Welcome to the University of Wollongong!

Today, we were bussed from our orientation spot in Sydney to The University of Wollongong. It was a long trip and I was so relieved when I finally arrived. I have been living out of a suitcase for a week and I was so excited to finally get settled into my room. I bought my bedding and an internet cord and plan from the college and organized my room all afternoon. I made my bed, put all my things away, and set up my much needed internet and skype!! After we were all settled, Kay and I ventured to the bus stop and into the city of Wollongong. There is a free shuttle that will take us to classes and all around Wollongong, so we caught the shuttle into town. We were starving and needed some basic essentials that we couldn't bring from home. We walked up and down the strip of stores and restaurants and couldn't find anything but Thai, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese food. We settled for a small Thai restaurant and I made the best of some rice, chicken and veggies (NO SOY SAUCE!!). Then, we went to Woolworths and bought our essentials and then hit up the liquor (spirits) store. I bought alcohol for the first time...very exciting!! Then, arms full, we waited for the bus and loaded on all of our stuff. By the time we reached campus, our arms were breaking!! I forgot how much of a luxury it was to have my own car and my own wireless internet etc. It is a really helpless feeling to have to rely on other people to get around and make things happen. But, in the end, when I arrived back in my dorm room, I felt so empowered! We had managed to maneuver our way into the city, buy the things we needed, and make it back all in one piece! It was such a great feeling...I felt as though I could do anything!! When we got back, I unpacked all of my things, finished organizing my room, and took a shower. Then, we called a cab and headed out to explore the night life in Wollongong. We went to a few different bars and danced and met some nice Australians, but the atmosphere was much different than the U.S. Everyone was VERY dressed up!! They all looked like they were going to the prom in high heeled shoes and very fancy dresses; the men mostly wore suits and dress shoes. At the end of the night we called a cab and it brought us back to our dorm. It was a lot of fun to get out and explore a new city and meet new people!! It was a really interesting day and I am so glad that I finally got to move in and get settled. I skyped with my parents and grandpa for the first time tonight. It was so nice to hear their voice and see their faces!! I'm missin everyone at home!!