My Wonderful Year | Page 5

left from necessity.
Riding alone at night without any fear for the first time in the world's largest city made me feel grateful for the circumstances that had sent me adventuring, but I was more than happy when the taxicab stopped before a very imposing edifice of stone and the driver said, "This is College Hall."
CHAPTER III
COLLEGE HALL
When the cab driver rang the bell, a very trim maid opened a massive door, and I was deposited trunk and all in the vestibule of the hall. My trunk was very heavy, carrying ninety-eight pounds excess baggage. I was astonished at one man being able to carry it. This was my first experience with taxi drivers and I learned on this occasion that they are always tipped sixpence regardless of the fare. On the boat, I had taken to the purser's office some of my American money and exchanged it for English coins. Very laboriously I counted out the fare plus the sixpence tip plus a shilling for having my trunk brought in. The maid led me to one of the individual parlors and there amidst straight back chairs and a homey fire I waited for Miss Lucie I. Dobson, the bursar of College Hall, a commanding looking, but gracious and kind lady. Miss Dobson took me to my room and ordered tea for me. I had expected more than just tea and bread and preserves. Being already tired and now hungry and disappointed, I went to bed and did not awaken even when my trunk was brought into the room until twelve the following day.
For the next few days I was initiated into the routine of College Hall. Some of the rules which were strictly enforced were these : Breakfast, 8:15-9:15 a.m. (week-days)
Tea, 4-5 p.m. daily
Dinner, 7 p.m.
(Saturday: Dinner, I p.m.; Supper, 7 p.m.)
(Sunday: Breakfast, 9-10 a.m.; Dinner, I p.m.; Supper, 8 p.m.)
Students returning to the Hall after 11:30 p.m. (Sunday, n p.m.) without special leave from the Principal will incur a fine of 2 s. (two shillings)
Students may not receive male visitors other than their fathers or brothers in their own rooms, but in the Common rooms only. Permission to use the Brodrick Room (for which a small charge will be made) must be obtained from the Principal.
Students are permitted to smoke in their own rooms, in the small room provided for the purpose. Smoking is not allowed in any other part of the Hall.
The directions for using the lift must be most carefully observed, or it will be put out of action. The lift may be used for the higher floors only. Students are expected to walk down the staircases at all times, and the lift must not be used after 10 p.m.
College Hall is the newly-erected modern residence for women students of the University of London, especially those from across the seas. My residence at the Hall afforded me an opportunity to be a part of the college life around me and to absorb by everyday contacts the English culture. There was an intimate group of ten students, three English girls, two Canadian girls, one Swedish girl, two girls from India, and two American girls, of which number I made the second. A friendship formed and one I valued very much was with the secretary of the Student Christian Movement. This organization is especially valuable to the foreigner who has no friends in London, but my living in a college dormitory did not make me as dependent upon the organization for diversion as I would have been otherwise. The club house is located at 32 Russell Square.
College Hall has one hundred seventy study bedrooms in addition to the library, cloak room, individual parlors, waiting room, private parlor, game room, roof garden, large and small common rooms, which we call reception rooms, foyer, living quarters for the principal and her assistants and also for the maids, dining room, and kitchens. In the foyer is a very imposing plaque in recognition of a visit made to the hall by her Majesty, Queen Mary, in 1934.
The rooms are very comfortable. Much to my pleasure my room faced the street. Each room contained a studio couch bed, a chest of drawers, a desk chair, a desk, a bookcase, a lounging chair, a tea table, a mirror, and a throw rug. A large clothes closet extended from the floor to the ceiling and another closet contained a bowl with hot and cold running water. My room was No. 10 A located on the first floor and was assigned to me when I sent in my application. I knew that I was going to be afraid to sleep on the first floor, but in England our first floor is called the ground floor, and accordingly the second floor is called the first floor. I spent