Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A semester at Lady Margaret Hall - University of Oxford January 10, 2025

By (Biochemistry, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/01/2025 to 12/06/2024 with

Lady Margaret Hall, University of Oxford - Visiting Students Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, studying abroad at Oxford was an incredible experience! It was so worth it -- I met so many amazing people and made many friends (both American and British). I was exposed to a lot of different cultures and different way of approaching education and work which opened my mind up.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academic intensity is definitely challenging -- the tutorial system is very different from what students are used to in the American education system and it can take a while to get used to.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Lots of events for students to get to know each other, there were also check ups from the administration to ensure our wellbeing

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I got a single which was really nice. However, the thermostat did not go higher than 21 degrees and the heater would turn off by itself constantly. We also did not have hot water a month from oct-nov despite numerous complaints.

* Food:

One of the best formal hall food at oxford.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

City center is generally safe.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* 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 an expensive city! There are places where you can get cheap meals -- but it would definitely more cost efficient to make your own meal.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • New environment
  • Opportunity to travel
* What could be improved?
  • Lack of public transportation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about the student culture going in. I also did not realize how individualized each college was. You do have to put in some effort to make friends across colleges (this is especially challenging with LMH because it's so far out).

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.