It’s hard to believe we have been here for almost 48 hours!
The past couple of days were exciting, but also draining. After much anticipation, I was happy to finally boarding the plane on Saturday evening. However, never having flown overnight before, I was nervous. The flight wasn’t full, though, so our journey over wasn’t too bad. I managed to sleep quite a bit and spirits were high when we arrived in London!
Arriving at St Clares was rewarding after 12 hours of traveling, but the crew was exhausted. Fortunately, we had about an hour to recouperate in our apartments before heading off on a walking tour of Oxford.
I’d continue to give you a play-by-play, but I have Lewis Carroll to read and then I’m heading to bed. So here’s a list of ten tips I’d give to a future Oxford study abroad student after my first day.
1.Ignore the extra fees and just bring pounds. When/If your card is declined and your extra card isn’t working (despite contacting bank before your departure), you don’t want to be without cash.
2. Packing odd items like a wash cloth, folding mirror, tupperware and a jar of peanut butter may seem ridiculous and unnecessary, but they make life easier once you get here.
3. Get a SIM card and Bus Pass online before you come, just trust me.
4. Steer clear of the grocery stores in Oxford Center at dinner time on a Sundays. You have honestly never seen such a mob.
5. Studying and going abroad each present benefits and struggles, remember that you aren’t just traveling, but also going to classes. However, having professors that are experiencing everything you are makes all the difference.
6. If you get the chance to go to the top of the University of Oxford Church lookout, even though the stone, spiral staircase is extremely claustrophobic and slippery, you must go. The view of the Radcliffe Camera and Oxford Center is amazing!
7. If you’re climbing said staircase in the rain, in a skirt, be cautious of slipping and accidentally flashing fellow tourists.
8. Passionfruit greek yogurt has seeds in it. Large, black seeds. Avoid. (Potentially not just an England thing)
9. If you’re riding the bus on a rainy day, the second level will be foggy- if you don’t know where you’re going, stick to the bottom level.
10. Familiarize yourself with the exchange rate and possibly create a chart to prevent confusion. It seems closer than it is, which can cause problems.
Okay. Headed to bed. Goodnight!
A Gray Takes Europe 
Hi Abby! I hope you have gotten over the fact that Passion fruit has black seeds. If you think that grocery store hours are too short on Sundays in the UK, brace yourself: In Italy many stores are closed on a Sunday. In fact, in Germany all stores are closed except for few exceptions and eight special Sundays a year. Have you not run into any problems with those hideous British power outlets and antiquated faucets that provide freezing cold water on one side of the sink and boiling hot water on the opposite side, not to mention windows that are far from soundproof? Good to hear that you are heaving an interesting and fun time despite the occasional challenge. I’ll be looking to find more about your trip! Btw: Are the dates wrong or have you really been in England for two weeks by now?
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I hope you have a great time in England!!
Thanks for the helpful tips
Cassie
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