Just arrived – to my colleagues in UST

I am now here in Bangor and I have had my first lessons of various subjects this week.

Everything works fine, and I adapt to the environment quite well.





Since it’s raining nearly everyday here, I cannot take many photos.

Before I come here, I was told that Bangor was rainy –

but I didn’t know it would be “so” rainy.



People here are very friendly and nice.

When I ask people about places or something on the street,

they will stop and try their best to answer.

As a person from Hong Kong,

it is quite curious that people will spend so much time to answer a question when they do not really know the answer.

I think that is the characteristic of people living in the countryside.

Anyway, it’s a nice thing for me.



On the other hand, I had some problems with my department.

Since no one in the department told me what to do when I arrived,

I took several days to figure out which classes I should go.

The office hour is so short that I can never reach the appropriate person.

Moreover, it seems that it’s a norm here that you have to ask about everything.

If you don’t ask, they will never mention it to you,

even though they know that you are a new international student.

For example, when I did my registration with the registry office,

they did not tell me that I should have applied for a student card in the same office.

It took me one more day to find out the secret.

And when I submitted my application of student card,

they did not tell me that I should collect the card at the bottom of the hill,

while the office is actually at the top of the hill.



Because of the above reason, I get a lot of exercises.

That’s not too bad.



It is a peaceful and safe town in general,

but I was told not to go out alone when it is dark since there will be some drunk people hanging around.

Police warns international students for “hate crime”,

but it is far less serious than those in big cities.



Food is the most serious problem for me.

I just know that UK people do not sell chicken wings! (my favourite)

Also, it is hard to buy “normal” kitchenware, such as folk, knife, spoon, etc.

I had to search nearly every shop on the main streets in order to find a knife.

I know how to cook, but the problem is that I cannot get the appropriate materials.

I have had pasta for nearly a week.



Anyway, I am doing well in the new environment.

I quite like the place.

This is my student hall - Neuadd Reichel

This is a typical street here

This is the Main Art Building - the main library and the landmark of UWB

Looking down from the top of the hill - near my hall