2 weeks doing it the American way

After being in California for two weeks, I only now have the time to sit and write. I already feel like I've lived here for months and everyday has been packed with adventures and new experiences. I knew life would change but I didn't quite realise how different the USA would be. The first thing that hit me was how big everything was, (I know this is well known) but you don't actually realise just how massive the roads, car parks and pretty much everything is, including the food! The language difference is also another aspect I have had to get used to, American English feels like a foreign language sometimes. But people keep saying that I don't even sound English and that I could pass as an American which is strange. My first week was very busy; in short I moved into my "dorms", met many new people from all over the world, explored the campus, ate A LOT, went to the beach, went to the mall, joined the University gym (which is also massive), went to the pool and went to Target many many times. It was a fun and exciting week, the best part being getting to know so many new people and this was before the term had even started. I had international orientation on the Tuesday, but apart from that we were left to our own devices, so we explored the area and picked up new people to add to our group along the way.

Campus - My dorm room:

The Student Union pool:

The Walter Pyramid:

Relaxing by the pool:

Exploring the area - Candy Store on 2nd Street: 

Seal Beach:

Lifeguard station, Long Beach: 

Long Beach sunset:

On Saturday 24th, CSULB changed completely when the American students arrived. Suddenly there were people and cars everywhere and my hall that had previously been empty became full. That night a week of events was kicked off by a game night arranged by the RA's (Residential Assistants). This night made me realise the big difference between American and English University life. Having to be 21 to drink really does seem to impact the social activities that Americans take part in. In England we have Freshers Week, which is basically a week of drinking and partying, here they start classes two days after moving in and the social events are much more tame. We had a BBQ on Sunday which was a chance to meet more Americans and relax. On Thursday there was a Casino Night which was a really fun experience.

Casino Night:

I'm taking classes on film and media this semester which have so far been really interesting, however I'm not looking forward to all the reading and continual assessments. I hope I can get into some kind of routine as the last couple of weeks have been hectic, in an amazing way, but now I need to fit work in too!

For some relief after our first week of classes, on Friday we went to Universal Studios which was fantastic. We got a student deal which allowed us to get an annual pass for only $69 so I'll definitely be going back. I will do another post about that soon. I'm having so much fun I feel like I'm on holiday at the moment, but I do actually have to get on with some work so this will have to be all for now!