Fantastic Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Oxford is different from Midd. It is almost totally individual reading and writing an essay (at least for Humanities), with one hour per week with the tutor. So it is totally self-driven and there's little face-to-face interaction. If you're smart, curious and motivated then its ok, but you have to be ready for that system. It is much better for graduate than undergraduate education. And of course you can only take classes in whatever your program is, not in lots of different disciplines. I loved the experience over there, but because of the extracurricular groups, intl friends, travel, experiences, etc. and not really the education.

On-site administration of your program

Administration was good except sometimes they were reluctant to let me change courses at the beginning of terms (which isn't done at Oxford). Students in the future should be aware that once you pick your courses for the term it is very difficult to change.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was fantastic, had a third-story room ("the Middlebury Room") inside the college overlooking the Bodleian Library.

Lincoln apparently has some of the best food of Oxford colleges. It is good, except there's only one serving, and little fresh fruit, so I ended up buying a good deal of extra food.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Very integrated, I had almost entirely British/international friends for the year. I would advise make an effort to follow british culture/politics/sports, but its not essential. Americans are novelties/everyone likes to talk to them.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any major health issues over there. But be aware of environmental factors before applying. Because its situated in a natural depression, Oxford is a sink for pollen/smog/H20. Thats a real problem if you have asthma/respiratory issues. Also be careful to study in good light--my eyesight declined over the year.

Safety was absolutely fine in Oxford.

See previous comments. Oxford is great except for the educational structure and the place where it is.

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

I spent probably $150 on food each week, but I also ate out of college a lot. One thing to be aware of is events and especially balls cost money, so budget that.

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• Dorm

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• Local Students

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• Local Students
• Americans

• Being in Oxford

• Communication beforehand/whats expected in the program

The Avid Adventurer