As deadlines loom I find myself doing almost anything to avoid work, so it’s blog writing time! This week I have an exam and essay due and unlike Edinburgh, it all counts for something. Combine this with the fact that all my friends back in bonnie Scotland only had their first day of lectures today makes life seem unfair. Having said that, for Canadian universities the “year long international exchange” in reality translates to only 8 months and I’m done by the end of April so I think it evens itself out somehow!
Before I came over here I was repeatedly told how much cheaper things would be which is most definitely not the case. My food shopping bill seems to amount to a whole lot more than it ever did in Tesco’s! I have been fortunate enough, however, to have some luck when it comes to finances. A few months before I left for UBC I received an email from Edinburgh explaining that UBC were awarding a new scholarship for one incoming international student in the sciences. Turns out my 300 word “pick me pick me pick me” (in ever so slightly more “grown up” language) was a winner and so last week I collected a cheque for $5600 (just under £3000.) Officially I am the recipient of the Charlotte Froese Fisher Award for Mobility in Science which I’d like to do justice by having a successful academic year as well as using the money for something slightly more memorable than supermarket shopping!
Last week also saw the start up of the societies, I am now a member of the Varsity Outdoors Club and Ski and Board Club. I must admit I was seriously tempted by the sailing and the scuba societies. That was until some thoughtful soul questioned how entertaining such activities would be in a month or so when the rain has arrived and temperatures have dropped. At which point I congratulated them on their sensibleness and spent my money on better things….. Such as, membership to the Vancouver Aquarium! Geeky, yes I know, but I am a big fan of all that and £20 for a year is hardly extravagant money spending. Plus one of the resident dolphins is called Hannah so it would only be rude not to pledge allegiance to such a finely named critter!?!
Whilst the sun still has it’s hat on, the rain is certainly starting up it’s own song. Trips to the beach this weekend were more for walking purposes rather than sunbathing and my raincoat has emerged from the wardrobe for the first time since I got here. My positive view on the water falling from the sky is that it may be water here but higher up it will be snow and I can’t wait for the ski season to commence. Roll on the 27th November when Whistler opens to the masses.
Things on the friend making front are certainly on the up, for the first week or so I was a little unsure of myself but I’ve now met some really lovely people who are keeping me entertained and distracted from work as is always the way. Even the distant friends are managing that quite well; a steady stream of messages and the realisation that Skype really is the best thing since sliced bread occupies a fair bit of my time these days.
I think I have procrastinated quite enough for this evening and should probably contemplate learning the orders of a mammal or two…… Happy days eh?!
