Welcome to "Norr-itch"!

Hello all!
On Wednesday, after over 24 hours of hectic travel, I arrived safe and sound in Norwich, where I will be for the next 5 1/2 months studying at the University of East Anglia. So far I am adjusting well and have begun to overcome the jet lag and time change. Norwich is located about 100 miles northeast of London and is quite the lively, bustling city amid the English countryside. UEA is on the outskirts of the city. Though this campus is normally home to 14,000+ students, it is rather quiet now as classes do not start until the 14th and so none of the British students have arrived yet.

I am living on campus in Norfolk Terrace--a dormitory type building with very unique architecture. It is all concrete and shaped like several pyramids all connected together. Each floor of each pyramid is a self-contained flat. My flat is the only exception as it encompasses the top three floors, with my room being the only one on the highest floor. Beneath me are 3 single rooms and beneath that are 6 more and a communal kitchen. It's fun being on top as I have it all to myself, as well as an excellent view out of my two wall-sized windows. However, it's also a bit eerie at the moment as none of my flatmates have moved in yet.

Yesterday and today there was an orientation for all of the international students. Although most of us are from the U.S., it has been neat to meet and talk with people from places like Australia, Austria, Switzerland, Canada, and more. The information has been helpful and we have had plenty of time to wander around an familiarize ourselves with the campus. I can't believe how many different eateries are on campus, as well as a pub, a post office, three mini-stores, several banks, and a travel agency, as well as many student union run places! Tomorrow I am heading into Norwich to see what the city itself is like and to shop for a few things (even though the pound is worth half of our dollar now!). I'm sure there will be plenty to do this semester and amidst traveling and exploring, I might even have time to study!

I will try to update this fairly often, so feel free to follow it if you want. I'd love to hear from you!
My email is lwraymond@gmail.com
And my address here is:

Lauren Raymond (AMS)
B201 Norfolk Terrace
University of East Anglia
Norwich
NR4 7TJ
United Kingdom

I also have Skype, so if you want to find me you can look me up by lwraymond.

Please keep in touch!

Cheers! : )