We are already into week three of classes… And I have done zilch. It’s not that my classes aren’t interesting (I’m actually really excited to be studying the theories of Foucault, Nietsche, Berkeley) but there is just so much other stuff going on! How can I sit and study when it’s an hour and a half flight to Norway, when I can do a day trip to Wales, when all my friends are going to the pub. I believe it is actually impossible.

The first day of classes seems like only yesterday. It was a bit terrifying, walking into a large lecture hall full of British students. As it is second semester, most were already huddled in friendship groups and I took an inconspicuous spot up the back. I felt a bit lonely and unsure – but the lecturer seemed nice and I learned a lot.

The class ended and I made haste to the bus stop to make it to the other campus for my next class. I jumped on what I thought was the right bus… When we reached the city centre (about 20 minutes away from my destination), the bus driver announced this was the last stop. Confused and a bit panicky, I looked around my fellow passengers and spotted another girl looking confused and panicky. After we got off, we realised we were heading from the same class to the same class. A friend was made. We even managed to get on another bus and make it to class just in time.

And now, three weeks in, readings are piling up and essay deadlines are creeping closer. But hey, I’m in the UK, I only have to pass. The experiences I’m having right now and the people I am meeting are teaching me so much more than any classroom could. It’s opening my eyes to new perspectives, teaching me how to survive on my own and giving me endless confidence. These are the things I will take away and remember forever, not the grade I got on that assignment.

The shackles of study