Settling In

After a long orientation, I have finally settled into my flat in the heart of Edinburgh! I'm living in Kincaid's Court, a building inhabited by freshmen and international students.  Although there are plenty of Americans and people my age in the building, I still feel old as many of the students are 17 and 18.  My flat is much better than I had anticipated, with four large single rooms, a decent sized common room, 1.5 bathrooms, and a kitchen. I have a nice view of the city from my room, and I can just see the ocean in the distance. I've met all of my roommates and they seem quite nice. Two girls are my age and from the United States, and one is a freshman from outside of Glasgow. She and I have had a lot of fun exchanging questions about out cultures, home lives, schools, etc.

Moving out of the hotel and into the flat has made me realize just how far away from home I actually am, and I've had a bit of homesickness over the past two days. While everyone on my program was able to live together at the hotel, we're now spread out all across the city, and as very few of us actually know our way around, it's tough to see the people with whom we initially bonded. I'm also nervous about this new independence. I don't have much experience cooking, so the kitchen will be an adventure. I did get a chance to go grocery shopping today though, and I felt very grown up and accomplished! I'm going to try to stay away from peanut butter and jelly and pasta for as long as possible, but I'm sure I'll cave within the next few days.

We've been walking in groups everywhere throughout the city, but today I decided I needed to challenge myself and find Edinburgh's campus on my own. I had to Google directions, and the expected 10 minute walk turned into a 45 minute adventure, but I finally found the building in which I had a meeting. It's hard to imagine going to a school this large for all four years, and it makes me happy that I chose a small school with such a defined campus and a great support system for students. Students here are much more independent, and all seem to know exactly what they want to major in and do after "university." I'm really excited for my classes though, and I'm definitely ready for a bit more structure in my life.

The best part of Edinburgh so far has been the people. Every person I've met has engaged in conversation, asked questions about my life in the USA, and answered questions I've had. I'm so impressed by how kind and personable everyone is, and it's made me feel a lot more comfortable in such a new environment. It's strange to be considered an international though, and I always laugh when Scottish people tell me they like my accent. I'm so thankful that the locals are sharing their knowledge and stories with me, and I feel like I am gaining a greater appreciation and understanding of the culture.

I couldn't leave home with out forgetting something, and unfortunately, I managed to forget my camera cord to load pictures onto my computer. I'm hoping to get it sent out soon though, so pictures are coming.

If you'd like to send me snail mail, my address is:
Kellie Fisher
Kincaid's Court
Block 1, Flat 14, Room 4
Guthrie St.
Edinburgh, EH1 1JT