Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Year Abroad at Oxford Universirty July 16, 2025

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 10/13/2024 to 06/14/2025 with

Mansfield College, University of Oxford - Visiting Students Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about my ambitions for the future and how the world works. Being abroad exposed me to many different people and points of view, reminding me of the world's vastness.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I loved the opportunity to integrate into Oxford's academic environment. I had tutorial courses in the same system as a matriculated student, oftentimes working one-on-one with tutors. Their coursework expectations were quite different from my US college- we wrote essays for every tutorial each week. While the pace did take some getting used to, it was a great challenge.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The host institution made the visiting students feel very included. The administration was prepared for us, and anticipated most of our questions/ concerns.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I enjoyed having a single room and attached bathroom. However, the accommodations were all offsite. This took a little getting used to, but the transit time to campus (either 15 min walk or 10 min bus) became a fun part of my day.

* Food:

The food from the dining hall was quite variable. There were always 2 or 3 main options to choose from, and similar sides. But the cost of eating on campus was comparable to eating out so I would rarely eat on campus. Mostly I cooked for myself.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There were many opportunities to connect with the local culture. Being in a university town like Oxford meant there were always student-oriented activities going on, and pub culture in the UK ensures there's people out and about during nice weather.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The program administrators ensured we knew how to access UK's health services, and offered to help with any questions that arose. The college also offered mental health services directly.

* Safety:

Like any college town, there were some points the city didn't feel completely safe. But overall, I was not concerned for my safety while living there.

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

I loved the academic experiences and challenges, as well as the program timeline. I met great friends who I plan to keep in touch with and made lasting memories.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $125
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I saved a lot of money years in advance before going abroad. I had known my intent to go abroad, and it allowed me to have a lot more financial freedom while there.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • People
  • University buildings
  • The location
* What could be improved?
  • Food
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I should have known how quickly you can change when you move abroad.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!