Top 10

I have been debating over what to do our last blog post on for a few days now. I have reflected over the good, the bad and the just plain ugly. After careful consideration and much time cooped up in this little library of ours, I have decided to comprise a Top 10 List. The following Top 10 things consist of tips and tricks I would recommend future Oxford hopefuls look into both prior to coming and while they are here. I wish someone had told me this stuff, I know we had an information session with a Q&A session, but come on who really remembers much? UGA should create some sort of pamphlet written for the students BY the students. Just to help people know what's up. So, my personal list goes as follow:

1. When packing, keep in mind that you are not going on a cruise through the Mediterranean. Bringing sun dresses and six pairs of shorts is retarded when 85% of the time it is overcast and extremely chilly. Bring more than one pair of jeans because I felt like a homeless person. Sweaters, sweatshirts and cardigans are a must. Otherwise you will spend your first week wandering the streets of Oxford looking for anything to keep you warm.

2. Don't buy the Brit Rail. Its pointless. In the grand scheme of things, I probably only used it about 6 times, 2 of which they did not even mark my ticket. It's a great idea in theory, but realistically you probably won't be traveling around the U.K enough to use up 10 slots. I feel like it would have been cheaper to buy my train tickets individually.

3. YOU HAVE TO GO TO THE COVERED MARKET. YOU MUUUUSST. For further information and explanation, read Blaine's blog.

4. Mentally prepare yourself and just accept the fact that you are never going to sleep. Sleep has become a distant concept for all of us here and when we actually get those 5+ hours, it will be extremely rewarding. Sleep when you're dead, right?

5. Utilize all the resources available to you: libraries, teachers, e-mail, friends/peers and even graduate assistants. Everyone has extremely valuable advice.

6. When you are feeling really stressed out and are contemplating jumping out of a window, put everything away and grab a friend. Then proceed to go to the friendliest pub of your preference and have a glass of wine/pimms/cider/whatever suits your fancy and forget your troubles just for one night. The U.K's age limit makes it easier to unwind and enjoy the benefits of being over 18 but not quite 21.

7. Embrace tea time. I have found tea to be a wonderful replacement for a Dr. Pepper and its effects are extremely relaxing. I'm bringing tea time back to the states.

8. If you are extremely concerned about sunshine, bring self tanner. Oxford is not the go-to place for a tan. Just embrace being pale and get over the weather.

9. Just go ahead and have a good cry. It's a cathartic release at 2 AM and will make you feel insanely better about things. Give yourself 15 minutes and then pick up and keep going. 15 minutes is enough time to call someone, cry, keep the long distance bill to a minimum and then get over it.

10. Most importantly, enjoy yourself. Travel on the weekends as much as you can and temporarily forget about your project due Monday morning or the two 8-10 page papers due back to back. You are only in Europe once, enjoy every second of it.

I have truly had a wonderful time, despite temporary lapses in sanity. I am grateful my parents presented me with an opportunity to expand my education beyond American borders. I know when we leave here on Friday it will be a bitter sweet goodbye. As much as part of me is ready to get the heck outta here and enjoy some Chick-Fill-A, another part of me is sad that this once in a life time opportunity is completely over with. It's been real, thanks guys.