It has officially been almost a month since I arrived in Manchester, UK, and if I had one word to describe it, it would be: adjustment. Don’t get me wrong, I have really enjoyed it. The welcoming environment, the wide variety of activities around the city and the cultural diversity surrounding every corner make it is extraordinary. That doesn’t mean it hasn’t taken some time to adjust.

So far, while in Manchester, I have been able to figure out their bus system. Fun fact, Manchester has one of the busiest bus systems in the UK called the “Bee Network.” Also, bees are a really big deal here. They represent the industrialization of Manchester and its growth as a community. One thing I enjoy is that the majority of their museums here are free to the public. I was able to visit the Manchester Museums, the Manchester Art Gallery, and the John Rylands Library, all famous museums in Manchester, free of charge. Being able to take in and witness these beautiful artifacts and stories without paying a fee is a luxury I am enjoying over here.

I think the biggest adjustment over here so far is the use of phrases and how we say things differently. Obviously, we know some of the basics, fries here are chips there, but there are some things I never thought of including:

• Tipping it down = Its pouring outside
• Accomodation= Dorm
• Are you in a soc?= Are you in a club?
• Chippe = White bread with chips in the middle (are chips not fries)

I’ll add more phrases in my next post, but so far, these are the ones that have thrown me off the most. Also, I have tried beans on toast, and I can confirm that they are not as bad as I thought they would be. I don’t want them all the time, but it wasn’t terrible, 7/10.

 Overall, I am enjoying my time here, and I am excited to see what is in store for the rest of my stay here. I hope you follow along on my journey, and I’ll see you next time!

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Learn more about this blogger’s study abroad program: University of Manchester