My first week of studying in Oxford has undoubtedly been a difficult week. The heatwave in the United Kingdom has been much harder to handle than I predicted. Trying to navigate public transportation for the first time has been an anxiety-inducing task. Other small inconveniences and annoyances have led to my study abroad experience having a rocky start.
Fortunately, it is not all doom and gloom. I have had the chance to meet some awesome people, fellow students at UA. I’ve become good friends with peers who I may have never met if it were not for this trip.
And what’s a study abroad trip without some studying? For UA in Oxford, we’re able to take six credit hours, and my two classes have been phenomenal. The professors are passionate about the subjects they teach, and my peers are equally excited to engage in class. I can confidently say that this has been the most fun class experience I’ve had in a long time.
Through the highs and lows of the week, one event in particular made it all worth it. On Friday night, two of my friends and I visited His Majesty’s Theatre in London to watch The Phantom of the Opera. The set pieces were phenomenal. The performances were beautiful. And the music was heart-wrenching. Entering the theatre in the afternoon, I felt I just wanted to go home. But leaving the theatre in the evening, I couldn’t be more grateful for this experience.
All this to say, if you are currently planning for a study abroad trip, I would highly recommend planning an event or activity for yourself and a few friends for the first week or so of your trip. Honestly, the first week has been the absolute hardest week. But having this weekend on such a high note truly changed my mindset for the remainder of my time abroad.
