Finally in Kyoto

It's been less than a week since I arrived in Kyoto, and a lot has certainly happened in that time. On top of getting my health card, bank details and mobile phone set up (though the mobile phone is still in progress), I've been hanging out with the people in my dorm, including the dorm tutors. Since first arriving here we've also been going out to dinner, and even went to karaoke. I was initially overwhelmed that I felt that my Japanese was not sufficient to keep up with conversation. Fortunately, I caught up with a friend who came to my uni on exchange last year, and it helped to boost my confidence that my Japanese conversation skills are not as bad as what I thought. They key is more in recognising and understanding what people are saying, as I am able to put answers and conversation together without problem. Furthermore, I've also been watching the most recent Batsu Game on youtube to help with recognition and new vocabulary - getting a laugh or three ain't so bad either.

Tomorrow is orientation day, and the welcoming ceremony of new students. I don't know what to expect there. However, the next day is what I'm more concerned about, as it's the placement test. I've been studying since the new year, and i have also tried to study while settling down here in Kyoto, but I don't know if it will be enough. I guess all I can do is just do my best.

More prep work

I've begun packing at this point. I also need to get some stuff for my friends in Japan. I've already some stuff for one friend at the moment, though I'll probably go get the rest tomorrow while I'm out collecting my visa.

Furthermore, I decided to buy a new laptop, as the one that I'm using right now will not be sufficient, given that the battery life is practically non-existent. I decided to purchase a sony vaio pro, as I've read good things about it (especially on the battery life front), so I'll probably pick that up tomorrow also.

Got some new socks and what not, as I tend to go through them really quickly (though I still don't get why up until now).

Still practicing my kanji and vocab with what little time I have left. My kanji recognition and vocab are pretty good now, but I still struggle with writing kanji from scratch. I have also tried to use more japanese where I can (in this case, facebook). Hopefully it will be enough, but given that I have friends there, and that I'm staying in Japan for a year, I should be fine. 

Insurance is all settled by my uni - Don't need to pay anything extra, aside from during mid year break and end of year breaks when I'll most likely do some private travelling. I haven't decided how long I'll stay in Japan for, as my studies will be finishing end of January next year. I guess it will depend on money, but I would like to stay at least until early March 2015.