Flipping things upside down again!

Today marks one year since my entire life was turned upside down.

Today, I flipped my entire life upside down again. Only this time, the flipping was on my terms.

Good news; I booked my airfare and signed my accommodation contract today!!!!

I have consulted with many friends who've studied abroad, and the general consensus was to arrive at least 2 weeks before orientation. Study Abroad Orientation begins on September 9. Unfortunately, I could not book my airfare until I knew if I had been allocated accommodation for the fall/spring semester.

I randomly went to the Student Union to stop in and just check on prices with STA Travel. Sadly, I learned that Friday was their last day at OU, as OU has chosen to not renew their lease and bring in a Starbucks instead. Nonetheless, my STA contact was very helpful in finding me the shortest way of getting there, even if it did cost a bit more. Thankfully, she was able to find the shortest itinerary and it cost the least! :D By going through STA Travel (http://www.statravel.com/), I was able to save about $450 on my flight(s)!!! Yeah!

Flight Details:
I am leaving Monday, August 25th, which is coincidentally OU's 1st day of the Fall semester. I am flying out of Dallas (DFW), to Philadelphia and then straight into Glasgow. My first flight leaves Dallas at 3:05 in the afternoon and I arrive in Philadelphia at 7:41 p.m. I then board another plane that departs at 9:00 p.m. and will arrive in Glasgow at 9:00 a.m. Glasgow time (which, in case you are wondering, is 3 a.m. Oklahoma time).

Housing Details:
Thankfully, I was allocated my first choice in accommodations and that is a huge relief. The difference in price between my 1st and 2nd choice in accommodation was about $1300 USD. I can use that money to fund other travel expeditions around Europe. I will be living at Winton Drive (aka "The Hall"); see http://www.gla.ac.uk/services/residentialservices/undergraduate/self-cateredaccommodation/wintondrive/.

My contract is from September 12-June 12th and I have received confirmation that I will be able to arrive on August 26th and pay about $20 USD per day to stay in university accommodation. I did receive an e-mail warning me that I may have to move from whichever summer room that I'm given into my regular fall/spring room. Nonetheless, I am happy to have early accommodation.

Note for Visitors:
I WILL be allowed to have overnight visitors in my flat. Here's what the Winton Drive Flats FAQs say about overnight guests:

13. Can my friends stay overnight?
Overnight guests may stay in your room for a maximum of three nights. There is a nominal fee to pay and guests must be registered to comply with Fire regulations.

Once I arrive, I shall check out how flexible they are on their visitor policies.

Shopping:
Even though I hate the arrival of summer, I am thankful that it's caused the stores to clearance much of their winter merchandise. Today, I hit Kohls for sweaters, cute hoodies and winter gear. I am looking for a nice rain coat/windbreaker/fleece thing and may have found it at LL Bean.

However, it is $159!!!! I like that the fleece can be zipped in and out of the jacket...so really, you're getting 2 pieces in one. As those of you near and dear to me know, I am VERY hot natured. What is YOUR thought on purchasing this?

Glasgow's yearly temperature breakdown; monthly averages in °F:

January
Avg Low: 35°
Avg High: 43°
Avg Precipitation: 3.42 in

February
Avg Low: 35°
Avg High: 44°
Avg Precipitation: 3.11 in

March
Avg Low: 37°
Avg High: 48°
Avg Precipitation: 2.93 in

April
Avg Low: 38°
Avg High: 53°
Avg Precipitation: 1.83 in

May
Avg Low: 43°
Avg High: 59°
Avg Precipitation: 1.32 in

June
Avg Low: 48°
Avg High: 63°
Avg Precipitation: 1.52 in

July
Avg Low: 52°
Avg High: 67°
Avg Precipitation: 1.95 in

August
Avg Low: 51°
Avg High: 66°
Avg Precipitation: 2.07 in

September
Avg Low: 47°
Avg High: 61°
Avg Precipitation: 2.23 in

October
Avg Low: 43°
Avg High: 54°
Avg Precipitation: 3.34 in

November
Avg Low: 38°
Avg High: 48°
Avg Precipitation: 2.62 in

December
Avg Low: 35°
Avg High: 44°
Avg Precipitation: 2.95 in

Thanks for your input!

-Vanessa