So. Much. Work.

So, when I moved to America I didn't really think about the studying part (even though it was the main point in me coming here), so I am somewhat overwhelmed with the amount of work I have been given already. ON DAY 2! I've already been the library and had to stay up late with an energy drink. I have a lot of readings to do... ANNOYING!

But the lectures themselves are so interesting; I'm mainly doing politics ones and I'm starting to think geography wasn't the best degree for me.. Oh well. The lecturers are really nice aswell!

Besides the actual studying I have been doing other American things... Yesterday I learnt to throw an American Football (I was not very good.. at all). But generally, I have just been hanging around the dorms and relaxing, whilst meeting new people and watching crappy American TV (like Honey Boo Boo!!)

However, the main reason for this blog is to wish Julie Wing a happy 20th birthday! There is still 15 minutes of your birthday left here in Illinois, so I will celebrate by myself... I've know Jules for 16 years now and I love her to bits. SO, Julie, Happy Birthday! Missing you lots! Wish I was in Liverpool to give you your presents and to have reminded Danielle it was your birthday today! ahahha..

Quad Day

So today was Quad day! Which is basically a day where all of the University societies have stalls on the quad for you to have a look at (a bit like a fresher's fair). As usual, I signed up for a lot of things; but the ones I think I'll attend are the Make a Wish Foundation, Amnesty, October Lovers, Badminton and maybe a couple of others... But there are so many random clubs, like underwater hockey and the hot tub club!

But the weather was so hot when we were walking around the quad, I got sunburn on my shoulders!

This afternoon we went to the Sorority Expo and looked around all of the different sororities at UIUC! But I have to admit I am super worried about Rush week; I've seen a lot of movies and heard a lot of horror stories! But, the people I met today seemed really nice so we will have to wait and see!

After this, we went to our mandatory floor meeting, where we had to do one of those cringey introductions with an interesting fact - I really hate those. But this evening was lovely; we spent the evening watching the VMA's with popcorn and salsa chips, whilst also making Ruth more nervous for starting class tomorrow! I am excited to start class, but I am nervous about all my 'discussion/recitation' classes - who knows what they are like. But I guess I will find out tomorrow after a long 9-5 day! 

Got to love an outdoor swimming pool...

The Beautiful Bousfield Hall - My Building!

Photobooth Times!!!

So, lately I have been busy going to lots of different frat parties; I can't get over the fact that you can just wonder into a frat house and drink their drinks for free! i'm quite enjoying the frat hopping! Except for the fact I am not very good at some of their games, like boom. I am, however, amazing at flip cup. I would also like to note that Ruth is slightly improving at all games involving red cups. Anyway, last night was surreal; we were literally stopped by so many people just because they could hear our British accents. Being British is going to be fun here.

What isn't fun, is spending over $400 on textbooks- 4 textbooks! I hate spending so much money on books that I probably won't ever use! Especially considering I had a hugely unsuccessful clothes shop in the local mall yesterday. Although, I was surprised by how big the mall actually was (I feel less like I live in the middle of nowhere!)

I start University on Monday, and after our Liberal Arts and Science meeting yesterday; I am taking loads of complicated subjects that are wayyyyyyy out of my comfort zone. I have 2 discussion classes, where I am going to have to comfortably talk about US history and politics. Even though its all really scary, I am excited to get everything going!

Getting used to America...

I didn't write my blog yesterday, but feel as if I should continue to write posts as an avid follower (Julie Wing) likes to read what I am getting up to...

So, during the past 2 days I have been really productive; I officially have a US bank account and health insurance. I actually signed up for rush week! Rush is like process of joining a sorority where you run around campus going to lots of frat parties to get to know people (at least thats what i think it is!) I have also been submerged into the food and drink of America; raspberry fanta and fro-yo!

Yesterday, I had a International Students social where I got to meet loads of new people from all over the world! Although I have never waited in line so long for pizza and a can on diet coke.

After the social I had the most bizzare shopping experience of my life! At about 9 a couple of people from each dorm went to this department/supermarket store on this organised coach trip. Whilst waiting for the coach, about 70 people had a completely crazy game of rock, paper, scissors- honestly, it was the weirdest thing I have ever seen- just bizarre!

When we got there, there was like club music playing (in which I had to do an ''American dance''- I've never done something so embarassing in public...). There was a cereal eating contest (how American!?) I got loads of free stuff until we left the store at about 11pm. Afterwards, me and Ruth (who I met at the US embassy in London months ago) met up with a friend we met the previous night; he introduced us to his American friends and we hung out in their dorm for a while.

Move in Day!

Today was my official move in day at UIUC! My dorm room is lovely- really modern, and looks especially nice now I have all of my home comforts scattered around! I spent this morning running around Wallmart and organising my room! I can't believe the amount of University of Illinois/Fighting Illini things they sell in shops like Wallmart! Never mind the actual University shop (where i bought a water bottle, t-shirt and keyring). This week campus is full of international students only, and us British have stuck together today! We've walked around campus, sat on the quad, been to meetings (and a disappointing BBQ) and went out for tea. A very successful first day!

But tomorrow I am saying goodbye to my Mum, Dad and Brother, which will be really sad. I'll miss them loads, but judging by the amount of time my parents spend on their apple devices, I will be in regular contact!!!

Hello Champaign!

Today has been such a hectic and long day! I've been trying to sort out things, check in, get my documents and card etc. But I have a feeling all of this organising and craziness will pay off as I really love this city; it is your typical American College town! Full of sorority houses, football fields and dorm rooms. My Dorm room is lovely! By far nicer than where I have stayed in Leeds whilst being a student; Bousfield Hall was only finished being built a matter of weeks ago, so it is really modern and clean! I'll make sure to upload pictures when I have it decorated! I'm staying with my parents in their hotel tonight as I haven't got any bedding yet, but hopefully all of that will be sorted tomorrow! I'm excited to get settled in very soon!!!

Last Day in Chicago

I woke up today to the sound of the football being turned on. Liverpool's first game of the season was on at 6.45am here, and ofcourse my Dad would not miss it... I can't believe how many Premier League games they show on NBC; more than they actually show in England!

This morning was a successful shopping morning in the local mall; I bought three dresses! Later, after another trip to the Hancock Centre bar, we made our way to Navy Pier again, where we had lunch and a few drinks.

Tomorrow I am heading to Urbana-Champaign (my University Town). It is around a 2 hour drive from downtown Chicago; my Dad has rented a car to drive down there. I am super excited to see where I am living for the next year, and to walk around campus. Although, I need to get lots sorted and organised before I can properly relax; I need to go and collect my bedding, register with Student Services, complete my medical forms etc..

I've had such an amazing time in Chicago, and I am going to miss my family lots!

Guess who's here...

Today my Mum and John arrived in Chicago, but after a short delay they did not arrive until the evening. So my Dad and I spent our day on a boat; sailing down the Chicago River and through Lake Michigan. We got some lovely photos of the Chicago skyline and actually found something out about the city we have been staying in for the past few days! Whilst on the boat, we realised that some planes were practicing for tomorrow's air and water show (which about 2 million people are expected to attend). Planes were writting out phrases in the sky using their smoke, which was really impressive. It has got me all excited for tomorrow!

This evening we took John and my Mum to Navy Pier, where we ate at Harry Caray's (a typical American Diner). But they are both really tired after a long travelling day, so it is time to sleep!

Chicago Day 3

Today was a really touritsy day! We visited Millenium Park, Grant Park and the Museum Campus! I was most impressed with Millenium Park and the big bean. Before we visited Chicago I described this big bean-shaped public art piece to my Dad, and he seemed very underwhelmed. However, I think even he was impressed by the bean, and the fun photos we were able to take of our reflections. I also thought Buckingham Fountain was pretty impressive and very pretty!

After much persuasion, my Dad reluctantly agreed to visit the Field Museum of Natural History; I say reluctantly as he was well aware it was past 12noon, and therefore, it was beer o'clock! Well, we went anyway and I thought it was quite good; much bigger than I expected. All of the stuffed/preserved animals were very much like the ones they have in Liverpool's Natural History Museum. Yet, they had many more exhibitions and 3D shows. Not to mention a whole section on tectonic plates (which I gave my Dad a lesson about).

This evening I watched as my dad wolfed down a huge steak, whilst I had the 'best burger in the USA' (a bit of a bold claim). All of this eating took place after we had watched a bit of the Chicago Bears game; I really think I am starting to get the hang of understanding American Football!

Day 2 in Chicago

Today was a busy day! It involved a river boat cruise where we could see all the skyscraper buildings throughout the city. We ended up getting off the boat at Chinatown, and although at first it had looked as if we had just wondered into a random neighbourhood, we actually found a really nice square. Here, we had an authentic chinese lunch... A LOT OF FOOD. Me and my dad struggled to even eat half of it, but it was nice! This afternoon we strolled through Magnificant Mile, stopping off at a couple of shops and a few sites. I finally got an American cell phone- exciting! Although I only have one contact at the moment! We visited the famous Chicago theatre as well as the Water Tower. But the most important site today was the John Hancock Centre. My dad worked out that it cost over $20 each to get to the observatory deck, but it was free admission to the bar just one floor below... So ofcourse we went to the bar and had a drink overlooking the beautiful lake and many buildings. This evening was fairly laid back; we went to a typical American sports bar, where my dad attempted to teach me the rules of American football.

Overall, a hugely successful (and a little bit tiring) day!

Chicago! Day One...

So I'm writing this post at 9.40pm in Chicago, trying to not fall asleep as it is nearly 4am back home in England (I am forcing myself to get used to the time difference!). I've been up for 22 hours straight, but I have had such a good day! Besides the 8 hour flight... which wasn't actually THAT bad, it was only when we landed that the travelling became stressful! Chicago O'Hare is massive! And to get into the city centre we had to get a tram, a train, then a taxi... Complicated!

As soon as we got checked into our hotel we headed out towards Navy Pier, which was (as expected) lovely. We strolled around and got some nice photos by the lake, and my Dad made a couple of beer stops compulsory. However, I had to put up with numerous diet coke's instead of nice frozen margarita's from margaritaville. For tea, we decided to go to Bubba Gumps (although I am yet to watch Forest Gump...) which was lovely! I got my first souvenir glass of the holiday, which is always a bonus!

We finished the day by sitting at our hotel bar; on the 29th floor of the building. Our drinking time coincided with the sunsetting and some subsequently beautiful photos! We could see loads of skyscrapers across the city; including the Hancock centre (in which we hope to visit tomorrow!)

What an amazing first day in Illinois!!!