I've learned a few things since I've been abroad and now I'm making a list so I remember them all, here goes:

1. The study abroad office was not lying at orientation when they said that the pints are larger here and that they will get you...I've been had and my head is retaliating against me.

2. Staying up late (approximately 4am) one night is just the beginning...almost 2 months later and I'm still staying up that late.

3. Running to get more alcohol before the store closes, while intoxicated and having to use the toilet at the same time, is never a good idea, no matter how important more alcohol is to you.

4. Do not tempt the monkeys on the Rock of Gibraltar with food and then attempt to conceal it from them...they are extensively trained in full cavity searches and will use force*, if necessary, to take it from you.

5. 'Certain' British men live up to the stereotypes they have been given in my homeland.

6. Getting mail from far away lands will never be this exciting again, so milk it for all its worth (this may include public gloating and rejoiceful dancing).

7. Look both ways before crossing the streets no matter what direction the crossing tells you to look...and if you're going to potentially get hit by a car during this process make it an Aston Martin or Ferrari so it looks good.

8. Last but not least...it is not below oneself to sell alcohol to desperate flatmates with certain terms and conditions (e.g. snogging or sexual favours).

Here endeth the list, for now........

* force includes, but is not limited to the following: scratching, biting, pinching, pummeling, dive bombing, poo flinging and rock throwing