Just a two tips for you Eleanor,
1. Get a good early start with a bit of a buffer so your not in a hurry. This will translate into a nice casual ride - like the ones you take after work.
2. Never stop alongside a bus (or anyone for that matter - but more so for big truck type vehicles). They have a big blind spot opposite of the drivers side, and if the bus decides to make a turn into you, you can easily end up under the rear tire. Stop either in front where you can make eye contact with the driver, or else behind the rear bumper - and do not try and overtake it at an intersection.
Good luck too you. Hope you enjoy it.