Jan 9: Welcome Drinks

The basement of the JCR. It's a pretty cool place.

SOAS Russell Square Campus

Today has been the most enjoyable day so far. First of all, I didn't have any classes so I was lucky enough to sleep in. I was able to get some housekeeping items done as well: I obtained a SOAS Library ID card, a Laundry Card, and an Oyster Car (for traveling on the tube) as well as print a few things I needed in the library, which was easy enough for me to decide not to waste money on a printer (especially because I wouldn't know what to do with it at the end of the semester).

It was also just a fun day in general, probably because it was the first day since I've been here where I wasn't running all over town worrying what I needed for my room or for classes. I hung out with Katie and few new friends (Allegra and Heling) in the SOAS Student Union Bar (aka the JCR) for lunch. It's a pretty cool place to hang out - there really isn't anything like it at Boston College. It even has an old-school jukebox.

Gotta eat 'em all

Looks like urine, but tastes great!

Since it was already 3:30pm, I didn't really feel like walking 25min back to my room only to return an hour later. I hung out around campus a little, went to Starbucks for a while with Katie and then returned at 5:30pm for "Welcome Drinks", which was a blast. It was nice to finally have an easy setting to meet other international students. There were students from all over the world, which made for some interesting conversations. I'm excited to continue to make friendships while I'm here.

Afterwards, Katie and I stopped at this cool Pub near our housing called "The Big Chill House" for an hour or so. We had a large order of nachos and some of the best sweet potato fries I've eaten in a long time (it helped that they came with some sweet chili sauce). Definitely a place to remember for the future.

Currently, I'm preparing myself for my final two classes of the week tomorrow: Violence, Identity, & Politics in Modern East and Northeast Africa and Economics of Developing Countries I , as, after attending those two, I will decide which class to drop from what I have "shopped" for this week, so I can truly begin my semester next week. It was nice to have a relaxing and fun afternoon and evening amidst all the busyness, stress, and adjustment that comes with the first week at a new school in a new country.

Tomorrow evening after class, I will be having dinner in Soho with other BC Students studying in London. I'm pretty excited for what looks to be a nice meal with some familiar faces.

Til then- Cheers!