Moving In

My room is a small single but it really is a decent size, especially for me as an international student. I won't have a lot of things to fill it with anyway. For those familiar with PhilaU housing, it's about the age of the interiors of IP, yet not quite as grungey. Only PhilaU students might understand the joy of finding fixed lighting, working light switches and a plethora of electrical outlets! It's the simple things. ;) I even have my own bathroom, shower and all! This building used to be used as a hotel so it's expected.

These pics are actually from Monday when I was completely settled in.  I don't have any desk drawers so organizing school stuff is going to be tricky.

I met a few girls that live in my building after I got mostly settled. A lot of photo and architecture majors. I just can't escape those architecture majors! :P They also introduced themselves as nerds so I think I'll fit right in. ;) I asked where I could get some food and they gave me directions to two local grocery stores. I was starving despite eating everything they offered me on the plane. The jetlag and pure exhaustion I felt had taken a toll on my appetite but I still felt I should have something. I have a nice sized mini fridge in my room with a small freezer and then downstairs in the house we have a full communal kitchen.

So after looking up a map on Google, I headed to the nearest grocery store, Tesco. It was literally just down the hill in front of my building, very easy. I found it with no problem. The problem was inside! It wasn't terribly different from a store back home, it's just I'm not really a good shopper anyway. Grocery stores in particular I find overwhelming. SO MUCH FOOD! SO MUCH STUFF! So I just wandered around a bit trying to get a hang of the place (trying not to get in people's way as I did this). When I grabbed some simple stuff I went to check out. The line was pretty long at the main register so I actually did self check out. Not much of a problem until I tried to pay. You don't swipe your card but just stick it in pin pad sideways (portrait orientation). I couldn't figure it out. After turning it a couple different ways I gave up because I didn't want to hold up the line. I ended up just paying cash. I'm trying to conserve my cash for when I HAVE to use cash because my debit card doesn't have any fee for purchases abroad but it does when using it in a ATM. Next time I think I'll just go to the register. 

When I came back I skyped a bit with my family and finally, FINALLY, FINALLY got to sleep!

My makeshift sheets: 2 scarves and a beach towel :)
Something to find on Sunday.