Loving Newcastle!

So I've been in the UK for 4 days now, and just today got my laptop connected to the internet. I apologize for the lack in blog entries, but there was no reasonable way to get to the internet. The other Loyola students and I have been running around for the past few days in just a whirlwind. Everything is so new and so fun. The campus and city of Newcastle Upon Tyne are HUGE! Luckily, after a couple of days I finally have my bearings and can make it from my flat, to main campus, the metro, shops, and the downtown district.

Though settling in has been hard and a little stressful at times, I'm having the time of my life. I've had so much fun so far, and it's only a few days into my stay here. The locals are so friendly, the British accents are adorable, and the nightlife is incredible. I'm going to be very happy here for the semester.

The flight over here wasn't too bad, just really long. Arriving to Newcastle University jet-lagged with only an hour of sleep was rough, but I was so excited to be in England that tiredness really didn't matter. I arrive in a foreign country to hear that I can't move into the apartment I was assigned. Minor freakout. Apparently there had been a fire in the kitchen over the summer, and everything in the flat was gutted. They put me in temporary housing all by myself, but only for a couple of days. Luckily I was still able to catch up with my Loyola friends. But today i moved into my newly-renovated flat ... gorgeous. My living arrangements are spectacular. None of that nasty college dorm room stuff, just new kitchen, common rooms, and everything. So living out of suitcases for a couple of days was a small price to pay for the best flat I've seen so far. I'm living with 5 other girls, 4 of whom have yet to arrive. Only the international students are here this week, but my British flatmates should be moving in over the weekend. One flatmate, Fiona, arrived when I did. She's also an international student, but from New Jersey. She's a lot of fun, and hopefully our other flatmates will be great as well. I can't wait until everyone else arrives so campus comes alive. 18,000 undergraduates. Huge.

I've spent the past 3 days hopping from one meeting to another trying to get registered in the university system, as well as sign up for classes. There's a reason the Loyola program coordinators refer to registration week at Newcastle as "Hell Week." This stuff is intense. But I think i finally have everything figured out so my classes can transfer and I get credit for everything. Then again, I think the 'study' part of study abroad is a joke. I'm signing up for Introduction to Archaeology as an elective. It includes field trips and excavation experience. When else in my life am I going to be immersed in a foreign country, learning about their history, and also get to dig around their ancient sites? So excited about life right now.

Other than that, what I've done in Newcastle has been a complete blur. Between getting settled into my flat, shopping for things I need, getting a phone, and struggling with the internet, I haven't had much time to explore on my own. I got a brief tour and overview of the city, and there's SO much I need to see and do within the 3 months that I'm here.

The highlight of the city so far: the nightlife. This town is insane!!! I had heard that Newcastle was party central of north England, but that didn't prepare me for this. This is definitely not your average college-town party scene. I don't think I've been back to my flat before 4am for a couple nights in a row now. You can't go a block without a pub, bar, or nightclub. Things will get even crazier once all the other students get back. I'm loving every minute of it.

Next stop: London. The Loyola students are all going together for 4 days. We're all hopping on the train tomorrow afternoon after yet another academic registration session. I'm sure we'll do the usual touristy stuff, but it'll be fun to see how the clubbing scene in London stands up to the crazy city I get to call home for the semester.

I'll fill you in on London when I get back. Just know that I'm extremely happy and excited to enjoy every second of my time abroad. You only live once, right?