Starting a new semester is always a ‘thing’. You’re used to the holiday, where you had the freedom to plan your own days ahead. Like many others, I took a job in the summer. It was hot, and I was helping the elderly and disabled by cleaning their home and preparing their food.

Apart from working that 9 to 5 job for a couple of weeks, I had some weeks off as well. It was great. I could sleep in, go to the swimming pool whenever, hang with my friends whenever; basically, it felt like a very long and relaxed weekend.

But, as we all know, all good things have to come to an end. August came along, and my first classes started. It took some getting used to. Having to get up early in the mornings is still something my body protests every day.

Maddie Banfield | The Criterion

8 a.m. classes were probably invented by one of those horrible happy morning people who say getting up at 9 is ‘a waste of your day’. I prefer evening classes. However, that doesn’t mean I like spending my whole evening in class, from 6:15-9:30 p.m. every Tuesday. Especially since I have to be in class again at 8 a.m. the next morning.

So yeah, my schedule isn’t that great. The classes are fine – I would almost say enjoyable. The teachers are friendly, and sarcastic, which I love. The course material is not as difficult as I had feared, so keeping up isn’t that hard. The homework is a lot, more than I hoped it would be – as it is every year – but manageable.

My weekends aren’t as full of fun activities like I had hoped they would be just yet, but I’m getting there. After a month in a new school, I’m starting to know enough people to go to parties and to join in fun outings with. My suitemates are super nice too – yet another thing I don’t have to worry about.

All in all, I’d say the semester is so far so good. On Sept. 18, I saw they were taking down the tent in the plaza, which I took as a cue that the summer was truly over. I’ve already drank my first pumpkin spiced latte, and I’m excited for my first American Halloween and Thanksgiving!

To be honest, I’m secretly loving every second of it and slightly dreading Dec. 15 – the day I have to leave. So I’m doing what I always do best; ignoring that deadline and having fun while I still can.