A great place to try out academic independence! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This is a rigorous program, intentionally organized to teach students how to be independent researchers. If you go into it with an open attitude, it can be a transformative academic experience. I started to approach academic work with more enthusiasm and curiosity than ever before. One wonderful feature of the Oxford tutorial system is that your professors sincerely want to work on what interests you most, and you have a wealth of resources available to help you dive deep into a specific topic. I had the freedom to take courses inside and outside my major, and to design several of my own courses. As other reviewers have mentioned, the workload is demanding and motivates you to develop time management strategies. I didn't go into the year considering myself a naturally independent learner, but I knew I wanted to build those skills, and I made progress.

On-site administration of your program

The members of the CMRS team are incredibly helpful and generous with their time and energy and are committed to making the program as good as it can be. They place student health, physical and mental, above academic perfection, and invite students to come and talk about anything on their minds. They love to share English culture and to offer wit, wisdom, and advice on academic careers. They also helped me find and take advantage of unexpected opportunities in many areas of study. I felt personally supported, respected, and encouraged at CMRS, and I'm really grateful.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was pleasantly surprised! CMRS is itself almost like a small Oxford college, with an on-site library and classrooms. Many of the rooms have high ceilings and/or views. I really appreciated having a large and well-furnished kitchen. Living in the city center is convenient because grocery shopping is easy and none of the colleges where you might have classes are too far away. The chimes of local bell towers are a constant cultural presence.

I cooked in the kitchen the majority of the time and made a habit of going to the Wednesday outdoor market for fresh fruits and vegetables. I was also in Keble dining hall at least twice a week (the system is pay-as-you-go, but choir members get some free meals). The quality of Keble food varies, but there are always multiple options.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was emphasized right from orientation that you have to go out and make an effort to make non-American friends. I got involved in the choral music scene in Oxford and became close with the people I sang with, especially at Keble College. Although Brits may initially seem cold and relatively unsmiling, many of them are just straightforward. They really do welcome new friends. Culturally, it was not an extreme adjustment, but since I had never traveled outside of the U.S. and Canada, I observed and adjusted to a fair number of differences. (Tea, pubs, and true punctuality.) It was great to live in a place where so many people are so intellectually curious and ready to have seriously interesting conversations.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The program helped me with transportation when I had to see a specialist. Wait times at the clinic were long, but I got the treatment I needed.

I didn't feel unsafe. I knew my way around and walked purposefully at night, and no one bothered me.

For a liberal arts student, this program offers more freedom of choice than a direct enrollment program, and I found a great community here.

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

Oxford is a relatively expensive place to live, but I enjoyed cooking for myself and avoided big expenses.

Select all that apply

• Dorm

Select all that apply

• Americans
• International Students

Select all that apply

• Americans
• International Students

• Individual attention in tutorials
• Academic rigor
• Community of people who want to be there

• Speed of grade reports (rarely the fault of the administration)

The Academic or Linguist