Yesterday, I arrived in Manchester. A new city. A new country. A new continent. After receiving my Short-Term student visa stamp at the airport’s immigration gates, I grabbed my luggage and sat in awe as I waited for my cab. I kept thinking, “I made it, at last!” When my cab arrived, I hopped in and spent the duration of the ride gazing out the window, watching the sun illuminate the city’s buildings as it rose in the sky. Except for driving on the left side of the road, the city’s structure seemed quite similar to that of an American metropolis.
I was dropped off at the University of Manchester’s Visitor Center and grabbed a campus map, knowing that I would surely need it. The Accommodation Office was in sight and once I arrived, I received my keys…more keys that I expected actually. I had to use a “fob” to enter my housing’s campus (an attachment with my set of keys that opened the gate when pressed). I had to use a key to enter my hall (dorm building), another key to enter my flat (similar to a suite), and finally a key to enter my room (*major key*).
By this time, it was already after 9:30AM and my Orientation had begun. Although I knew I’d be late, I was able to quickly walk to its location since I passed by it during my cab ride. I confidently walked into the building with a smile on my face and kindly asked the receptionist to point me in the direction of the room. She informed me that I was in the wrong wing and had to cross the street to the opposite wing. I thanked her and as I walked away from the desk I thought, “Well, I’m already late so no need to run.” When I arrived at Orientation, I realized I hadn’t missed much.
During the next five hours, I became familiar with the academic expectations, went on a short campus tour, and became acquainted with my fellow Exchange students. I rejoiced after learning that I have mutual friends with three of the other students (two from Cornell and one from NC)!
Once Orientation ended, I was blessed with the news that a grocery store was only a three-minute walk away from my dorm! After taking a much needed nap, I picked up some food and returned to my room, eating and unpacking the night away. I chatted with my family members back home and gave them all the details of my arrival and first day. Before midnight came, I succumbed to my jet lag. Needing some peace and quiet, I fell asleep after my pleasantly fulfilling first day in Manchester.
Tea With Kea 