It’s 2016, and many college students are saying new year, new country as they drag their oversized luggage and neck pillows through the airport to embark on cultural journeys around the world for the semester. The long anticipated arrival to the final destination—after a cramped economy class six-plus-hour flight—triggers an unexpected whirlwind of emotions as the memorable first day unfolds. Here are fourteen thoughts everyone has on the first page of their European, Asian, [insert a foreign continent], chapter:
1) WOOOOOOOO!!! I survived the claustrophobic, no-possibility-of-sleep overnight flight! I HAVE ARRIVED.
2) OMG I just heard the accent. It’s perfect. Why can’t Americans have those? We sound so dumb.
3) I need a picture of the red telephone booths to Instagram because #LondonLife. But obviously subtly, because not trying to stick out as a tourist!
4) They say cheers, love, and their telephone booths have WiFi. I’m moving here.
5) What do you mean there’s no iced coffee at Starbucks?? No, no that’s not what I ordered. This is a Frappuccino. How do they not make ICED COFFEE??
6) Okay, breathe.
7)This flat is so small, where do I put all my shoes? Where’s the mirror in the bathroom? What kind of bathroom HAS NO OUTLETS?
8) Let’s go out, it’s our first night across the pond!! No, I’m not jet lagged!!! I’ve got a second wind!
9) 1 hour later: Can’t believe I’ve been awake for two days! Yay…Europe…ZZZZZ
10) My phone is about to die, where are my converters? In fact, where are my contacts? And my pajamas? I can’t find anything in this black hole of upturned luggage. #thestruggle
11) What if I can’t do this for a semester? I don’t know if I can go that long without iced coffee.
12) Okay, wow, the Eye looks pretty amazing over the Thames at night. Especially with Big Ben glowing right there over the bridge? #postcardworthy
13) Did that adorable British boy just call me love?
14) I LOVE LONDON.
