O Week...or Australians and Alcohol.

G'day Mates!

(Note: yes, they actually do say that down here, its not just some Crocodile Dundee inspired sterotype. In fact, one of my friends wanted to hear my Australian accent and had me say "G'day Mate" He was rather impressed with it, actually.)

So, this is O week. O week is Orientation Week where we get acclimated to Uni life and things like that. So, guess what? I'm still not in class. They start on Monday.

So, what are a bunch of college students to do while waiting for classes to start? Well...the Ressies Rulebook gives us an idea.

UCRS believes the enjoyment of alcohol is an adult privilege and recognises it as an established part of Australian lifestyle. UCRS therefore permits the responsible consumption of alcohol on Ressies.

Basically, that means drink up. The drinking age in Australia is 18, so almost everyone at Uni is of legal age. In fact, there are two bars on campus. My friends I were wondering why they didn't just have a liquor store on campus. Its a cash cow waiting to happen.

The first night of O Week (Saturday) about 70 of us are in the green room at International House (I live in Old Ressies) Its your basic get to know you kind of thing. You know stand up, say your name, where your from, and what your studying. Maybe something interesting about yourself.But, don't forget your drink! Beer, liquor, wine, you name it it was in that room. And if you didn't have a drink one of the SRs (like an RA back in the states) will make you a Screwdriver on the spot. I find it to be kind of weird, but got used to it fast.

Not only did we drink at this, we played massive drinking games. Including the largest game of "I Never" you've ever seen. I never has to be the greatest get to know you game ever created.

Yesterday, at about 5:30, I had happy hour with some people out in front of the ressies. When I told the Aussies that this sort of thing would never happen in the States, they told me to move.


This might be why, at the International Students lecture, we were advised not to try to drink an Australian under the table. You will fail miserably, and feel terrible the next day. I have no intentions of trying.

Lets see here...they do sausages down here. I've had one a day thanks to O Week festivities. Not bad either, I like it.

I've also signed up for a few clubs. I found the Ultimate Frisbee guys, and got on their mailing list. Then, after circling around the courtyard a few times I decided to go to the rugby table. I've never played, I'd probably get killed, but what better way to learn the sport but to play it? So I signed up for it to.

Hey, you only live once, right?

On classes...

Here's something you'd never hear them say at Orientation in the states: Avoid Buying Textbooks. But, its actually in the International Students "Tips" section. I'll see what I can do.

Also, you go to a class lecture once a week and then a tutorial once a week. This is fairly relaxed. Also, you can skip the lectures if you want, they don't take attendence. I do have to go to 80% of the tutorials though in order to avoid deportation. I'm sure I can handle it.

Also, its really hard to get an A here (or as they say an HD, High Distinction) Its the top 2% of the class. I hope to get one, but I'm not going to be upset if I don't get it. The saying here is P's (Passes) get Degrees...which is something American students can relate to.

The Grade system is High Distinctions, Distinctions, Credit, Pass. Just so you know.

I think that should just about do it for now. I promise to report on more than just alcohol next time. Maybe a post on the slang I've picked up on is in order.

Till then...Cheers!

Alan