Settling In: 3-6 Jan

Our first day on campus was largely spent in the Devere Hall in the Aras na mac Leinn, or Student Centre. Our time was filled with a series of information sessions. We learned about the various classes offered, how to register with immigration, he best way to get involved through clubs, societies, and the chaplaincy. We also had a quick tour of campus and a short lunch with some of the Irish students. We were dismissed for the day with an open invitation to the pub (and free pizza) that evening. So of course, more students showed up than was expected and a change of plans was made. After two or three pubs, all of which were closed, we finallly found ourselves at an establishment that was barely large enough to fit everyone. Many people were standing, and those who were sitting were crowded. Despite the crowd, though, it was a good time. We all met students from around the world, mostly from the northeast US.

Saturday was a good day for relaxing. After having our heads filled with so many things to do, it was nice to have a break and maybe get some of them done. I took the time to make a preliminary class schedule and examine the various clubs and societies. My interest was peaked by the parachute club and the Simon community society, which does volunteering and community service. Classes were much more difficult to decide on. The first week of classes is referred to as "shopping week". Basically, registration doesn't have to be finished until the first week of classes is over, and so the purpose of going to class is to decided if it is a topic that is interesting. Some of the classes I had been planning on taking were not available anymore, so I got to pick almost all new ones, including the Rise and Fall of Athens, Management of Public Health Systems, Religions of East Asia, Introduction to Modern Irish, Step Dancing (Old Style), Democracy and Citizenship, and Choir. My schedule looks very exciting this semester. So essentially, the entire day was spent whittling down the to do list created by orientation.

Sunday was started with mass at the Honan Chapel on campus. It was interesting to experience the Irish service because there are elements that are practiced universally by the Catholic Church, but there are some points which are flexible. Again, the day was filled with relaxation and letting our bodies recoup from the jet-lag. After dinner, some of us sat down and began talking about where we wanted to travel. It was fun to talk about, but intimidating to know that soon we would have to act on these imaginings and make solid plans. But, we made a good start and have some general ideas from which to work. The only downside to the weekend was the onset of a nasty cold. I have a terrible sounding cough and a dreadfully runny nose. Probably a combination of allergies and really moist air.