Traveling by plane is comfortable, fast and, in spite of disaster movies - quite safe. No wonder that when I was choosing the means of transport that would take me to the islands for the first time, I decided to take a plane. The thing about flying is that it limits your ability to take more things with you. The end-of-year events reduced my wallet, so I did not buy any checked baggage.

"It's summer, I'll put on dresses, light blouses and I'll stay until September!"

In what a huge mistake I was ...

My first experience of English weather was in lecture. I must admit that the cities at night, from a bird's eye view, look amazing, but this view is not really worth the temperature. And the fog. It is worth noting, however, that this is my first time in the UK, so you should be enthusiastic!

Despite many reassuring conversations with people who study in the UK, I was very concerned about my English. Unfortunately for me, these fears turned out to be real. On my first day in England, with an English telephone number, I called to arrange an interview on the National Insurance number. This meeting is extremely important because without NIN, you are not able to work / study in England, and it is worth making an appointment as soon as possible, as you have to wait for about a week. This conversation is one of the most difficult linguistic experiences in my life, fortunately I have already done it. There was at least a funny typo on my behalf in the letter they gave me afterwards - so much use. It is comforting that the interview itself ran smoothly, like butter!

Looking at the Islands as a whole, apart from the architecture and national diversity on the street, England is not very different from Poland. The streets look a bit different, because the pedestrian crossings are strangely winding and instead of the standard zebra, only the outline of the square is marked, on which you can walk and there is an inscription at the curb, which way it is worth looking at. Practical but non-thinking.

People of all nationalities walk the streets, and cultural exoticism is always interesting to look at.

Speaking of passers-by, you will most likely increase the number of walks after you arrive - whatever communication is incredibly expensive here. It is also worth being patient and, if possible, with money, because finding a job is not that easy. It took me about two weeks, I hope you get out sooner.

To my surprise, I have met some really peculiar people here. Interestingly, a friend of my friend is an Edu4u ambassador and agreed to show me around the city. It's nice to get to know the city with someone who already lives here for a while, tells funny anecdotes about a given place, or simply advises where there is good beer. In addition, in June I had the opportunity to see my university campus, enter the library or visit more ancient buildings. A very learning experiences.

The afternoon with the Ambassador was not my only meeting with the Edu4u people. A simple conversation with the right student who is involved in this project, who works with scared college applicants on a daily basis and, above all, who recently went through it himself, is very instructive. It's nice to feel the care that emanates from this organization, commitment to people, and not to statistics. Moving to another country is a huge change, but it can be dealt with. Especially when someone tells you how to find a job or open a bank account. By the way, it's nice that someone is interested in it.

Summarizing and adding:

I go everywhere on foot, because I do not want to spend money on bus. In my life I have never seen so many crazy flavors of crisps as here (fun fact: it is difficult to get ordinary salted crisps here, because the English add vinegar everywhere. So, you eat here salted crisps with vinegar). I cycle to speak English, but with each word it gets easier (Netflix Magic helps me a lot). I am freezing while waiting for a package of sweaters from home. I'm happy I'm here.