Although it's not even 11am in California, it's already almost 7pm here in England. I'm currently in my new room sitting at my desk by the window, overlooking the street. As I look out the window, I see the house across the street where J.R.R. Tolkein, author of The Lord of the Rings, used to live. I was also told that our house lies on the same spot where King Richard I used to have a palace. For the next eight or nine months, I'll be living in this cozy little house in the heart of Oxford.
There are about 16 of us students who are studying English literature, philosophy and theology here at Oxford for the next year. We occupy two adjacent houses right next to the shopping district. It's a fabulous location! There are dozens of stores lining the cobble stone streets. Everything from grocery stores, pharmacies and clothing stores to movie theaters, coffee shops and restaurants. It's a whole city!
I arrived here in Oxford this past Saturday. I was immediately greeted by some of my new fellow students. There was one girl from Chicago and one boy from Seattle. They even helped me carry my 100 pound through the garden, up the outside stairs and up the inside stairs to my room. My room is lovely. I will post pictures soon, but for now, my description will have to do. It's huge and even has a lovely fireplace (which no longer works, so no chance of me catching on fire). The ceiling has beautiful white crown molding and we have a pendant light hanging from the ceiling. We have a huge window that overlooks the main street. I share the room with my friend, Maisie. She and I have been friends at our home university for the past two years and we get along great. We each have our own bed, bedside table, drawers, desk, chair and closet. We also have a nice sofa in our room. We live on the second floor, next to the kitchen (yay!) and we have our own toilet. There are four floors in our building and each has its own half bath. On the top floor, there is a full bath and sitting room.
The only issue I'm having is the cost. I worked 3 jobs this summer to save up for this year, but the exchange rate is terrible. It's about 1.6 US dollars for 1 pound. In my mind, I'm basically cutting my money in half. And though I've saved up a bit from working and my family was pretty generous in giving me some pocket money, I can't help but worry how fast I'll burn through this money. Starting Monday, the school will provide us with two meals a day, so that should help. Oh well. Even if I blow all my money this year, it would be worth it to have a fabulous time!
There are about 16 of us students who are studying English literature, philosophy and theology here at Oxford for the next year. We occupy two adjacent houses right next to the shopping district. It's a fabulous location! There are dozens of stores lining the cobble stone streets. Everything from grocery stores, pharmacies and clothing stores to movie theaters, coffee shops and restaurants. It's a whole city!
I arrived here in Oxford this past Saturday. I was immediately greeted by some of my new fellow students. There was one girl from Chicago and one boy from Seattle. They even helped me carry my 100 pound through the garden, up the outside stairs and up the inside stairs to my room. My room is lovely. I will post pictures soon, but for now, my description will have to do. It's huge and even has a lovely fireplace (which no longer works, so no chance of me catching on fire). The ceiling has beautiful white crown molding and we have a pendant light hanging from the ceiling. We have a huge window that overlooks the main street. I share the room with my friend, Maisie. She and I have been friends at our home university for the past two years and we get along great. We each have our own bed, bedside table, drawers, desk, chair and closet. We also have a nice sofa in our room. We live on the second floor, next to the kitchen (yay!) and we have our own toilet. There are four floors in our building and each has its own half bath. On the top floor, there is a full bath and sitting room.
The only issue I'm having is the cost. I worked 3 jobs this summer to save up for this year, but the exchange rate is terrible. It's about 1.6 US dollars for 1 pound. In my mind, I'm basically cutting my money in half. And though I've saved up a bit from working and my family was pretty generous in giving me some pocket money, I can't help but worry how fast I'll burn through this money. Starting Monday, the school will provide us with two meals a day, so that should help. Oh well. Even if I blow all my money this year, it would be worth it to have a fabulous time!