Pictures of campus

Above and Below are pictures of the main social outside area on Campus

Flag in the center of campus

My Hall Pacelli

Dolan Science center

John Carroll Tower

One of my favourite pretty spots on campus

New Student Orientation

Hey!

So, I have just finished a full on 2 day new student orientation. Honestly, some of it was kind of boring but it makes sense why we had to do it I guess. So had loads of talks about how college was going to be like, the typical drinking, sex talk, but that's pretty normal. Having said that I've met some amazing people! It's so nice knowing I have loads of people that are similar to me. And it's hard to feel like you don't know anyone that's the same, which is great :) Having said that I do miss the people back home - apart from anything else it means that I don't have to repeatedly saying things which are "cool in a British accent". I feel like Mary Poppins. Just get them to do Tongue Twisters, it's amusing for all!
Today we got our schedules though, which is neat because its so nice to know what I'm doing and what is going to happen, definitely calms me down a lot. I'm doing Biology, English, communications, leadership development, Spanish, first year seminar and a purpose and place course. I'm not so sure about the purpose and place module so I'm going to try it out for the first week and then if I don't like it drop it because we can drop classes without any problems in the first week. So all together I'm doing a ridiculous 17 credits, another reason purpose and place might be one credit too many. Normally freshman only do 15-16 credits.
Socially though, it's been great! I can't wait to start living with my new roommate tomorrow (I went to boarding school when I was younger so for me that will be fine). Tomorrow when we finally have our room together I will see about posting some photos up for everyone to see as well. The only thing thats annoying is that we dont have a kitchen. i mean i have a fridge and a microwave in my room but would still be nice to have a kitchen for more cooking. Miss making cakes!!!!! I've met people from other residence halls too though and it's so good to meet people from so many different backgrounds. I've already had some great fun and met some people I can see being great friends for a really long time.
From now until Saturday is Streak Week at JCU and that's going to be fun too, it's basically a social time to get to know other Freshmen and our way around campus. Having been here since about the 23rd I feel like I know my way around an OK amount but I'm still not sure about classrooms... But I will learn.

I will say though that although we are very similar countries it can still be a bit of a Culture Shock, more than I think people on both sides realize. It's odd, it's like we are so similar in most things but the tiny things we are different in make a huge impact. They are things which we just wouldn't think of in day to day life!

By the way, one thing I should probably mention is that I don't actually know what I want to do with my life, which is fine and part of the reason that I came to the USA, it's good to know that it's fine to not know. I'm ready to explore and the liberal arts system helps with that. So I've so far had a thought of Teaching, Health Professions, Biology something, Radio, Flying planes or Helicopters. So yer, hopefully that shows that I'm pretty unsure and need a bit of guidance. That's why American Universities are better, in my view, than British ones, because you get the ability to explore!

TTFN

Intro/first bit

Hello, my name is Jenny and I have just got to the USA to go to University at John Carroll University, Cleveland, Ohio. I have just finished the first part of International orientation and am getting settled. My room is finally sorted and thankfully feels like a home a bit. Should have remembered to bring more homely things but Target is the best for things you need.
I wanted to start this blog for everyone who is thinking of going to the USA for uni. I come from the UK, so it's probably the most useful for people from the UK.
Anyway, so far so good. Cleveland is a great city and the transportation here is really good. Having said that its still a bit of a Culture Shock moving into the USA. There are a lot of things that are slightly different and that can be a little overwhelming at first. But if you end up going, then just talk to as many people as possible, having friends and keeping busy is the best thing you can do.
Also, I have an American roommate, that's useful because she has brought all the big things which saves me money and is super helpful, if you can do that then do. As if you go anywhere, saving money at uni anyway you can is the best thing to do. It may take some time searching for cheap deals but still a good idea. Just be proactive!!!!