After experiencing the highs and lows that Isla Vista (the neighbouring suburb completely overrun with college students) has to offer, this is quite a statement. Isla Vista or IV as its commonly termed is affectionately known as the largest ghetto in California. Now that's a statistic.
(The view: it only gets better)
Whilst the beginning of the week was quite slow and progressive with new things like new classes, a new schedule and new routine, it culminated in some exciting events. Orientation was held on Friday afternoon on campus and it was the first time I was really able to meet the other exchange students here over winter. It was strange wandering around this week without having had a proper welcome or sign in to the UCSB system but rewarding all the same as I managed to make all my classes without getting too lost.
Orientation was gruelling with regard to the extended talks about 'culture shock' and your new experience in the USA. As well as over-inflated speeches from head of departments regarding the amazing international students that have come through the UC system over the years. However, awkward women's health talks aside it was also pretty good. I was able to mingle with a group of other students, predominantly here from Holland, Chile and the UK about their initiation to college life and set up a network for social events.
(Just because they are delicious)
During the post-orientation mingling I also ran into a fellow Australian here at UCSB named Joel, coming abroad from the University of Sydney. The crazy coincidence is I recognized this guy from my VISA meeting at the consulate in Sydney where he happened to be there on the same day! We must be likeminded as we have managed to end up in the same residence hall here on campus so it has been incredibly convenient to have a friend that's up for exploring and living just downstairs. The other girls and guys were super welcoming too and we had some additional UCSB education from two returned EAP students who had recently ventured to Berlin.
Trevor and Mike (returned UCSB students from Berlin) took it upon themselves to initiate us to the world of IV by inviting us to a night out with them. A night out in IV is a whirlwind of pre-gaming, drinking games and lots of handshakes as you party-hop through a see of intoxicated gauchos. The whole thing was an enormous education, in terms of gaming, drinks, people and culture as IV is quite surreal.
On Sunday we continued the American college experience with a trip to my first college basketball game in the Thunderdome and getting to see a live band play in IV. The game was fantastic and the school-spirit unprecedented. I felt like I had been transported into an American movie. Unfortunately Cal Poly won the game 72/64 but it was definitely worth seeing. Following the game Joel and I went to meet up with some friends in IV and see 'The Firedepartment' play.
Fast-forward to a tired Nina this morning, Kaitlyn and I kept it simple, heading out for brunch and then relaxing until a beach walk and ice-cream trip this afternoon. We went to a place called McConnell's on State St which is amazing, I got a mix of DarkChocolate Paseo with Almond brittle and Cinnamon! Bobby, Kaitlyn's friend was visiting over the weekend so it was great to chat to him about his college experience too.
Although this post is a bit of a download it's a bit of a peek-hole into the fast-paced and interesting life of someone at UCSB.
Nina
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