Operation Shitstorm

My bank has canceled my debit card, I have no cash. Trains don't take credit. I don't have any of the paperwork I need to get into my accommodations at Swinburne, Swinburne has not enrolled me in any of my courses, and my faculty doesn't think I belong. This can be a challenging situation for anyone, but doing it abroad with no knowledge of how use foreign telephone numbers is much worse! For two days I slept on a bare mattress using my towel as a pillow and the American Flag as a blanket becuase I had not had time to go out and purchase a bedset. But I've always said I perform best under pressure. So I've made a ton of new friends, gotten myself all straightened out within the university. And even managed to get a decent schedule. I have mondays and fridays off, and no classes before 9:30am.

University in Australia is much different. My dorm building is not affiliated with the university, so I have to pay for internet access, the on campus gym is run independantly, so I have to buy a membership. I suppose it gives you more freedom to choose, but for me it's just another decision I have to spend time making. It's still orientation week, mostly for first year students, so I haven't begun classes yet.

The most positive aspect of all of the orientation activities this week has been meeting new people. The drinking age in Australia is 18, so every afternoon at 3:30 the university sponsors a meet and greet at the infamous "Hawthorn" a local pub with lots of space. Since the school covers the bar tab until it reaches $2000 each day, this is a good way (for me at least) to determine who I should and should not make friends with. For instance the guy puking on the stairs by 4:00, not good friend material. But the germans with three "jugs" or pitchers handing out glasses, maybe more my type.

I always wondered why all the international students on campus at Northeastern only hang out with each other. Now I totally understand. We're all a little close knit family now, even though I don't know ANYONES name, I know all their faces. Apparently it's easier for people who's native language is not english to speak with Americans than Austrlians. I sympathize, when the aussies get angry or excited I can't understand them either! Plus, having an orientation period you're in friend making mode, so wen we finally get emersed into the culture and have a chance to befriend some true blue aussies, we'll have all the friends we need! Well, I hope that doesn't deter me, but that's my theory.