Submitted by Melody Taylor on the 2013 fall semester program in London, England…
Since all of the CAPA students are Americans, there have been sparse interactions with British people other than the teachers and staff of CAPA and the rare conversation with a fellow public transportation traveler complaining about it. CAPA has a partnership with the Imperial College London to join their societies (clubs) and International Student House. However, the fall semester at the Imperial College London does not start until the beginning of October, a month into our program.
Luckily, this past Saturday, they had a Pre-Freshers’ Meet Up where incoming freshman could meet up at the student union and get to know each other before move-in. Even though I am not a freshman, I decided to attend since I was new to Imperial College and the students. It was a fantastic experience being able to meet so many new people! The best part of the meet up was going on a scavenger hunt around the campus, and getting to know the area and British students better. It reminded me of my freshman year at UD when everyone is nervous and wants to meet as many people as they can so they don’t feel as scared entering the next stage of their lives by themselves. While there have been differences between British and American culture, knowing that freshman get nervous about the beginning of college everywhere is a unifying thought.
