Willing to sacrifice?

 I know it seems like I’m only looking at the negatives, but don't worry, i do know that in a month's time all this will be forgotten and taken over by the excitement of standing in the light at the end of the tunnel (metaphorically speaking).

Nobody told me about the sacrifices I’d have to make. So instead of blagging on like I did in the last post I’ll simply list them- with brief comments.

·        Jobs- I wanted to be a Student Ambassador for Brookes and the Teaching Officer for Jacari (student-run charity) but would miss training days and obviously only be there half the year. Also at home I can’t get a job because I’m not here long enough over the summer.

·        Societies- I wanted to be a dance teacher in the Dance Society, but again they wanted someone for the whole year.

·        Social- When friends were off out to the cinema and chatting in each other’s rooms I was huddled away over piles and piles of study abroad documents.

·        Accommodation- As I’ll only be in Oxford half the year I’ve ended up not living with my fresher flatmates as it’s easier for them. Luckily I’ve found a flat where I’m swapping with another study abroad student who’s going in the opposite semester to me and I’m looking forward to making new friends in Oxford.

·        Events- I’ll be missing things going on at home with friends and family, and in Oxford too. I’ll also only see my friends briefly over the summer once they get back from their universities.

·        Money- Obviously it costs money to do this sort of thing. I’m lucky that my family and I can support my way through this, but I have also applied for a Butex scholarship.

Despite these, I can think of many more things I’ll gain out of this experience, just wait and see.