Hello! I probably should have blogged before now, but better late than never i suppose! My name is Nikki Barr and i am currently studying at the College of Charleston in South Carolina (go Cougars!). I'm not really sure where to begin in describing Charleston. For me, the biggest attraction are the beaches, each of which are just a twenty minute drive away, and since a few of my American friends have cars, this means i've spent plenty of weekends attempting to surf and building sand castles (because you are never too old to build a sand castle!.
'Downtown' Charleston is full of beautiful buildings, however you don't see any skyscrapers here on account of the architectural board which ensures that any new buildings adhere to charm of the old town. King Street, the high street if you like, boasts plenty of upmarket shops, such as channel, reflecting the fact that Charleston still remains very wealthy post civil war.
The college itself is pretty amazing. The fraternity and sorority scene doesn't impact the student body here all too greatly, which is great because in many ways i find the concept ridiculous. There are however, plenty of societies to become involved with including student radio, the watersports club and all of the other obvious sports teams. One thing that i would say is that classes are very different to lectures or seminars. The classes resemble school lessons much more closely, and people are very keen to express their opinions which makes a change from awkward silences in many of the seminars i've had back home. The work load is definitely more demanding though; whilst it is easier work, you have a lot more of it!
I've managed to travel quite a bit whilst i've been here. Before i arrived in Charleston, i went to New York for five days which was very intense. I'm also planning to return there for thanksgiving and my birthday as i'm lucky enough to have family living in Queens. I've also been to Birmingham, Alabama with another student from Nottingham. We went to the civil rights institute which was definitely a worth while experience. We also went to another area in South Carolina, Myrtle Beach, to meet one of my friends at East Carolina University who had rented a beach house for the weekend. So despite trying to settle in to a new place, meet new people and study, there is definitely room for travel.
This weekend is halloween and it is a very big deal in America. Plenty of my friends are going all out on their costumes; it doesn't necessarily have to be scary. We are going to a rave on friday night and to a concert on saturday with parties inbetween. Celebrations start wednesday night and go on until sunday so i've been warned to get all of my work out of the way to fully take advantage. Needless to say we are all very excited.
All in all, i've been here about two months now and so far i can honestly say that coming to the states was the best decision i ever made. I'm absolutely loving it!
