First Week of School

I just finished my first week of school. I really enjoy all of my class. Usually after the first week of school, I am lame and get excited about each class. Seeing whats on the syllabus, and anticipating all the things I will learn, makes me happy. This is weird I know. Oh well! haha

Well, I had this same experience this week. Like I said, I get excited. However, this may or may not last for very long. Usually by week three, Im dreading going to class and doing the reading! I think this semester will be different, and if its not, I'm in trouble. You see, Im taking all major courses. If Im not liking what Im learning, or doing, maybe this major isnt for me. Right now, I feel as though it is 100 percent. Im taking a class on migration which is taught by a leading expert in Southeast Asia. Additionally, this class is co-taught with UBC in Vancouver and UWS in Australia. I have the opportunity to learn from students and professors directly from the regions.

Along with migration, Im taking class that I really enjoy. Im also taking Chinese Level 1. This class will be challenging, however, I definitely think it will be worth it. Most of the student in this class are exchange students. I havent really met that many people yet, simply because I have been busy with things, and its hard for me to just strike up conversations with people from all over. My goal for this week is to meet people. Im in between a rock and a hard place, as I want to make Singaporean friends as they will be here come next semester, unlike the the exchange students. Yet, they are more reserved, and the exchange students are in my boat; they also dont know anyone, and want to meet people.

I have spent a lot of time in my room this week. Yes, also lame, and embarrasing, however, its for good reason. One is I have a ton of reading. Everyone here is already active into school and its only the first week. Everywhere I go people are studying. Im trying to keep up, so Im reading and go over my material. Im not sure what to expect, but never before have I had to start this early. The second reason is because transportation adds up here. Trekking around the island is fun, but Im here for a year and I dont want to run out of money come two months in!

I said I would write each week, so here I am. But to be honest, Im a little homesick. Its weird because if you asked my friends last year, they would tell you I talk about leaving all the time. I have always wanted to move and see the world. Yet, now that Im in transition, getting myself acclimated and all, I found I miss Carolina. Hmmm... funny!

I want to post some pictures, as most of the people viewing this blog will only look at my pictures! haha. So below are pictures of where I live. I live at Prince George's Park Residence. This is where the Carolina-NUS summer program stays. I live on the 7th floor in a Type A room. This means I have Air-Con and my own bathroom. The majority of the rooms here dont have Aid-Con nor a bathroom. Im lucky! So, here you go...

I live in the central block, at the top and to the right.

This is the market at PGP. They sell food, toiletries, and school supplies. But, they only take cash, like most places on campus.
This is the view from my elevator lobby. You can see the port and the ocean. The ocean here is mostly filled with fishing, industrial, and tourist boats. There is mostly industrial buildings and infrastructure around the coast, so it isnt always the prettiest view. Yet its still cool to see the water! Just on the other side of most of the islands out in front is Indonesia. The Straight of Malacca that starts about where this picture shows is the most pirated waters in the World.
This is an example of what I am talking about.

Next week, hopefully Ill have good news. As I am headed to Pulau Bintan, an Indonesian island. Hope everyone has a great week. And I think Carlona starts this week, have fun at fall fest!