Feeling more oriented???

Orientation Week is over. At least, after the rush for flats, bank accounts, mobile phones and so on, we got some academic stuff. Our first case study, presentations from the Dean, few Professors, some Alumni, current students, and Career Services. We met our Study Groups, and for the sake of privacy, I will not comment on them (although so far the impression has been great). We have also been assigned to our Streams, being D the one where I have fallen.

All in all, I think I have answered some 76 times to the question 'so where are you from?', about 47 'and what were you doing before coming to London Business School?', and 22 'so have you thought about what you wanna do after your MBA?'. I have probably met some 100+ people, putting a lot of effort to remember everybody's names and whereabouts. Since that is obviously impossible, I recommended everyone to go to the pubcrawls and meet me there :). So far, that is where the action has been. And according to the presentations from the Student Association and the current students, that is where the action is going to be (work hard, play hard....rings a bell from AEGEE times ;)

It has struck me, however, that all the people in the Student Association have roles in the Rugby Club. I was considering it (playing rugby), but will that mean that I'll have to get involved in the student-run administration of the School? Maybe the third time is in reality an assembly of school reps discussing academic and other issues?? Will have to check on that one....and still convince my partner that it's a gentlemen's sport.

short airport break

Thanks God, there are still some free wifi spots on certain non-mainstream airports like the one in Valencia, from where I am writing these lines.

I've had to come home for a couple of days to do some paperwork, and took the occasion to visit my parents in Javea/Xàbia (great resort for holidays! one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen, and where time stands still, at least for me). I've had time to think about all that is awaiting me when I fly back to London (in a few minutes, if they don't delay it), and it's a bit overwhelming.

I guess it's due to not having had that much "resting" holidays. After finishing work on the 28th july, we had to organize the moving of our furniture from Barcelona to Valencia. On the 1st we already had a flight to Athens for our greek holidays (which were great, but maybe too 'active'). Then, a couple of days at home in Valencia to finish the luggage, and move to London.

So I guess all that activity is taking its toll now. I guess when the MBA starts on Monday I'll be ok, but so far, I feel that a bit more of rest would be what I had needed.

In conclusion, my advice to all future and current applicants: before the MBA, and especially if you are moving abroad for yours, make sure to take a couple of weeks of real, old-style holidays: not doing anything. As we say in valencian, 'sense pegar ni brot'.

getting settled

Logistics as planned. I opened my bank account this morning (no HSBC like the majority of folks at LBS, but Citibank, since it allows for easier transfers between Citibank accounts in different countries), and faxed to the state agent all the necessary papers for the landlord. Hopefully in a couple of days we'll get the keys to our apartment, and can start moving in.

Apart from that, I'm off tomorrow back home to sort out a couple of things and visit the family once more.

It is amazing how time is alreadt flying, and the MBA programme hasn't even started yet! With all the arrangements, the pubcrawling, meeting so many new faces...days are really short! I guess it's a good start, and an indication that I'm already having fun and enjoying myself. This is one of the main motivations for me to come here, as well, so score!

and finally....here we are

So, yes!! We finally made it through all the security due to the terrorists caught in London, and arrived to town. We have been desperately running after a flat, like the hordes of other MBA admits who, like us, have arrived before the starting of the classes.

Even, we have already met for our first informal pubcrawl...a lot of new faces, a lot of interesting people!! I'm really glad that I chose London Business School: it is as international a student body as it can get.

By the way, I'm running out of time...should go to the next pubcrawl which is about to start!! Let's leave the London Business School Library and move on!!!

last from Spain

We just came back yesterday from our great (remark: really great!) holidays in Greece (thanks, Katerina, Aliki and Matina!!). Just unpacked and set up a couple of washing machines, and tomorrow we are supposed to move to London!! Of course, if those terrorists (and the fuzz that they have generated) allow. Thanks God the police and security forces stopped them before they could attack.

I guess next post will be from London....can't wait!! Even though I have felt a bit of anxiety lately, it is due to the change that is coming up in my life; I'm not at all questioning whether I took the right decision. I did. But i'm stressed because of moving abroad again, all the logistic arrangements (phone, bank account, and yes, flat!), leaving my job to become a student again...well, I hope that at least the logistics will be so easy as they have been for Angie!

(side note: acceptance letter from INSEAD just arrived. It can't compete against London Business School though)