Wow, i must say, it is very easy to think of doing something. But when it is time to actually do it, that's when the panic attack kicks in. Okay....big breaths......
Well, for my very first blog (like ever!), i want to talk about my experience while studying in the United Kingdom (UK). It started in the month of September, 2012; i had to bid my family and friends farewell and come to school in the UK. Just the thought of coming to England was exciting, i just couldn't wait. My first week here was easy because my sister took me around the new school and showed me the shopping malls and grocery stores. But unfortunately, i do not have a photographic memory, so yes, i did get lost way too many times when she left me on my own.
Culture
English people really respect time. It was one of my biggest shocks, probably because in Uganda, its not taken that seriously. If you make an appointment with a Ugandan scheduled for 8:00 am, it is assumed that this appointment will start at least 30 minutes or an hour later. However, in England, this means you have to be present at least fifteen minutes before 8:00 am because arriving at 8 or one minute after is being late and therefore very rude. I must say, i missed the bus and got stuck in the snow several times for all of this to properly sink in. I have never once been late again.
School
School here is very different from that in Uganda. The only time i used the internet in Uganda was to Facebook and do some very basic research. Most of my school work was done in the library, using actual books, journals and news papers. However, in the UK, everything had to be done using the internet, including lecture notes and announcements. I commend this because it is very timely and cost effective since there was no need to buy handouts (printed lecture notes).
Weather
The weather kept getting colder and colder by the day. My University is based in the North of England, and apparently that is one of the coldest parts. When i look back at the times i used to complain about the cold in Uganda, it makes me laugh. I have learned how to read the weather forecast before i go out, something i had never done before. This is because, sometimes, you might put on way too many sweaters (layer up), and the sun will shine all day. The sweating will then make you very uncomfortable forcing you to take off some of the clothes you are wearing and carry them around all day.
Social life
There are less outdoor bars than those in Uganda. I believe this is because of the cold weather conditions that always seem to spoil the fun. I usually enjoyed house parties with friends because then we were able to play music that appealed to students from all parts of the world. The clubs did play good music, but most cases, it did not appeal to the international students.
I have enjoyed my experience in the UK, even with all the challenges that have come along with it. Its probably because it has a different lifestyle from that of Uganda, but once you get the hang of it, its amazing. I wouldn't have done anything differently.
Ta.....