Blackfriars Hall: Academically and Socially Challenging yet incredibly Rewarding Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was much greater, and in a much more intellectually challenging way. There was a great deal more reading and writing, but no quizzes, tests, or exams. In a tutorial system, I was one on one with my professors, and thus always needed to be on my toes, ready to assert my views, rebuke my professor's challenges, and generally discuss the topic for that week.

On-site administration of your program

Accessibility and support services were very helpful, and the on-site administration was very willing to help us acclimate to British culture, push us to new heights, and help us when we were struggling. The size of the program was quite nice, in that it was a small number of American students coming from different colleges and universities to study at Oxford, many of whom were going through the same types of shocks and challenges. They were very familiar with how things worked at PC both in terms of academics and in terms of Studying Abroad (course articulation, transfer, et cetera), and were helpful in those regards thanks to that experience.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We lived in a pair of houses owned by Blackfriars hall that were in close proximity to the Hall, in a very safe neighborhood. The aesthetics were quite nice, homey and cozy, if a bit small at times. We were in the center of Oxford, so day/nightlife was within easy access, and while we had to buy some cookware and other things to furnish our home, it certainly wasn't any sort of outrageous expense.

I was satisfied by the meals at St. Benets, and while it was a challenge, I was very pleased with the chance to cook for myself and learn from my housemates in the Kitchen.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The Hall primarily left us to ourselves to organize social and non-academic events; there were a number they did organize though, primarily specialty lectures and dinners/drink nights for the students. Particularly memorable were the Blackfriars Hall Garden Party/Ball at the end of the year, as well as our Thanksgiving Dinner organized by the Dominican Friars.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Very safe, though I didn't make use of it, the Hall provided us with a forum to apply for British Healthcare so that it was accessible for us. There were no prevalent health issues and I needed no vaccines.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Other

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• Americans

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• Americans

• The challenge of the academics
• The time allowed to students over breaks to travel long-term

• Nothing that I can think of to be honest.