College Diaries #2 : First week of classes, getting sick and new friends

Hey beautiful people!

I haven't been the most active blogger in this past month, but then it was also a huge month for me. I am officially a college freshman now, and moving to the US, and settling into college has been big moments that I needed some time getting used to. I promise I won't become sporadic since I am now collegebound ;D

I introduced a new feature on the blog when I was still at home so that I can share my college adventures ( or misadventures with you all ) Today we have the second installment, all about my first few weeks of college and all the amazing experiences I've had here so far.

I guess, Iowa did satisfy some stereotypes, especially as I stepped off the airport, everything I saw was corn. And green fields. However, Iowa City is very campus oriented, and this city girl isn't that overwhelmed by all the green. I am still dead terrified of the winter. If you don't hear from me at all when winter starts, that means I have officially froze to death.

I knew that there would be only two outcomes for me as a college student. Either I was going to end up as a hopeless, awkward introvert and never leave the cave of my bed, or start talking to everyone until I know random people on the streets. And the latter happened. My roommate and one of my best friends here are still so puzzled by how I always end up saying hi to people when we are walking. "HOW DO YOU KNOW EVERYONE???", they ask. I honestly don't know.

University of Iowa was never my dream school, but now I am so glad I am here. I love my classes so much - also helps that I have the most exciting course line up ever. Even my advisor was jealous. I am taking mostly gen ed courses this semester. I still can't pick a favourite between a class called City of Literature, and my Contemporary Cinema class. The first one is an intro to the writers' workshop here, and the professor is delightful. He's this 50 year old man who's hopeless with technology, and wears graphic tshirts and tries to cover it up with the same black blazer everyday. My favourite so far has been a captain america tee. It was classic. He also loves saying my name. Mishma brought up a great point, Mishma this, Mishma that. Every single person in that class knows my name now. 

I've always loved movies, but I've always thought I am too amateur to take up cinema classes. ( I mean, people can be snobs. I have put up with enough snobbish fanboys in my lifetime ) But I braved it anyway, and joined the contemporary cinema class, and I love it so much. Half of the movies we are watching are queer, and I love this man for that. Even though he did make us all watch porn for one class. *shudders* It was traumatizing.

I am also taking a history class on pirates and another on Slavic Folklore. I know, I am having the best college life, lol. My least favourite class is Rhetoric, but it's honors and give me 4 credits, so I guess I can live with that. Also the professor adores me. If you haven't noticed I am already a teachers' pet in most of my classes.

Classes aside, I've made a lot of friends. My roommate is the best, and she has made it her life mission to introduce me to the world of vines. Two of my best friends here are international students as well, and we bonded over our culture shock. I am still making friends, and still weirding out people. Go me.

I've also been sick this past week. I just woke up with a fever on Saturday, and it still hasn't died down. Being sick was not cool, especially since I was all alone on that weekend and it made me homesick and I cried a lot. *sniffles* But I am better now, I promise. I have this wonderful soul in my hallway who has been making me hot chocolate ever since. Oh, and I forgot to mention, said soul is also a YA fan!!! I just stopped by her room as I heard her talking about Six of Crows to her roommate, and I saw a Schwab book in her hand, and that's it. Lifetime friendship made!

It's almost a month since I packed away my life in Sri Lanka and came here, and so far, I haven't regretted the decision. I love my classes, love the people - except maybe some. I have had some very racist encounters, and one of my friends has an obnoxious roommate I can't stand, but I am learning how to brush it off and go on - and love being a college student and staying productive. I still miss home, my friends and my parents, and I miss being able to read and be on twitter all day - my gap year has spoilt me - but life is good for me to complain.

I hope I can get back on track with blogging soon. And I just want to take a moment to say that I love you all. Ever since I decided to go to US for college, all my blogger friends have been my rock. Melissa and CJ sent me a care package the other day which just made me bawl. What will I ever do without you all my book people???