I'm here! All in one piece. I couldn't believe I found my way to the hotel without getting lost a single time. Of course, I succumbed to jet lag and fell asleep for 4 hours once I got there. Orientation (held by the study abroad institute) lasted for two days. It was all talks, but it was pretty fun, especially the part where they tried to scare us into not carrying our belongings all in one bag, not carrying a bag at all, and not walking alone at night because of all the mugging and pickpockets. I'm already liking London, even though I haven't even gotten the chance to hit any tourist spots or museums. I just moved into my dorm today, and to be frank, it's quite a dump. Well, that's a little exaggerated I guess. But it definitely didn't meet my already super low expectations. The hallway has this smell of "oldness" and years of cigarette smoke. Of course, that smell travels into my room too, so my window is wide open. For Smithies, here's the comparison: It's worse than Cutter. Not all the dorms are like this though. I saw another dorm and they were flats (apartments Americans would say), and they have ::drumrolls:: a television. Grrrr... I'm so jealous. Oh wells, can't always be lucky eh? At least I have a good location, for shopping that is. Everything is indeed, as I was warned, very expensive. I'm glad I'm from NYC, since some things are similarly priced, like coffee. But others are scary prices, like orange juice, $4 (2 pounds) for 1 quart! Anyway, I'm starting UCL orientation tomorrow and signing up for classes. Then, I'll finally have time to go sightseeing. Oh, and also, I have a cold (that evolved from allergies) already! Bummer. I have a cellphone! Call me! 07942506387. Or text me. If I don't call you, it's not because I don't love you, but because I left my SIM card at home and have nobody's number. I miss you all more than you can imagine. Keep in touch!