Orientation--Ahh! I Feel Like a Freshman!

Greetings again from Cork. Today was our first day being ushered into life at University College Cork. We started orientation this morning at 9:45. Bombarded with information, we spent most of the morning going over academic things to know: how to register for modules (classes), how to enroll as a student so that we can get ID cards, and what our first week is going to be like. UCC does things a little differently than St. Ben's. Each of us has until January 14th to go to whatever classes we want and then pick the ones that we actually want to take. Since I have some generals to fill over here this semester, I don't think I'll deviate too far from what I planned on taking. That being said, the following are classes I'm planning on taking: Group Processes, Celtic Religion and Mythology, Aspects of Irish Folklore, European Art and Architecture, and Introduction to Gaelic. This week willl be the real test on whether or not I like any of them.

After an information filled morning, each of us was guided to the Boole library basement, where we officially registered as students for the coming semester. It took only about 10 minutes, but with a couple hundred international students to usher through, it was a little bit of chaos. The university has so many more students than I was expecting! I knew it was big, but you can really tell that it's not anywhere near the size of St. Ben's. A little intimidating, but after a while I hope to see some familiar faces...

A couple of us girls from St. Ben's picked up lunch at the cafeteria. I don't plan on eating there a ton, but it seemed like a good place to go every once and a while. Orientation finished with another afternoon of speakers, including some UCC students. It was nice to actually meet some of the students. The campus there is absolutely beautiful. It's a nice twist of traditional and modern style buildings. While walking back to campus this evening, Megan commented that she felt like she was in a castle. One of the other St. Ben's girls also commented on the "Hogwarts-like" quality of the quad. I'll definitely be sure and take pictures and post them sometime soon!

After our long day of information, Megan and I decided to go to the Iona house for a wine and cheese party. The Iona society is similar to campus ministry. We thought we would go meet some people. It was a good time, probably a group that I will stay involved with. They are having a heritage walk around Cork with a history professor this weekend, that we will probably attend as well. It was great talking one on one to some Irish students too. For instance, I found out that "quay" is not pronounced exactly how it looks. You're supposed to say it like "key" instead. Also, they were amazed at the idea that a biology major, such as myself, could be taking English classes over here for a semester. At Cork, most students finish their degrees in 3 years. In fact, one of the students who spoke at orientation this afternoon graduated with a law degree and he was only 21! They usually take only the classes that are relevant to their major.

More good news--the luggage is supposed to arrive within the next half-hour! Hoorah! Now I finally have more clothes and contacts to wear! That's all for now. Love and miss everyone!