First Week of Class

After over a week of freedom in this amazing city, I finally had my first week of class. Although I like my classes and I think the subjects are really interesting, I'm quite nervous about them. Two of my courses are enormous, with over 110 students in each, and I have one class with approximately 50 students in it. The classes are purely lectures, and we have tutorial sessions once a week. Tutorials are groups of 10-15 students, where we discuss the reading and ask questions. The only problem is, I'm not 100% sure what to read to prepare for class. Rather than assign a few books to buy, each professor has assigned about 200 books that fall under "recommended" reading. As I don't have time to read 10 books each class every week, I'm going to have to play it by ear and see how other students prepare. I'm really missing small classes though; It's tough for me to focus in such a huge lecture theater.

Another huge difference between classes here and at home is the way people dress. Although it sounds silly, it's SO different. I haven't seen a single person wear sweatpants to class since I've been here, and definitely no LL Bean moccasins. All of the girls look like they're ready to go out to a club, with their short skirts, big hair, and tons of makeup. I might have to alter my cable knit Polo sweater, jeans, and Uggs look a bit while I'm studying here.

I've had a ton of free time so far this week because I haven't received my course reading guides yet. I've tried to explore a bit and walk around, and I feel like I've become well acclimated with the city. I've tried several new cafes and coffee shops, and I can (usually) find my way around. Tons of places around here have student discounts, so it's easy to get decent food at reasonable prices.

Finally, my building has had four fire alarms in the past week, all at super inconvenient times (The first was at 2 am, the second I was cooking dinner, the third I was in the shower, and the fourth it was pouring). The best part-all four were caused by the same flat. Honestly girls, learn how to use your toaster. I'm sure the fire department loves Kincaid's Court right now.

On a happier note, I've booked my trips to London and Dublin, and I'm so excited!