Here in Leeds

It feels so surreal to know that just 48 hours ago I was in a totally different continent. I was at home talking with my parents, petting my dog and cats and driving to the store. I am now in a flat with grad students who stay to themselves, trying to find the cheapest food available and walking 30 minutes to get to campus. It is a big change. I knew this all along, anticipated it and even tried to prepare myself, but its so different now that I'm actually here and experiencing it.
From the moment I stepped out of the plane in Leeds my experience began. First of all, even though they speak English here, half the time I can't understand what they're saying or the slang they use. Such as "cheers", "topping off my mobile" and the "hash button". Secondly, I have learned very quickly that if you want to get anything productive done it better between 9 am - 12 and 1 pm and 5 pm. If you're outside of those times, either no one's in their office or they're gone for the day. For example, the taxi dropped me and my bags off at my residence hall, only to find that the warden that checks people in was not there and wouldn't be back until 5 that evening. So I waited outside the building not knowing what to do, and was without a phone to call anyone. Furthermore, I had no idea where I was and was sure I wouldn't be lugging my 3 suitcases around with me to figure it out (especially not after 12+ hours of traveling). Luckily, I have learned you just have to strike up a conversation and you'll probably be better off than before. So, lucky for me I asked the next person who left the building to hold the door, and low-and-behold, he asked what was wrong, offered me a place to put my luggage, lent me his extra "mobile", and was my tour guide and guardian for the rest of the day. It was probably the nicest thing that has happened to me so far, and at a time when I needed it the most.
From there, things have become just a little less hectic, but I have learned that its every man for himself here. You won't get much help if you ask for it from the locals, and when you do ask you probably won't get a detailed answer (or good directions). However, don't get me wrong, I am already enjoying myself. I have met Germans, Australians, fellow Americans, Africans, someone from Denmark, Holland, and the list goes on. It is a huge melting pot here and I'm loving that! So stay tuned as I share my adventures about this place called Leeds, England. It has already turned out to be an interesting one!