Here’s just a quick update and a chance to test out my sharing options to make sure that everyone is able to properly view the webpage.

I’m down to the last two weeks and I cannot be more excited! My Student Visa has been mailed back from New York, I just will have to pick up Bio-metric Resident Permit (BRP) at the Edinburgh Post Office when I arrive. They changed a few things around in the more recent years so that the full visas are no longer issued directly into passports.

Currently, I am trying to start to organize my belongings and figure out what I need to take and what I should purchase over there. The electrical outlets are different so unfortunately, I’ll have to leave iPod dock-stations, curling irons, etc. State side. (US runs on a two prong AC and the UK runs on a three prong DC)

Over in Scotland, the university is finishing processing my information and I just recieved my confirmation of residency for my dorm. I’ll be staying in the Arthur’s Seat building! This is really exciting as my dorm is right next to Holyrood Park (an expansive park and recreational area great for hiking, running, and biking) and Arthur’s Seat (the large dormant volcano at the east side of Edinburgh at the end of the Royal Mile)!

Map of the central area of Edinburgh. I’ve circled my dorm, the University, Arthur’s Seat, and the Castle.

And of course, because I love mythology – Arthur’s Seat is the legendary site of where King Arthur is said to be buried in waiting – Arthurian legend ends with the travel of Arthur to Avalon in a near-death comatose state only to return when the need of his people demands it. On a historical note, the mountain is credited to be the place King David I (1124-1153) was given a sign from God to found Holyrood Abbey! Super cool stuff and also a really great view!

I have not been able to select my classes yet, Scottish Universities have students select classes when they arrive and meet with their Personal Tutors (US translation: Advisers) I have been able to look at class options and there is a really neat Osteology class that is open to First Years.

I am getting really close to my departure date and I cannot be more excited. I will keep everyone as updated as I can! If you have questions about the webpage or if you are having trouble viewing it, please contact me before I leave. It will be easier to alleviate the problems now rather than later.