All settled in Yorkshire

I've officially been in England for two months now, although it seems like only yesterday I was counting down my last days of a California summer. Time has definitely flown by, and I'm beginning to realise how fast this year will come and go. In many regards, I am very happy with the way I have settled in and have enjoyed my time here, while on the other hand I am a bit anxious about not letting these next 10 months or so pass me by. These past several weeks, have been strangely busy and restless at the same time. Coming from a 9-5 work environment where every bit of my day is planned out, to a master's course with six hours of lecture a week is a bit of a shock to my system. Don't get me wrong, there is plenty of independent study, and the course is by no means easy, but I do find myself with a bit more downtime on the average weekday than I would like. That being said, I'm actively applying for any internship/voluntary opportunities and part-time jobs I can find. My course work will also essentially double next semester, so I have a feeling that before I know it I won't have enough time in the day. For the time being though, I am taking full advantage of all that Leeds and England have to offer.
Since my last blog, I have been able to develop a really solid social scene, meeting some really cool people (most of whom are from the UK). From random nights on the town to weekly pub quizzes and even some delicious Sunday roasts I have been feeling more and more like a local. I've even found my go-to cask ales! It feels good to have a group of friends to get plugged into the neighbourhood scene with.
The weekends have also kept me "well busy". In early October, I went to Ireland for 4 days, where I had a great time exploring Dublin, Galway, and the epic Cliffs of Moher (Google "Harry Potter cliffs")! It's such a beautiful country, and while I was only there a short time I was able to see quite a bit. Back on this side of the Irish Sea I've also been busy exploring. I have seen quite a lot around Yorkshire including York and Harrogate, and even went rock climbing in the countryside. To cap it off, last weekend I visited family down in London for my cousin's birthday party on the Thames; a long but really fun night! It was great spending the weekend catching up with the entire family and enjoying some home cooked meals. Over the course of the next month, I have some smaller day trips to the Midlands and Manchester planned before flying back to San Francisco for Christmas. I will then be back just in time for New Years in Edinburgh! I have quite a bit to look forward to!
While at times, I may become frustrated with the student lifestyle and the lack of a consistent structured schedule, I am thoroughly enjoying myself here. My course has been really interesting, and I am excited to progress further within the field ( I even picked up an economics book for a bit of leisure reading). Keeping things in perspective, I've given up a steady job /routine for a year to pursue a degree that I think will really further my career. Additionally, just simply living in, and getting to know England, (outside of London) has been a great experience. Even despite the gloomy weather, I truly feel that I am beginning to settle in like a local. Now if I could just understand the Yorkshire accent...