An Incredible Experience in one of the Greatest Universities in the World June 27, 2025
By A student (Politics, Brandeis University) - abroad from 10/06/2024 to 06/22/2025 with
Hertford College, University of Oxford - Visiting Students Program
Increased writing and research abilities, new friends, and an increased understanding of the UK and European international relations.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Can be intense but is very rigorous and teaches you a lot about time management, research, articulating your ideas, and writing |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Dorms were a 15-20 minute walk from campus but close to other activities like the boathouse for rowing practice. Rooms were cozy although they can get very cold |
| * Food: |
The food is decent, but English food isn’t winning any awards |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
People were extremely kind and welcoming. There are many opportunities to get involved in societies, sports, and local college events |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Oxford is an extremely safe city at all hours of the day and night |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Oxford University is an amazing place with some of the best academic opportunities in the world. The Hertford Visiting Student program puts you in the geographic center of Oxford in an extremely welcoming environment. It is easy to integrate into the University and join a variety of clubs and societies, as well as travel throughout the UK and Europe. Spending a year at Oxford is definitely a must-do. |
Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
Oxford is a very expensive city and the costs for things like food, drinks, and society fees can add up quickly. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 40-60 dollars |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | The tutorial system can be tricky to navigate and explain and it took a bit to get a handle on, so I wish I had better knowledge of it before going into Oxford. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
