Getting Started

I've just finished my first week of classes; finally I've started what I came here for.

It does feel a little strange going back to coursework after 2 1/2 years but I've been eased into it pretty smoothly. I'm so glad I got here early, all that walking around campus during the break helped me to get my bearings so that, now the campus is bustling, I don't have to think too hard and try to orientate a map. Luckily I've bought most of the necessities for my apartment so I can concentrate on finding the right books etc.

There are 6 other incoming grad students in masters and doctoral programs, so it's not too hard to know them all. But each of my classes have about 20 students because the older grad students are there too, even some students from other departments. I guess that's what happens when the system is geared as a whole grad school. The atmosphere seems pretty similar to Australia: not too formal; class discussion as well as pure lectures.

The orientation party last Saturday night was pretty good. It was at the house of one of the professors, Colin Allen, so I think the department must be pretty social. I got to talk to a few people including, for the first time, my supervisor, Jordi Cat. He was unconcerned about my choice of classes (I had already emailed him about this) but wanted to make sure I was settling in ok. We discussed groceries at some length, where to buy lean meat etc (seems all foreigners commiserate about the quality of American food!). And I've now been invited to a welcome party for the Philosophy dept, where I'm not enrolled yet. It seems HPS and Philosophy get along so well that they are happy to invite each other to social events.

I think the best thing is my timetable -- none of my classes start before 2.30 pm. (One class is on at a very strange time, 5.30-8pm! but there's a break in the middle for pizza!) Makes a nice change from getting up at 6.30am to catch the 7.52 train from Emu Plains! I've heard that Descartes preferred never to get out of bed before noon and did most of his philosophy in his dressing-gown, looks like I'll be able to follow his lead!