Vivian in Europe: Vivian Starts Uni

Today was the first day of class and I'm actually done for the week. Quite odd. I am taking three classes, Health and Medicine, Philosophy of Action (ugh), and American Literature. All three classes are on Mondays, except I have a seminar for American Lit on Tuesdays (starting next week). Yes, this means I have five day weekends (with a few exceptions where I have 4 or 6 day weekends). Unlike school in America, classes don't all start in the same week. My philosophy class doesn't start for another 2 weeks. The Norwegian education system is a lot less organized and structured. It is amusing how the Norwegian system tries to mimic the American system, but only the social aspect, and by that, I mean the partying and drinking. The university has a pub ON CAMPUS, next to the cafeteria. It also owns a place called Chateau Neuf, which is a student-run building with 10+ pubs. Each faculty has a basement that they use as a pub/party place. This would NEVER fly in the US. I suppose all of this is balanced out by the extremely strict rules when it comes to alcohol and the outrageous prices. Interesting tidbit: I found out that alcohol and tobacco is taxed about 400% here. If you buy a carton of cigarettes from Duty Free at the airport, it will cost you about 150 NOK (~$28). If you buy it anywhere else where its taxed, it will cost you 900 NOK (~$170).

Bedroom -- I found out the hard way that it is impossible to live in Norway without curtains but to save money, I just used my UNC sheet. :)

I found this nice little surprise in my closet when I first moved in. Considering I had just watched Scream 4 on the plane, I did not appreciate this at all.