Going well:
--I love it here. I have a fantastic view from my room (see photo at the bottom of the post), and it's my just dream come true. I feel like every other American in Europe, infinitely more sophisticated. I can't wait until school actually starts! :)
--My roommate (Amanda) and I get on really well.
--The foam last night was immense.
--Walking everywhere (including the 3-4 flights of stairs up to my room) will make me fit :)
--There is an extraordinarily cheap noodle shop here.
--Umbrella + imperviousness to rain = prepared for Scottish weather
Not going so well:
--My bedding pack from Target, which I though included sheets, in fact does not have sheets. Argos is completely sold out of sheets, so I'm now using an empty duvet cover that Amanda got from one of her friends that is a 2nd or 3rd year here.
--My IKEA shelf thing requires assembly, and I have no tools.
--I can't get internet in my room. Beanscene, a local coffee shop, has internet, but it's only for an hour at a time, and it's loud in there, so phone calls/Skype sessions are difficult. On the bright side, there should be wireless in hall in about a week or so.
--I can't get my iPhone until I get my debit card from RBS (Royal Bank of Scotland)
--Wearing high heels here is quite difficult, due to the cobblestone/similarly uneven streets. But I am determined because I am short and these shoes are cute!
--I am still just as awkward as ever at first meetings (i.e., the "speed friending" event last night in hall).
--I can't dance...I just jump up and down, which gets really tiring really quickly.
--It is quite cold in my room. I think the window next to my bed leaks (Mom knows what I mean when I use this seemingly odd terminology for a window)
--Fresher's week feels like a year long. I just want classes to start already!
Although it seems like there are far more things in the not-so-well category than the going well category, I really am loving it here, and the things in that category really are only minor hiccups. I wouldn't change anything. I am so happy and privileged to be here.
Love,
Rachael
