Arrival in Leeds

I have been in Leeds for two months, and I finally have a computer and a little time to start a blog! I am going to start at the beginning, as best I can remember. Also, hang in there with me as I learn the formatting for this blogging site!

The trip over was 15 hours, two layovers, and three flights. Even without sleep, I managed to enjoy the sunrise.

I made two friends on my final flight to the Leeds Bradford Airport, both international students at my new university and holding the handbook I recognized. We were all met by the Leeds University International Student Welcome Team and delivered to our accommodations.

My flat was empty and very lonely (and had a very pretty view- below), but I stayed only long enough to dump off my luggage and head to the International Student office for a debriefing. It wasn't long before I'd made a few friends and took a tour of campus to get fully situated.



































The Leeds University campus is set up unlike anything American- there are no straight lines, short cuts, or easy ways to get between large and important buildings. There are two squares on the entire campus. One is an old cemetery called St. George's Square, and the second is this paved courtyard surrounded by steps (above).

This is my favorite courtyard on campus (below). I pass through here on my walk to and from certain areas of campus, and never fail to notice new details. Cute archways, nice little gardens, a perfectly situated bench...




















































This garden is between several connected buildings including the main lecture theaters, science library, and the chemistry and biology buildings (sixth picture). The enclosed, connecting bridges are very nice on cold, windy, or rainy days, but make navigating this area of campus particularly difficult. The buildings have limited entrances, and from outside, you have to enter and leave the area through two main walkways that take you far out of the way.

This is called "The Library" (seventh pic). It even looks somewhat like a library. It is actually a pub, though. This is how British students study. I can see this pub from my bedroom window and monitor its activity- always greatest on Mondays for £1 night!