Week 2: Getting in the swing of things

Two weeks down! I feel as if I have been on an extended vacation which is just now coming to an end. Classes started on Monday so now the real work begins. I can’t really complain because I only have class three days a week. The English university system is very different though. Most classes only meet twice a week – once for a lecture (50 mins) and once for a seminar (1hr). My lectures have ranged in size from 20-50+ people. The seminar groups are considerably smaller. There are only 9 people in one of my groups which is impressive for a uni of this size. The classes I’m taking this semester are Introduction to Cultural Studies, Emergence of Mass Culture, and Immigration and Ethnicity in the United States. It feels weird to not be taking any science courses but all of the modules I am taking count toward Gen Ed requirements at Linfield.

The party scene is dying down a bit but the hall is still quite rowdy. I prefer to get away from campus on the weekends and see the surrounding area. On Sunday a group of my friends and I went to Manchester for the day. Trains here are so quick and efficient it makes traveling very easy. Our first stop was Old Trafford – the Manchester United stadium. I’m not a big Man U fan but I have to say the tour was pretty cool. Some of my friends particularly enjoyed the visit to the player's changing room J The Labour Party Conference was in session while we visited so the streets were filled with police and a few protesters. Other than that town was very quiet. The downtown area is very similar to Nottingham and has some beautiful old buildings. The most spectacular building in my opinion was the Manchester Cathedral. We were able to look around right before mass started so the choir had already begun singing. So beautiful!

Old Trafford

Downtown Manchester

...serving Sunday roast. 

Manchester Cathedral

I had heard from past students that accommodation at the uni was nothing to be excited for. I am definitely enjoying the peace and quiet of having my own room and bathroom but the food is less than desirable. I have never eaten potatoes in so many different ways…boiled potatoes, ‘jacket potatoes’, mashed potatoes, chips, potatoes piped into rosettes and fried, potatoes breaded and fried, roast potatoes…the list goes on and on (remind anyone of Forest Gump and Bubba Gump Shrimp?). I’ve had a couple of decent meals here but nothing that I couldn’t make better. I have a friend who is Italian and gags every time she tries the Brit’s attempt at pasta. I’ve got a nice stash of cheddar and digestives in my room to snack on when the meal is inadequate. The saving grace of English food…Cheese! Each student is given £4.90 for lunch. This balance works at any of the cafes or bars around campus (of which there are at least 20). Lunch is by far the best meal of the day. There are good salads, sandwiches, paninis and soups in the café right by my hall. In fact I’m headed the Willoughby Mix Bar right now…until next time I love and miss you all!

Week 1: Welcome to Nottingham!

Greetings family and friends,

It’s so hard to believe that just one week ago I was getting off the airport coach and starting my journey in Nottingham. I was nervous…well more like terrified...but still very excited for the many new experiences the semester would bring. After one week there are still a few jitters but I’ve really started to adjust to life in the UK and I love it.

The first 5 days were devoted solely to International students, not including EU members. We all stayed in temporary housing which was a pain because we basically had to live out of a suitcase. It was great to meet so many people from all over the world. To date I’ve talked with people from Nigeria, Malawi, Hong Kong, Argentina, Brazil, Canada…the list goes on and on. I can’t forget my Aussies though. I’ve become quite close with some really sweet Australian girls (3 of whom are named Stef). Every Aussie that I’ve met has been so friendly which is a relief since I won’t know a single person when I head to Australia.

There were a few mandatory events during International week but for the most part my schedule was open. My new found friends and I took advantage of every opportunity to explore the surrounding city and village. Beeston is the nearest town and is very typical of a small British town. There’s one high road (see the picture) that has small shops packed right next to each other. My favorite pub, The Last Post, is at the end of the main road. I discovered a cheese onion pasty my first time there, and I’ve gotten it every time I go back. Everyone laughs because I don’t branch out. English cheese and onions wrapped in a flaky crust!! Why would I even want to try something else? My Dad will be happy to hear that I’ve tried quite a few brews here but I can’t say I have a favorite yet.

I’m used to living in small towns so I was hesitant about living in such a large city. I have to say though, that Nottingham is fantastic. I can walk 5 minutes, hope on the #13 coach and be in a vibrant and bustling city in 20 minutes. The city centre of Nottingham is where everyone congregates. Shops, restaurants, and of course pubs are packed into a relatively small area. I’m pleasantly surprised by the prices here. It’s a little dangerous because I can get a pasty and a pint for £1.50. Everything I could ever want I can find in Nottingham. Primark is the largest department store and has been a haven for all us poor exchange students looking for cheap towels and duvets. The pound store (think dollar store) is also amazing.  

People have asked what the biggest difference between school in Nottingham and school at Linfield is. The answer is simple: alcohol. The drinking age here is 18 so nearly everyone I’ve met is able to buy and consume alcohol. There is a bar in the lobby of every hall that serves every type of beer, wine, and cocktail. The student union store also sells large quantities of vodka, beer, you name it. Of course Linfield students drink, but they have nothing on the students here. “Week One” or “Freshers Week” is a week only for new Notts students. This week is hosted entirely by the student’s union. Every night is a themed night at a different club. When I say every night I mean EVERY NIGHT. From Monday to Sunday students are encouraged (almost required) to dress up, drink at the hall bars, and dance their hearts out at the clubs til at least 2am. Clubs are a huge part of the young people’s culture here and it’s so weird to think that I can’t even get into most until I’m 21. I’m happy to go out with friends but I’m getting so tired!

As of yet I haven’t ventured outside Nottingham. I’ll have my timetable confirmed tomorrow so I can start planning weekend trips. I don’t have class on Friday which means more time to travel! Me, along with 7 of my uni friends have booked our tickets to Dublin for the end of October and there are also plans to travel into London in a couple of weeks. I’m so excited to see more of the UK!

Thank you to everyone who has supported me in getting to this point and everyone who wished me well at my Bon Voyage party. Cheers!

My love to you all,

Elisabeth