There’s nothing like sharing a plane with Jason Derulo on your last flight en route to Glasgow. Needless to say, I love the UK already.
This week is Freshers’ Week at the University of Glasgow. It’s basically like Welcome Week back home…times a million. “Freshers” are the students who are new to the university – including first-year and study abroad students. There are so many events going on at all hours of the day! People shove flyers in your face everywhere you go, and students are dressed in crazy costumes. You go to the club fair and trade your e-mail address for free swag. You have a map in your hand, but you still get lost. You meet tons of people but forget their names by the next day. It’s like freshman year all over again.
But don’t get me wrong, it’s not a bad thing! I’m happy to say that I’ve had fun at all the events I’ve been to. On Wednesday night, I went to a pub quiz with new friends from my residence hall. I’d like to say that we didn’t win because we are international students who have limited knowledge of Scottish trivia, but the questions were just plain difficult (how am I supposed to know how many countries Russia shares a border with?). But for a £500 prize, it makes sense.
The Freshers’ Week events are put on by the two student unions here. They have their own buildings, put on tons of events throughout the year, and are completely run by students. From cafes and bars to concerts and parties, there’s always something to do. It’s also FREE to join either or both of them. Take note, colleges of America.
Amidst the craziness of my first week in Scotland, I’ve been going through the class registration process… School starts on Monday!