Hello future travellers,
About me
My name is Joe Lister. I am a Politics and American Studies undergraduate from the University of Nottingham. I am a 20 years old film fanatic and television enthusiast who enjoys cooking, playing all sports; except cricket, and loves to travel. I am now writing to you from across the pond, as I sit in my little dorm room overlooking the University of Connecticut campus. In these short few paragraphs, I will try to convey to you in words how I have managed to adapt to living in a totally different country, surround by totally different people who all immediately assume you're Facebook friends with Harry Styles.
OK, so you are thinking about studying abroad? Perhaps you're friends went away for the year and you want a slice of the action. Maybe you've attended a study abroad fair, and found yourself jumping with excitement as you spoke to a group of retuning exchanges, all appropriately clad in their host University jumpers! You may have read a blog, (like this one) and wished it was you behind the keyboard, sharing stories and inspiriting strangers. Or maybe you watched Monsters University! Mike Wazowski was certainly my inspiration for studying in the USA. (Those of you who have watched the Pixar prequal should hopefully get the reference!)
I am not saying I want to work at Monsters Incorporated, nor am I saying that the University of Connecticut is anything like Pixar's fictions Monsters University! However, his story of unwavering ambition, courage and adventure are all too real. Bringing this back to you, the reader; I must express how quickly that quiet, distant thought of studying abroad turns into an exciting reality.
After studying hard in first year, you're loaded with top grades to apply for the study abroad scheme. You've attended countless study abroad talks. You've discussed it with family and friends. (many of which plead with you not to leave them!) You've sent hundreds of emails and filled out countless forms, not to mention the dreaded university preference form; which I like to think of as the sorting hat of the international office!
You apprehensively check your emails, waiting for that all important email from the international office; when one day, glistening amidst the spam; it arrives.
Dear Joe, congratulations on your acceptance to the University of Connecticut for the Fall 2013 semester! I cannot stress how quickly time has flown since I received that email.
Sharing a tiny room with a stranger...! To us brits, the thought of sharing a room at uni seems crazy. Just imagine your fresher self getting dropped off outside Rutland; walking into your room and seeing two desks, two wardrobes and one precariously constructed bunk bed! This is exactly what I saw when I first entered room 230 on the second floor of McMahon hall. It's a definite change from my cosy en suite back in first year! In spite of this, I couldn't be happier. My room mate is called Heng Wan. He is a 21 year old natural resources and environmental science major from Chongqing in mainland China. Since meeting Heng, I have learnt a lot about his culture and way of life in Chongqing. What resonates most is his fascination with the stars. Heng lives right in the centre of the city, which is continually awash with bright lights that blot out the night sky. Now he is at UConn; which is literally surrounded by trees and log cabins, he has decided to join the Astronomy society so he can gaze at the stars. I personally think that's kind of cool.
On a less poetic note, Heng is an incredibly deep sleeper. I have stumbled into the room drunk at 3am on countless occasions, and he will not wake up! Oh and he is great at helping me find my room keys! (For those of you who know me; you will appreciate how big a deal that is. So for now it seems we are getting on pretty well. I would like to think Heng would agree...!
I have now been living abroad for over two weeks, and from what I've seen so far, New England is about as English as my room mate Heng. (His joke, not mine) From the food, to teaching, to fashion; we buttoned up brits simply stand out amongst the lonely crowd. We are almost exotic, in a very strange kind of way. I guess it's only early days... My American adventure has only just begun, and there is so much yet for me to experience. I cannot wait to share it all with you guys. I have also dabbled with the idea of joining the UConn sky diving society....! Expect an epic GoPro video of that one! (#YOLO) I hope I have managed to give you a flavour of my American adventure so far. For now, here are a few pics from my weekend trip to NYC. I will tell you all about that another time.
Peace !
About me
My name is Joe Lister. I am a Politics and American Studies undergraduate from the University of Nottingham. I am a 20 years old film fanatic and television enthusiast who enjoys cooking, playing all sports; except cricket, and loves to travel. I am now writing to you from across the pond, as I sit in my little dorm room overlooking the University of Connecticut campus. In these short few paragraphs, I will try to convey to you in words how I have managed to adapt to living in a totally different country, surround by totally different people who all immediately assume you're Facebook friends with Harry Styles.
OK, so you are thinking about studying abroad? Perhaps you're friends went away for the year and you want a slice of the action. Maybe you've attended a study abroad fair, and found yourself jumping with excitement as you spoke to a group of retuning exchanges, all appropriately clad in their host University jumpers! You may have read a blog, (like this one) and wished it was you behind the keyboard, sharing stories and inspiriting strangers. Or maybe you watched Monsters University! Mike Wazowski was certainly my inspiration for studying in the USA. (Those of you who have watched the Pixar prequal should hopefully get the reference!)
After studying hard in first year, you're loaded with top grades to apply for the study abroad scheme. You've attended countless study abroad talks. You've discussed it with family and friends. (many of which plead with you not to leave them!) You've sent hundreds of emails and filled out countless forms, not to mention the dreaded university preference form; which I like to think of as the sorting hat of the international office!
You apprehensively check your emails, waiting for that all important email from the international office; when one day, glistening amidst the spam; it arrives.
Dear Joe, congratulations on your acceptance to the University of Connecticut for the Fall 2013 semester! I cannot stress how quickly time has flown since I received that email.
My halls of residence
So, that brings me back to me, sitting in my room in my halls of residence in UConn. Let me tell you a little bit about my new home; McMahon Hall. Famous for its international style dining hall, McMahon offers culinary delights from all over the world. Today, I ate nothing but sushi and noodle soup! However, if you want something a little heartier, there is normally risotto bars, freshly made omelettes and stone baked pizzas; all readily prepared by professional chefs. And if you're not in the mood to go global; there is always the good ole' American option. I'm talking hot dogs, chicken wings, burgers, grits, tacos, donuts, pancakes, peanut butter jelly sandwiches ... the list goes on. Oh, and it's ALL YOU CAN EAT! McMahon Hall is also perfectly located on campus. I am no more than five minutes away from most of my classes, and the SU, the gym and the UConn Co-op are literally around the corner. This is more than ideal as the campus is frickin' huge.Sharing a room
Sharing a tiny room with a stranger...! To us brits, the thought of sharing a room at uni seems crazy. Just imagine your fresher self getting dropped off outside Rutland; walking into your room and seeing two desks, two wardrobes and one precariously constructed bunk bed! This is exactly what I saw when I first entered room 230 on the second floor of McMahon hall. It's a definite change from my cosy en suite back in first year! In spite of this, I couldn't be happier. My room mate is called Heng Wan. He is a 21 year old natural resources and environmental science major from Chongqing in mainland China. Since meeting Heng, I have learnt a lot about his culture and way of life in Chongqing. What resonates most is his fascination with the stars. Heng lives right in the centre of the city, which is continually awash with bright lights that blot out the night sky. Now he is at UConn; which is literally surrounded by trees and log cabins, he has decided to join the Astronomy society so he can gaze at the stars. I personally think that's kind of cool. 
Classes
I won't bore you with the ins and outs of my class schedule; however I will say my classes so far have been very interesting. The thing about lectures at UConn, is that the lecturer isn't shy to point you out and make you speak. I experienced this first hand last week, when one of my politics professors picked on me to answer a question on US foreign policy. Once I started to speak, the content of my answer became quite irrelevant, as the entire lecture hall turned around to stare at the British Guy. It really is quite ridiculous how amazed the Americans are by the British accent. Look at Russell Brand. I doubt he would be such a hollywood celebrity without his strong cockney accent. Another example is Daniel Radcliffe. Of course we all love Harry Potter; but in the USA, he is more a sex symbol than a loveable wizard! So for any brits out there who feel unappreciated, come to the USA! And when they get bored of it; just tell them you're part Welsh or Irish. I have a friend who can actually speak Welsh. American's get so baffled by his native tongue that they almost freeze in shock, as if speaking to some mythical beast from Lord of the Rings!
Conclusion for now...
I have now been living abroad for over two weeks, and from what I've seen so far, New England is about as English as my room mate Heng. (His joke, not mine) From the food, to teaching, to fashion; we buttoned up brits simply stand out amongst the lonely crowd. We are almost exotic, in a very strange kind of way. I guess it's only early days... My American adventure has only just begun, and there is so much yet for me to experience. I cannot wait to share it all with you guys. I have also dabbled with the idea of joining the UConn sky diving society....! Expect an epic GoPro video of that one! (#YOLO) I hope I have managed to give you a flavour of my American adventure so far. For now, here are a few pics from my weekend trip to NYC. I will tell you all about that another time.
Peace !
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| US OPEN (it rained all day) |
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| Manhattan Bridge |
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| Times Square |
Brilliant blog post Joe! Make sure you keep up your Manchester exoticness!!! Don't go mad on the all you can eat either, all that food sounded like a heart attack! haha. Best of luck and can't wait to read more! xxx
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