too smug?

Today we had this orientation/information session for all outgoing Erasmus students at the Helsinki University. First, there was an hour-long presentation by a lady who coordinates the international studies at the uni, then we were divided into groups by whichever country we were going to. Each group had their own "mentor", a Helsinki student who had spent last year in that country, who would then give their group additional information regarding the country and studying there.

Anyway. I have to say, I was actually a bit bored some of the time. It felt like the presentation was mainly helping students not leaving until spring, because there was a lot of information on applying to the foreign university and finding accommodation.

It was cool to meet other people coming to England, and especially Sheffield - it's actually quite strange thinking that you're not the only one doing this life-changing thing. The other two people coming to Sheffield in my little group apparently study law, so it's unlikely I'll run into them much when we're actually there, but it was still nice to exchange (yeaaaah!!!) some thoughts about the preparations and stuff.

The mentor had prepared a little leaflet for us, and she went through it and let us ask questions along the way. It turned out that none of the eight people there had accommodation yet - except me! All in all, I felt really good about myself during this meeting, because it seemed like I had most of the required things in order and the others did not. That sounds quite awful, but it was reassuring to know that I was actually in a very good situation, never mind how nervous or anxious I sometimes get.

People not coming to Sheffield were saying that they had had trouble finding information on their universities' websites and that their enquiry emails hadn't been responded well or at all - of course, this was the case for only some people, but it still made me feel like it was a blessing in disguise not to be chosen for my first option and going to Sheffield instead. I've had nothing but good experiences with my detective work on the website and my correspondence with the Sheffield people so far.

I don't want to seem too smug and like I think I'm better than the others because I've had good luck. It's true that things have gone generally pretty well for me, but I've also been active, applied for the accommodation the first day it was possible, and asked help whenever I wasn't sure about something. Of course, it helps a lot if the university websites are clear and easy to navigate (like Sheffield's), but I believe that anyone can feel as relaxed as I feel now if they're willing to go slightly out of their way to find all the information the need. There are no such things as stupid questions.

So, even though this meeting today didn't provide me with any information that I didn't already possess or wouldn't be able to find out myself, it gave me reassurance and the feeling that I can do this. I'll be fine. I'll weather the weather whatever the weather! And I'm looking forward to weathering it.