I have always loved the idea of traveling. Seeing new places. Doing new things (within my own kind of comfort zone). Experiencing new cultures. So, it's not much of a surprise that I decided to study abroad.

To make my life a bit simpler and the academic side of the trip more direct, I chose a program in the UK. It's all already new, so it's not always the best option to throw a different language (to learn in) into the mix.

When I started telling people that I had applied and later got in, I got a few different reactions. All positive, but definitely not the same.

Split about 50/50, I was asked either about my classes or where all I was planning to travel to outside of class.

The first was obviously easier to answer, as it was my primary reason for going. The second, on the other hand, not so defined.

The program is already in Oxford, which is a big step. There is a decent sized ocean separating the US and the UK after all, but that wasn't always a sufficient answer.

I get where everyone was coming from. Yes, it is comparatively cheaper to visit other cities, and even countries, while in the UK. And yes, I am already here, so why not?

School. That's why not.

The entire reason I was and am allowed into the country for the extended period is that I am a student. If I can't put my academics first, I just can't stay.

My priority needs to be work before play.

That isn't to say that other traveling or activities are not viable options, they definitely are. I just have to remind myself and others that they are in addition to my chosen experience studying at Oxford.

I mean really, how many people can say that?

(P.S. Don't look it up. Let me have this.)

The amount I have seen in my first couple days is just a taste of the opportunity I have in this specific city, but it is crazy interesting!

I'm sure as everything settles this first week, I will branch out more, figuring out the balance between the assigned work and my free time. But, even my first class session has reminded me of the academic realities.

This isn't a vacation, but it is an experience and opportunity.

I get the chance to learn about people and literature from Oxford while at Oxford. This is a once-in-a-lifetime deal that shouldn't be pushed aside for random travel. I planned to be here and what I was going to study.

This program and my class are why I'm here, and just like during the normal semesters at Michigan, I need to put it first. But, from what I can already tell, this program won't be a chore. It will be a chance.