It snowed over the weekend! We had a snowball fight and went sledding on whatever we could find. The hill is littered with many broken dinner trays, plastic bags, cardboard boxes, and even a cabinet door. The last time I have seen this much snow was probably when I lived up north, almost ten years ago (except for when I have been skiing, that snow was not a surprise, and thus does not count).
One major difference is the size of the cars, well really the size of everything in general. With a population 20% of America on 2.5% of the land, things are definitely not as roomy. Most people here drive hatchbacks, coupes, or sedans (saloon cars). While these cars are smaller many are just as nice. It seems like there are many more Audi’s, Mercedes, and of course BMWs & Mini’s (even some Aston Martins and Bentley’s). The trend is mostly driven by the tight parking spaces and narrow roads, but also by the green movement. Hummer Bait Smart Car anyone? No? Didn’t think so.
If you want to drive in England (or any other country) make sure your insurance still covers you. If it doesn’t and you want to drive a rental car you’ll need to get insurance from the rental place. Though you have to be 23-25 years old minimum at most places.
I went to the Nottingham City Center (downtown) the yesterday. It is only a short bus ride away. The trip is one pound with a student id. The city center is full of old buildings and winding streets. Many of the streets are for pedestrians only. I love old buildings so this was really cool. I didn’t enter any, just walked about. There are many stores and restaurants there, can’t wait to try them! The best way to get around is by walking. Everything is so close you really don’t need a car or taxi to take you anywhere once you’re in the city center. I still need a phone and some food for my dorm room, to snack on. There are grocery stores and phone stores all over the place there. The pound store looks really helpful. They have food, soap, tooth paste, sweeties (candy), office supplies all for a pound. I like the old feel of the city center and walking everywhere is cool. At home I need a car to get anywhere and most things are spread out (except the mall). However, I do not like being dependent on the bus service to get me somewhere on time.
This campus is very different from the one I am attending at home. At home I am on a very urban campus. The university is surrounded by the city, and not only the nice parts. This university is much more open with a few quads. This campus may be bigger, it sure feels like it (I already have shin splints from the first week).
The architecture is a mix of neoclassical and modern (old modern and recent modern). I like old buildings so thats whats here.
I chose to live on campus to simplify the process of housing (or accommodation as they call it in the UK). It comes with a meal plan which is really nice. Again, that is to simplify everything. It would be fun to my cook my favorite food for friends and have them share their favorite food with me but there is no great way to get to a grocery store. Cabs are too expensive to use often or alone and I’m not sure about the bus route.
I am a junior studying biomedical engineering. I am from America and have lived there my entire life. Traveling around America is wonderful but I have never been outside the borders. As you may have guessed from the URL, this semester I have chosen to study in the UK. This space is to keep track of what I experience and see while abroad. It also serves to let my friends and family follow my travels and daily life in the UK, and to help future student learn from my experience.
My family and I hiked Jane Bald near Roan Mountain today.
My family and I walked around the Smithsonian Museum while we were in Washington DC this week. This is an image of a Fresnel lens used on a light house. It can redirect light into a more beam shape allowing it to be brighter to ships.
This weekend my family and I went to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Even though it was winter, being at the beach was fun. We took a day trip to Savannah, Georgia and had beignets at Huey's on the waterfront.
Today my family and I ran the Turkey Trot 5k. I ran at my baseline pace of 9:54 minutes/mile.
