Where do I even begin? With packing I suppose. Try though I might, I could not manage to make myself pack prior to the night before my flight. Even with no one left in Corning, I still managed to successfully procrastinate until the last minute. In spite of this, I am proud of myself for one reason: I did NOT over pack. Which, for those who know me, is quite a feat. This would be much more of a triumph if I had managed not to UNDER pack. Unfortunately this is not the case, and I have had to run into Canterbury various times to pick up many odds and ends.
I suppose that brings me to the next stage of my journey – the flight! My flight was scheduled for 9 PM on Friday the 17th. The actual flight was delayed a bit, so I ended up landing in London around 10:30 AM, instead of 9. Overall, the trip was smooth – I received my luggage and visa with no problems (other than the MONSTROUS line for visas). The Kent representatives were ready and waiting for us, and I quickly met many of the other American students who were waiting for a coach to take them to the University. The coaches back to the University were supposed to leave every half hour or so, but there had been an accident on the road we needed to travel, so we ended up waiting for a couple of hours in the airport before being picked up. During this time, I decided that my first official purchase in the United Kingdom should be coffee, as I was terribly jet-lagged, and I love coffee.
Of course I documented this special occasion.
After spending two hours on the coach, we arrived! And spent most of the afternoon checking in and unpacking – fairly uneventful. There were some immediate cultural differences that I noticed, mainly what was/is expected of students. While all of the orientation and Welcome Events were helpful, it seems that students are expected to take control and get everything sorted out themselves. Another difference is in what Universities here consider to be necessities. Pillows more than two inches thick, real coffee, top sheets, and heat, apparently, are not of vital importance. Beer, pamphlets, and recycling, however, are at the top of the list. One thing I was not expecting is the lack of heat. Yes, it is autumn, but no heat until October?! Unacceptable. Our apartment is pretty much freezing at all times. Which is why there are now three (count them, 1, 2, 3…) duvets on my bed.
I must say, the student accommodation here is MUCH nicer than in the U.S. The other internationals were all shocked when we told them that for our first year (and second, third, and forth for many students), we are forced to share a room with another person. It is fairly unheard of in Europe, as far as I can tell. My room is really nice, and the house was recently refurbished.
I have four housemates, two are ‘freshers’ from the UK (Tino and Jack) and two international students who are both here for one semester (Ally and Falicia). Much to my surprise, Ally walked out of her room wearing a State hoodie. Turns out she goes to Penn State! Small world? I think so.
It has been a blast getting to know all of the other international students (most of the other Kent students won’t arrive until the end of Fresher’s Week). I have met so many French, German, and Spanish students, they are all wonderful.
We have gone into Canterbury a few times to look around and pick up groceries and housewares. I’m excited to spend a day just walking around the city centre though, enjoying the scenery. As far as I can tell, there are about a million (not an exaggeration) cute shops, pubs, cafes, and stores around Canterbury – and I plan to visit them all! Tomorrow is the Cathedral visit, so I will learn a bit more about the history of the city and Cathedral. It should be a lovely day, so I’m excited to be able to relax, sleep in, and enjoy the city.
There have been so many shocks (good and bad) since I’ve arrived. I can hardly believe it’s only been three days, I feel like I have been here for at least a month. I am really looking forward to becoming a true member of English society. I’ve gotten a good start by using some new vocabulary (i.e., bin, uni, rubbers [erasers], fresher, biscuit, and crisps) and getting a mobile. There are some things I still have to get used to, like the ENORMOUS flying bugs. These things look like giant mosquitoes…that lift weights and take steroids. Apparently they are just Daddy-Long-Legs with wings though, and do not bite. I still have to get used to them, I don’t think I will be a fan anytime soon though.
As much as I would like to become a true member of English society, there is one thing I will not accept. The lack of real coffee. While much of Europe is known for excellent coffee, the UK is absolutely an exception. I have located one coffee maker (price of which was astronomical), and a coffee filter. Other than that, it is instant coffee as far as the eye can see. I plan on finding a good alternative by the end of the week. One other difference I’ve noticed is that very few people run outdoors. I have gone on a couple of runs, and mainly get strange looks from students. People are always running around campus at Penn State, so this was a strange experience. This resulted in me leaving campus to run around the surrounding town, and subsequently getting lost for about 30 minutes.
I hope to post again later this week with more about the Cathedral, Canterbury, and my experiences on campus. Pictures and stories to come!
Location: Canterbury, UK
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Late comment, but the running! Oh my god! Thank you for mentioning that. I swear that the English think I have three heads or something when I’m on my way to/from the gym or just running outside. I notice a severe lack of girls working out especially.
Hi Amelia,
Glad to hear your news. Regarding the coffee, There are many many coffee and tea houses around Canterbury. There are two Starbucks (one is right off the entrance of the Cathedral). Try also, Caffe’ Nero and I believe there’s a Beano Cafe and Patisserie Valerie. I can’t remember the names of the others (It’s been a while) but once you have explored High street and the rest of Canterbury, you will find a favorite hang out.
Stay warm,
Beth