I arrived at London Heathrow Airport with two bags bigger than me and a backpack that weighed about a third of my petite body. After taking a short detour and holiday in Derby (in the Midlands) I trekked toward Falmer, Brighton to begin a semester of studying Sociology at The University of Sussex (US).

     As I was sitting on the train en route university I looked out the window and saw a young man being hugged by a girl wearing a bright blue tee that boldly stated her affiliation with Sussex Uni. As the girl helped him get a piece of luggage onto the train he said thanks through a heavy foreign accent; I felt a tingle that’s difficult to explain. It was abundantly clear that arrangements had been made so that we (long distance travelers) would feel at ease with the unfamiliar system. When I arrived in Brighton there was a young guy named Mitch who directed a couple of us to the right area for transport, but it was only after asking us our names, area of study, and offering a warm welcome. I remember feeling tremendously anxious as I stood on the train to Falmer, but again when I stepped onto to the platform off of the train there was a cluster of people wearing those same Sussex University t-shirts. I exhaled and relaxed telling myself that ‘every little thing is gonna be alright’. The US students were all ready to direct me to the caravan that would take me not only onto campus, but almost to my doorstep. Another nice boy directed me to the Porters’ Office and then helped me carry my bags to my distant edge-of-campus dorm and to my third floor room, what a relief!

     When I arrived on campus I tried to remember the path we took and I felt totally overwhelmed by the tremendous size of the place. Boy was I wrong. After a day or so of walking the campus I realized that it only takes around 20 minutes to stroll from my remote end to the train station on the other. It’s funny how perspective changes when you’re in a new place and then have the chance to become familiar; things change if you give yourself the opportunity to delve further and time to get comfortable.

     I started to get settled in and, within a short time, met a many of my 11 flat-mates; we began to become buddies straight away. After the introductions and once the talking began I realized the potential for fantastic conversation. Many of us have stayed up chatting until the birds start chirping and the sun starts to come up. I don’t want to sleep! There have already been a few mornings where I’ve woken up (crusties in eyes) and have thought to myself, “Man, last night was fun but laaaaaate and I have so much to do!” I’m glad that I have 3 months to share and experience things together because it seems that there is an ever-growing list of things to talk about – there have been very few dull moments. The majority of people living in this building are a little bit older and are interested in stimulating conversation; I love it!

     I didn’t know what to expect from US when I left the USA, but everything that I’ve encountered thus far has reached far above what I can think I imagined. This week has been full of new and exciting, different and peculiar, strange, but wonderful things. I’ve ventured to a number of Brighton pubs; have learned that a lemon will not actually gain me free access to The Big Lemon; was exposed to and taught about the BNP and UAF; and have walked along the chilly pebble laden beachfront in Brighton and tried cheesy chips (yum!). I went grocery shopping at ASDA (European WalMart) with a new buddy from France; have discovered my new love for British kettles; and continue to be excited for the cultural things that are to come: I’m seeing Zero 7 this week!

     Every once in a while when I take a breather from all of the intense commotion of Fresher’s Week I realize that I miss people and things from home. I miss the familiarity of my home campus, Rutgers University. I miss the convenience of Wawa at 3 in the morning. It’s important to think about things from home. I’m certain that it’s good to remember where I’ve been and the things that have lead me to study abroad, but I don’t wish to be anywhere instead of here (even though my twin sized bed leaves me achy).

     My report for the week: I’ve been sick with a cold since I arrived at US, but I think it’s helped me regulate the amount of crazy fun that I allow myself to have. I’ve enjoyed the warmth of the university and appreciate all of the hard work that was put into welcoming the nationals and internationals; it speaks volumes. Loudly. The culture shock hasn’t been all too shocking and I like that. The university makes a great melting pot. There’s plenty cookin’ and the ingredients are plentiful. Speaking of which, our cozy flat got together yesterday and made a Bolognese pasta dish. It’s not recommended that we be asked to recreate it because not unlike the many ingredients available in different races and creeds at US we used a plethora of ingredients - many of which are unknown to me. (And the Bolognese was delicious!)

Check out my other things I've posted.