Two weeks into my semester here at UEA and my flatmates and I are starting to feel like family. This, I believe, is just a natural occurrence, as we all live under the same roof and see many aspects of each other’s lives we would otherwise not see if we were simply classmates. When I first arrived, however, I was unsure of whether or not I would get along with them. I am a rather awkward person in social situations and I find most times that it takes a while for me to feel comfortable with new people. I’ve discovered while here, however, that living with people who are all just as interested in being a good flatmate as I am makes overcoming my awkwardness much easier. We actually tend to spend a lot of time together in and out of the flat; in just our first week together, went to the pub on campus in our pajamas! (The LCR, which is where many of the school’s main events and parties happen, hosts a different-themed party every Tuesday night. “Queue up,” or get in line early though, as it is a very popular event!) We’ve also had our first makeshift movie night together (Dunkirk: a beautiful film that highlights the strong spirit of England in the face of defeat), and plan on many more to come!
The most important part to having fun and feeling comfortable with my peers has been letting go of expectations and insecurities. It sounds much easier than it actually is, but you will probably find that being away from home, especially for a period of time as long as an entire semester, will force you to realize this and actively practice it. Always, however, make sure that you’re comfortable in whatever you’re doing. It’s perfectly fine if you want to stay in while the rest of your friends want to go out. Always strive to be mindful of your budget; spending too much money on events and drinks every week may hinder the possibility of trips outside of your campus and city. Especially if you decide to study in England, which I hope you do, remember that everything the country has to offer is just a train or bus ride away. Make sure you’ve got the funds necessary to take in as much of this beautiful country as you can throughout your stay!
Yes, being in an English speaking country, I don’t feel too alienated. The fact remains though that England is very different in many ways from America. First of all, this country is old. Really old. Walking in town together, one of my flatmates noted that the structure you see below is probably older than my country.
Second, there’s an indescribable feeling that you get when you’re in a certain place–home feels like home, school feels like school, and so on. Certain places tend to make us feel a very specific kind of way. The feeling I associated with England before actually being here was based on how other places made me feel. The truth is that England has its own unique feeling from any other place I’ve been, and all the photographs and videos in the world couldn’t replicate the feeling of actually being here and experiencing it firsthand. With this unique and new though feeling also comes the slight fear of the unknown; I guess this is me finally feeling homesick, as I’m currently bombarded by reminders of home on Facebook as the Eagles prepare to go to the Super Bowl. The kindness of my peers, the warm beauty of Norwich, and a chance meeting in an Aldi’s, remind me that I’m exactly where I want–and need–to be.
