easier. Its also really hard to tell when theyre making fun of you because everything is put so politely.

Im trying out for a volleyball team on Sunday so hopefully that will go well. And pictures will come shortly. Cheers!