Does is bother anyone that you have to have your parents write a letter to foreign governments affirming that they are, indeed, your parents? I realize there are all sorts of reasons why this is necessary, but it does seem a tad absurd. Not only did my mother go through nine months of waddling through pregnancy and however long in labor (well, actually, my mom's labor wasn't all that bad--I was quick. But still. Birth is tough) but now she's got to sign a letter affirming that she did, indeed, supply half of my genetic code and was, for the first 18 years of my life my legal guardian. And now, though legally not responsible for me, she and my father are...well...financially responsible.
May I present the honorable Father and Mother, my worthy patrons!
They are, after all, funding my gallivanting.
And they have to write a letter proving that, too. They give me permission to use their funds! How nice is that. Now hopefully the UK government will believe me. I swear I have money to pay for rent and classes! Really I do. Er, well, my parents do...and see this lovely letter they sent saying that I can use it!
In other words: I begin my visa application this weekend. I am afraid. Very afraid. Let me tell you: I met with Allison, an Art Business student, and she is also struggling with the visa process. We compared websites--and we have not been looking at the same ones. Does it bother anyone that there are this many websites--all from the government--offering information about one thing? It seems that technology has, once again, made life slightly more difficult. I'd much prefer to make a few trips into DC to ascertain what I need to present, then return to present it, then return to accept my visa. But no.
US citizens MUST submit their visa applications online. NO REAL PERSON TO TALK TO FOR YOU, DAMN REBELS! Serves us right for making a big stink back in 1775. Those Brits really know how to hold a grudge.
But I don't! I love the British and am very excited to join them on the island. In fact, in addition to visa preparations I have also been devoting much thought, energy, prayer, and time on my butt in front of the computer investigating housing options with other girls in the program. There are many options, and most of them are quite expensive. Papa got excited about the Goodenough Club, a graduate/post-graduate student residence hall that is very close to school and VERY swanky. I was not as excited about living in a dorm-like facility, wanting to grow up and learn how to pay rent and the like. Argument ensued. The idea grew on me until....I found out that a) there is a meal plan rather than kitchen facilities and b) you have to join clubs.
I don't think I need to explain my horror at the prospect of another year and half on meal plan, especially to anyone who experienced the Ratty. Yes it is convenient. But. And that But is a big one. And as for clubs--I'm as much of a joiner as anyone. But I want to join in with my Institute. I'm all for international community, getting involved, and whatnot. But I'm going to be working hard enough at SIA, I don't need to worry about getting my brownie points when I come home.
So Goodenough is not actually good enough for me. There are other student residences that are much more reasonable, and I am investigating some. But the idea of a flat or a room in a house is also attractive and, frankly, preferable. The challenge is finding the right one at the right price with the right things in it (preferably furniture). Now of course, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is...
But I'm investigating a great-sounding offer anyway. Allison is going to London and hopefully will be able to check the place out. Then we'll see. In any case, we're investigating all sorts of properties and enlisting the help of a family-friend/letting agent. So our hopes are high! We should be able to find something. If not, I'll let you know what cross street my cardboard box is on.
