During my stay in England, I have been able to visit some of the most beautiful and interesting places in the United Kingdom. I’ve been able to visit Stonehenge, and The Roman Baths, and I’ve spent numerous days in the city of London. At the end of the day, though, I always make my way back to my home at Regency Hall in the small town of Cheltenham.
My living situation in England is completely different than mine is in America that I almost don’t associate it with the term “dorm life.” I live on the top floor of a building entirely full of freshman, or, as they call them here, “freshers.” Each floor is called a “flat” and consists of about 7 to 10 students. We all have our own room complete with a bed, desk and chair, a set of drawers, a large bookshelf, a full closet and a private bathroom. That’s right, we each have our own private bathroom in our room. The bathroom includes a toilet, sink, mirror, shower and even a little safe!
My room is honestly one of my favorite parts about studying here in the UK. That may sound crazy, but I didn’t realize how absolutely amazing it would be to have an entire space to myself. I can do my work at whatever time I want with guaranteed peace and quiet; I can sleep in, wake up or stay out as long as I want without having to disturb or consult anyone. I never have to ask permission in order to have anyone over. And regardless of how much you love your roommate, I’m sure everyone can agree that they have moments during which they secretly wish they had their own room. I never even thought of the possibility of having my own bathroom. In America, most students end up sharing a large bathroom with multiple people every year of college until junior or senior year; they only have to share it with three other people. After being spoiled with my own bathroom, I don’t even understand how I survived the beginning of my college career without one and to say that I’ll miss it would be an understatement.
Due to my living situation here in the UK, I don’t only find myself having a lot more freedom in how my days go, but I also find that I have a lot more responsibility. Having my own bathroom is amazing, but I also have to make sure to keep up with my bathroom. Frankly, if I want my bathroom to stay clean, I have to clean it. I have to buy my own toilet paper, my own hand soap and anything else I’d need with money that comes out of my own pocket. Although inconvenient at times, it makes me feel more in control of my life and more like an adult. I really do love my living situation here, and I appreciate that I don’t only get my own space, but also a look into what adulthood will be like.
