First Week of Classes

It’s come and gone and I’ve survived my first week of classes here in England! I must say that the set-up is very much different here compared to the US, but I’ve found it’s almost better. The classes (or modules) do tend to be four hours long, but they’re generally split into a 1-2 hour larger lecture with a two hour smaller seminar group to discuss the key elements glossed over in the larger group. All in all, I really enjoy the set-up and the classes don’t seem nearly as long once you start.

On top of classes I’ve finally found my footing here in Ormskirk itself. It’s definitely a smaller town, but since there’s a University it seems to support itself quite well. The center of town is only a 10-15 minute walk away from campus and if it’s raining or you don’t feel like walking there’s a free bus that runs to town every 15 minutes. There are about four main roads that contain many clothing shops, coffee houses, drug stores, etc. that fill really most any of your needs while away from home. The only difference between here and the US is the early closing times and the tendency to not be open on the weekends. This really isn’t too much of an inconvenience in the end though because it’s easy enough to pop into town after a morning class to get anything you really need.

I also took a trip to Liverpool this week. It’s not that far from Ormskirk and they have a large assortment of shops, restaurants, and street performers to keep anyone entertained for hours. We discovered Primark (a cheap clothing shop) and let me tell you, it’s next to impossible to walk out of that store with nothing in your hands. Four floors of clothes, accessories, and shoes would make any wallet weep.  

We also explored the street where The Beatles frequented and played before they ever really ‘made it’ and it was amazing to see the great prevalence they still have everywhere you turn here. I’ve also heard that there’s a church somewhere around the area that was bombed during WWII that stands as a homage to the people lost. I’m looking forward to returning in order to see more of the history of the city!

Overall it’s been a great first week of class and I look forward to the rest of the semester.The weather has been absolutely gorgeous and I fear for the day when the rain starts and doesn't stop!