Orientation

Wednesday was the easiest day of the whole orientation process so far--which is not at all what I expected. I thought that it was going to be long, boring, and pointless. It was actually really fun, relatively fast, and well organized! The organization made it enjoyable for everyone. There was a lot of free time to continue decorating rooms, getting acquainted with classroom locations, and how to open your mailbox (which I have yet to do). Thursday, on the other hand, was a different story entirely. 

Having a Gateways class (though it wasn't truly that bad) from 8:00am - 3:15pm is a little unbearable. None of us really knew what to wear: if to dress nice/appropriately (what does that really mean anyway?) or to just dress comfortably. Some people showed up in super fancy dresses and heels, other in t-shirts and shorts. Long story short, I'm glad that tomorrows Gateways session is only 4 hours--which still sounds uber long.

Overall, I've had a really great time so far! The volleyball game/step thingy was really awesome! I can definitely see myself getting used to finally living a life of fun =)

Move-in Day

ABSOLUTE CHAOS! (Actually, it really wasn't that bad.)

I got to the university around 12:30 pm, and decided that since it was far too early to start moving things into my room, it would be the perfect time to scope out my classrooms. I'm really glad that I got that out of the way in the very beginning, because it was always my fear that I wouldn't know where my classes are located. So anyway, I killed time with my family, wandering around and finally lounging downstairs of Stadium until that long-awaited 2:00, which is when things became crazy.

There were cars lined up all around from the Cass Building to the Thomas Parking Garage waiting for their turn to pull infront of Stadium and dump their loads--I waited in this line for an hour and a half. Once I got inside my room with my belongings, I had about an hour to unpack, set up, organize, etc. This was not nearly enough time... The positive side of things? I met my suitemate, Amanda!

But I'm excited for the beginning of orientation tomorrow, and I will have pictures to share! See you tomorrow everyone! =)

Shopping List

Everyone knows that moving off to college means that you must spend a few bucks to make your new room feel comfortable - but I guess it never really hit me until that first shopping trip. It truly feels like you're buying a brand new life. You're going to be living here for a while, so the major goal of your room-shopping is to make your room comfortable.

But who really thinks about the little things (tape, pencil sharpener, light bulbs, etc.) that are so essential? Sounds like it could get expensive, too. Probably one of the hardest things about having to buy everything for your room is to not go over your budget. I've found that for basic school supplies, the place to stock up at is Target...NOT Wal-Mart!

So anyway, here are a few lists that I've put together of things to remember when shopping for the space where you'll be spending the next 4 years of your life :)

DON'T FORGET (& can be easily overlooked)

• medicine/first aid kit - cough drops, prescriptions, aspirin, etc.
• laundry detergent/fabric softener
• school supplies - pens, pencils/sharpener, white-out, tape, stapler & staples, paper clips, notebooks, etc.
• printer paper (if you bring a printer) & ink
• umbrella (I never remembered to bring an umbrella to school until it was already raining - very unfortunate..)

DECORATIONS

• pillows! (I'm bringing a firm & a soft pillow)
• a plant - it'll be something you can take care of easily, and make the room feel comfy :)
• mirrors - a full length one would probably be best!
• comforter w/ contrasting sheets - probably the quickest/easiest way to make a room cheerful

DISCUSS WITH ROOM/SUITEMATES

• shower/room curtains
• rugs/anything decorative
• any extra furniture
• aquariums - remember, fish cannot be stored at the school over breaks
• over-the-door style hangers (normally for shoes)
• appliances

I hope that this has helped at least a little! It can get very stressful, but overall I find the shopping to be exciting :) and that's NOT just because I'm a girl!

If there's any other essential stuff that you shouldn't forget (that I did, haha) just write it below in a comment!

The First Week

I left the U.S. Virgin Islands on August 14th and headed to Florida. Already I'm realizing how much my life is about to change - hopefully for the better! But there have been some things that still will take some adjusting to. Certain things are completely different here in the states! Here are just a few examples:

1. Driving on the right-hand side of the road.

Well, we drive on the left back home (St. Croix), so every time my dad gets onto a street here, I think "you're on the wrong side of the road!" It can get very confusing, which is why I won't be driving in Florida for a while.

2. Sales tax.

If a pair of shoes was priced at $19.99, I would be able to pay for them with a $20 bill and be gone. But in the states, that's not the case! That might be one of the hardest things that I'll have to get used to. Not so much because its a few extra dollars, but because it would make me question things - like "wait a minute, I thought that was only $5.00 - not $5.35? Ohhh yeah, tax." It's alright though, I'll figure it out sooner or later!

3. The cost of food.

Now this might seem like an insignificant topic, but I promise it isn't. I never really realized how expensive food was back home compared to here! (Example: Yoplait Whips! yogurt is $0.58 in Wal-Mart, but $1.19 where I'm from). This could be the start of the well-known *Freshman 15*, so it's a good thing that UT has a gym!

Those are just some major differences that come to me instantly. Overall, I'm extremely ready for change, and a chance at a new life in Tampa! Are you ready to make these years the best of our lives?