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!