Also, I got my housing information today. Apparently I'll be living in an off-campus self-catered dormitory in the Fallowfield Campus of Manchester. Everything about it seems great except for the off-campus aspect of it; a quick querying of Google Maps tells me it's roughly a 30 minute walk to the academic campus. It is along a really convenient bus route, so I'll deal. I guess I've been spoiled by the convenience of Morewood Gardens back at CMU. Haha. Some good things about the Fallowfield location, though, is a 5 minute walk to Sainsbury's, which is a supermarket, and plenty of social places like bars, shopping, etc. Should be a fun time.
There's still some stuff I need to do.
- PACK! Lots and lots of packing. The challenge is fitting everything I need into 2 checked bags (note to self: call British Airways to make sure I'm allowed 2 pieces of checked baggage), a backpack, and a carry-on.
- Buy a voltage converter for my laptop.
- Buy a gift for my host family. After the Arcadia orientation, I will be spending 2-3 nights with a British family, "homestay," to get a more immersive experience of British life. I will be bringing a gift that is reflective of my "home." I could bring something that's uniquely American (but what? High cholestrol? Ok just kidding.) or something unique to my region (the Jersey shore? the NY metropolitan area?). I can't really think of anything special, maybe saltwater taffy or something nifty made out of seashells, I really don't know. If you have any ideas, feel free to share them with me.
