Living in the UK

It's been a little over a week since I arrived in the United Kingdom. Since then, I have accomplished a lot and have gone through some rough spots. After arriving on 29 Jan 2010, we took a 2 hour bus ride from Manchester Airport to The University of Hull. They quickly unloaded us off of the bus, gave us our keys and showed us to our respective homes. Needless to say I was very worried about my roommates, until two of them opened the door greeted me with smiles and treated me to a cup of coffee. They were both very happy to have an American! These two, Georgina and Mayuri, are both from the UK and are first year students. My other full time roommate Emilia, is a full year exchange student from Spain and has also been nothing but help. My fourth roommate LeAnn, is never here, as she lives very close to home. Each of them have been indispensable in making me feel right at home.
On the flight from Chicago, we had several Americans and I have become very close to many of them. It's been great having them around as we have been going through the same struggles, i.e. no internet for the first few days. Two of my American friends are living with an Aussie Kristy and Marlene from France. It's been great hanging out with them and my British roommates as I am able to further my understanding of different cultures.
The first few nights were really rough, so bad that the second night here I called my boyfriend Jae crying and wanting to come home. As always he made me feel much better and helped me get my senses. Margie has also been indispensable in helping me through this process. So have my parents.
As classes have begun, all of which I was lucky to be pre-registered for, everything is starting to get better. As each day passes, I miss home less and less. This is not to say, however, that the US and all of my loved ones will not be missed. I am still trying to figure out the class readings, etc. but I will have meetings with my professors next week to sort this out. Talking with students from the department the professors are very approachable and are willing to help the students. I only have a seven and a half page paper and exam for every course, which means I am going to have a lot of studying to get ready for my finals. It is nice, nevertheless, not to have the pressures from home here. I also have Fridays and Mondays off and I am keeping my promises to Drs. Pubantz and Johnson not to stay in the Library all of the time.
This upcoming week, I hope to get a set schedule and sort all of my things out. This way I can start planning for Spring Break, start my GRE studies, and get back on the project for Dr. Prysby.
I hope that everyone at home is doing well. I plan on updating the blog weekly and posting several pictures from my various adventures through this experience. Although I am only a week into it, I can tell time is going to go by very quickly. I am thankful for my boyfriend's support as well as the support from my parents, family, friends and professors.