It is soon that time of the year, you know, when we are finally finished with all our exams and assignments, when we can breathe yet again and go home! For most this is no big trip, just hop on the first bus or train and you’re there. But being an international student that means there is a bit of planning to do before leaving. Come! Step into my shoes, and I’ll take you on the journey I travel before finally being home for Christmas.

I must admit, I am an organized creature in the way that I make a list before leaving for any trip. Things to do before leaving and things I have to remember to bring. My list this year is thus:

-          Christmas presents: Need to be small! I only have 25kg available to me, and let’s face it; I have a lot of clothes! This probably will mean that my brothers will get money in an envelope with a lovely card from their big sis saying: “Merry Christmas little brother, wish for something smaller next year otherwise I’ll keep giving you money you can only use when visiting me in England. Love, sis!”

-          Suitcases: Oh yes! You don’t think I could go home with just the one did you? Oh please! I need at least two. Firstly because I have to have space for presents. Secondly because let’s face it, I’m not leaving ANY valuables in my flat, you crazy?! Thirdly, I need my clothes and shoes! Not only for when I go home, but I am of course bringing clothes I left at home back with me when I come to England. I know some of you might think, does she really need more clothes, the answer to that is YES!

-          Passport, wallet! I don’t really need to explain why I need this….

Now, how do I get there? That’s somewhat of a hassle. I am luckier than some, in the sense that I don’t have too far to travel. I leave by plane from England. To get there, I will take the bus from Oxford to Stansted. Then after waiting around the airport for an hour or two I get on the plane which takes approximately 2 hours. On the plane, I will probably try and get some sleep since I had to get up at 04.00 in the morning, but fail horribly because the person next to me is pushing my hand off the armrest, or the baby behind me starts screaming, again! Or maybe it’s the smelly guy in front of me opening his fish sandwich just to stink up the place a bit more! The baby I could have handled, but people with bad hygiene, Yuk! Or people using too much cologne or perfume when going on an airplane for that matter! Really?!? Now that just pisses me off! Think about your surroundings twat! We’ll be in this box for 2 hours. You might think it smells nice, the rest of us on the other hand, are holding our nose so that we don’t vomit from the stench or get suffocated.

Anyhow, after 2 hours in a little box with hundreds of other people, I’m finally in Norway. Then, if I’m lucky, some nice person will pick me up, and drive me the 1 hour journey home. Saving me from having to wait for a bus, or take the train, or struggle any longer with my stubborn suitcases who never seem to communicate with each other which suitcase goes on which side as I drag them along behind me. Finally I’m home, getting myself fed regularly and maybe raid the fridge as I eventually head back to student life, with its budget food shopping and endless assignments, and late nights to finish that assignment or cram for an exam, while desperately clutching Red Bull number three in the struggle against my eyelids.

So enjoy your Christmas holiday, eat all you can muster and be happy that the washing machine will wash your clothes without asking for £1.80 in return!