Hey friends,

Today marks a month since I moved into Oxford. It’s weird – I can acknowledge that it’s been a month, but at the same time, I still haven’t really comprehended that I’m here. The time has flown by, and, as all of you know, a lot has happened. I’ve been getting a lot of the same questions recently, so I figured I’d take a few minutes and answer them all here:

1. Are you experiencing culture shock?

Honestly, not really. I suppose the biggest thing I’m still getting used to are certain terms / different word pronunciations. For example, I have a hard time remembering that fancy dress = costume, and that pants = underwear in this country.

2. What’s a typical day like for you?

It honestly depends. On days where I don’t have lectures or tutorials, I spend the entire day in the library, researching and/or writing for my essays. One thing I’ve noticed here is that I study in the library a lot more. Back at Case, I loathe studying at KSL, but I pretty much live in Teddy Hall’s library at this point. I have tutorials on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and each tutorial is an hour long. I have two hours of lectures on Fridays in the Examination Schools.

3. What do you do in your spare time?

If I’m not in the library, I’m either watching British TV shows with my friends (I’m getting into University Challenge and the Apprentice), wandering around photographing Oxford (surprisingly haven’t gotten lost yet), or practicing piano and flute.

Speaking of music, I joined a wind band and an orchestra here. I’m also enjoying jam sessions with my friends on Friday nights. It’s nice to be back into music full time.

I’ve also joined MUN here, for those who were curious.

4. What’s been your favorite memory?

As unbelievably cheesy as this sounds, every day brings a new memory. However, I think the best day I’ve had here so far would have to be matriculation and the bop. Everyone was dressed up in their sub fusc during the day, and wearing silly costumes – I mean, fancy dress – in the evening. It was a day of fun and laughter and LOTS of pictures (which you can all find on Facebook).

And finally, the most important question:

5. Are you happy?

Without a doubt, yes. I’m working harder than I ever have before, but every minute of this experience has been so worth it. The people are amazing, the environment is unlike one I’ve ever been in, and I’m so excited for what the months ahead have in store for me.

Love,

Tasha

PS: Thank you to everyone who has been following this blog! I love you all 🙂