Andrea SFC

Well Bobcats, 

Here ya go! My official last blog about being abroad.  I planned to visit Oxford for a while now, and since finals are officially over, I decided to take the advantage and plan a trip there. It was amazing.

A few buildings inspired many of the scenes in Harry Potter, and c’mon CS Lewis and other famous authors and poets went to Oxford! I met a lot of really nice students, and look out for free tours! It was 2 hours, and every minute was fascinating. 

I also gave a man 50 pents since he was struggling to pay for his order at a nearby cafe in Oxford, and it just so happens that he was a professor at Oxford...he gave my friend and I an exclusive tour of his college (Since there are 38 colleges in Oxford) and we were also given the chance to go inside a library!

Talk about good karma right?

Anyway, I want to end with the fact that Studying Abroad has been an amazing experience, and I’ve learned so much by being here...if anything my only regret is not having done studying abroad earlier in my college years. Now remember, if you do have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding UCM, or studying abroad in the UK, definitely ASK. I will from time to time check tumblr and twitter :)!

XOXO, Bobcats!

Well Bobcats...this is actually my second to last post before I end blogging forever on this account...so I thought that I would show you some photos of when I visited Cambridge last weekend :)

I just want to say...that I was supposed to go to Cambridge last summer for a study abroad program, but because I had things come up, I had to decline, and planned to go to an English University for a term rather than for a summer, thus why I chose to go to the lovely University of Bristol.

Remember to go out and explore the areas around you! 

There are free tours, and they last for about 2 hours...I suggest to take these and you’ll learn more about their cultures, and the history of everything. I learned so much, and honestly the whole 2 hours was not enough. I enjoyed just standing and listening. 

In the end, they do ask if you would like to donate to them, so normally I would give about 3-5 pounds (depending on how much change I have) and they will greatly appreciate it :)

Hello Bobcats!

I honestly tried really hard to see what I could make for breakfast today...With finals and all, it was pretty hard to even have time to go to the grocery store.

So here’s what I made: 1 fried egg, 2 slices of ham, tomatoes, and some Heinz amazing beans, with mini pancakes with blueberries and bananas :)

And of course, I have to have my tea!

This all took about 15 minutes to make...it was so rewarding!  These were all bought from Sainsbury’s...something like how in America...we have Raley’s and whole foods, but the quality of their products are simply amazing~ 

BEATLES INSPIRED <3

Here are my friends and I on Abbey Road...this was by far one of my favorite and memorable moments in London.

HOWEVER, this was also the most dangerous things I’ve ever done out here...This road is on one of the busiest streets, and behind the camera is a man who stopped many cars behind him from running us all over. 

I suggest, doing this either way early in the morning (Before and after Rush Hour) or a bit late in the evening which we did at 9pm (Yes it’s still very bright out I know) but still...this is very dangerous. 

I always tend to write a lot of college tips during this time around for Future Bobcats :)

-College is about the people you meet. Value them above all else.

-Your parents love and miss you. They've cared for you for 18 years. Indulge them with a call from time to time. It's not lame.

-There are people willing to help you with anything. All you have to do is ask.

-Conversely, give help and mentor. If you see someone who's having a tough time, do something about it. It will mean so much to them and you'll learn from it.

-Try to learn very different things. Some of the most confident and successful graduates are skilled in two seemingly polar subjects, like computer science and political science or finance and filmmaking. You'll be surprised by how you can pair these together to create something unique.

-Don't take advice from movies, magazines, or newspapers. Read good books, learn by doing, and come to your own conclusions.

These are some of the ones that I actually feel as though is necessary to point out. Even if you’re not a first year, you can still take in the advice that I provided you with.

This is just one small part of Camden Market...I never wanted to leave! 

I forgot to mention that this is just like how any Farmer’s Market/Fashion District is like, but definitely with a London twist. Cost debating is encouraged, but do not be aggressive, and also do not splurge out here as well...It is so easy to do...

How you get here is simple, take the tube station! So invest in an oyster card and top up! Again, stay safe and travel in groups/pairs. It’s safer and more fun to have a traveling buddy. 

Fun Fact:

Camden Market is a MUST and I turn into the most happiest kid on earth there...

I honestly can spend hours and hours in this place...and I literally did. The shops are so unique and the market goes on forever! Everything seemed picture worthy and when my friends and I hit the jack pot of finding the food part of Camden Market...we were simply blown away! Free samples are generously given, and if you’re vegetarian do not worry! Camden has plenty of vegan food as well!

INCENTIVES!

What I do is either go for a walk, exploring, or even taking naps.  I noticed throughout college that I would get sleep deprives, and it does help to catch up on sleep. 

Classes will demand more of you, and even getting up to go grocery shopping will become such a chore. Remember to stay healthy, and to get enough rest to be at your full potential. 

Jet lag did play a huge role in my performance here, and I really had to think about how I was going to adjust, and that was sleeping at the right times and taking naps only when necessary...

Here are a few reasons why college students drop out...

This happens from time to time, and I wanted you all to know about them, so being aware can also make you be prepared.

UCMerced has a lot of resources to provide you with thing you need in order to progress in a successful way, but it starts with the student willing to get help and make the changes and adjustments needed in order to progress.

Such as CAPS (Counseling) or even talking to a financial aid advisors/peer mentor can help you! 

Give the Students First Center a call as well if you need any help! 

SO, without further adieu…I wanted to let you guys in on a few things when you arrive in the UK…

Your financial aid advisor/study abroad advisor will and should inform you of this, but the border patrol WILL ask you for proof of financial support for your time being, will ask where you’d be residing at, and for how many days. Things will get person, my first time that I went through the UK border, a man was very kind and cleared me in. BUT MY GOODNESS the second time around was the most worse experience ever. I was told to go up to this lady who looks in the her late 20’s, and was very rude…

First she asked for my papers/visa letters/ and I showed her everything that I had shown the man previous (the first time I arrived) and she then proceeds to ask why I left in the first place and came back, so my answer was very clear, “I’m a study abroad student, I had to go back to walk for commencement/graduation. I had already told the school, and my study abroad advisor at my host institution and had it cleared.”

She did not look convinced…so she then asks where I would be for one month since I’m extending my stay…she wanted to know what my future plans where for those 30 days. I told her that I would tour around London, then she says, “you don’t need 30 days to see everything. Are you lying?” Look guys, the point of all this, is that I want you all to know that these people exist, regardless of whatever country you’re entering. A co-worker comes by and gives her a stamp that she needed and in a childish tone she responded with, “Aww, thanks bae!” and then returned an annoying gaze with a serious tone and told me, “No buts or ifs, you have to leave by the 26th of June.” My goodness…if only the Queen herself her this ignorant woman.

Anyways, I stayed clam and collected…and being on a rough 11 hour flight didn’t help much either. So here’s something that I did…I reminded my swell that this situation and person is only temporary. I figured, I’m better than her. I know better, so I kept my cool and made sure that she cleared me and said thank you and left.

It’s something hat my Mom taught me…she told me that everywhere/anywhere I go, I should remember that I have the name of my family on my shoulders, and how I represent myself as a Korean American to the world.

Today I thought that a heart to heart is in order.

There’s a few things that I would like to talk about…

Recently, I’ve been posting on twitter about some college tips and on my tumblr as well…

I hope that you guys can consider them, I had a very rocky start since my roommates were kind of horrible…I’m not gonna lie we all got a long until a third party joined and started to make a rumor between all of us, so we ended up disliking each other.

You see, what was said and not said was the problem. If there are problems, talk about them.

Bottling it up, or even wasting your time being frustrated and angry will not make your college experience any better!

I decided that I would confront my roommates, and we all got to the bottom of the problem. They apologized for assuming, and we’ve been pretty good since.

Not everyone should expect who their roommate(s) to be a perfect match/best friend. It doesn’t work like that. So be open minded and if things don’t work out, know that there are options out there to change your room accommodations! Plus, if things are bothering you, but you’re not a confrontational person, then definitely reach out to your RA/the Counseling’s office.

14) Attend the whole class. Even if you feel like you will just die if you sit there any longer. Even if you feel your brain start to ooze out the side of your ear. Because we (professors) sometimes give really important info at the end of class.

15) Recopy your notes after class. Or if you've typed them (which is recommended), do a quick read-through after class.

16) See how your first semester goes before you consider getting a job. See how heavy your course load is first.

17) Find a bank that also has branches in your hometown. Get your account connected to your parents' account so they can transfer money to you.

18) Pack the clothes you need for college, and then take half of that amount.

19) The more underwear you have, the less you have to do laundry.

20) I can't emphasize this enough: INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO YOUR PROFESSORS AND GO TO THEIR OFFICE HOURS. 

1) The Freshman Fifteen does exist. So does the Freshman Twenty. Watch how many starches and processed foods you are eating.

2) Pizza - the ubiquitous college snack. See #1.

3) If it's either take out a loan or quit school, take out a loan.

4) If you can live harmoniously with someone in a 20×20 ft. space, you can do anything.

5) Flip-flops: Wear them in the dorm shower. Always.

6) If you are not a morning person, don't schedule classes for 7am. You will not go.

7) Get involved on campus. All work and no *productive* socializing is boring.

8)  Everything in moderation.

9) If you are feeling overwhelmed, are having problems sleeping, or have gone through a breakup, visit your college's counseling center. If you are feeling suicidal at any point, call your college's crisis center number or call 911 immediately.

10) There are a lot of free activities on campus. Take advantage of them.

11) Many colleges have free tutoring centers on campus. Take advantage of them.

Hey, I don’t know what you’re going through, but just know that this cute dog and I are here for you :)

Recently I notice that some of my friends are in deep depression and I would send them memes or cute animal photos from time to time, and I’ve seen changes in their attitudes. 

Regardless of what anyone is going through, I feel as thought that since happiness is free, why not give it in abundance?

You kind of meet the best people in college, and that is so true.

The picture is of some of the girls from my sorority, and the bottom one is of my Big and I :)

I honestly was skeptical to go out of my comfort zone and attend the greek week to see if it was for me...and it was! I was so immersed into it, and grateful towards all the girls in Kappa Kappa Gamma. 

Graduation feels like a dream...and it was just last SUNDAY!

Here are a few photos of me and my close friends and family experiencing my big day! I just have to say...it feels unreal. Maybe it’s because in the UK we still are undergoing finals, but still I feel like I have more classes I need to take soon. 

BUT, before I officially leave everything in a few weeks....including posting about my experience abroad, I just want to point out that I am here to answer any types of questions you might have. I love answering college questions, so just ask away.