Oxford Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Although there is less actual "class" time, there is a huge amount of independent work required. Lectures are once or twice a week. Most of your time will be devoted to reading on your own (with guidance from your tutor) and working on your weekly essay. Tutorials meet once a week to discuss the aforementioned essay.

On-site administration of your program

The faculty, administration and students at St. Peter's College are all really interested in working with international students. I found the English Dept to be particularly interested - we routinely had dinners and events so all the English Lit students could get to know each other and we even had a Transatlantic seminar examining the connection between the US and UK in literature. The administration was very responsive and concerned with our well-being. In general, the community (including students) was extremely welcoming and accommodating. My only suggestion would be to provide more explanatory materials in advance because I arrived not having a real idea of how the tutorial system would work exactly, where I was living, etc.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in St. George's Gate on a floor with all visiting American students, but the other floors were Oxford upper year students. The building is a few blocks from the St. Peter's campus, which is right in the center of the city part of Oxford. Everything you need is in walking distance. The actual rooms were of average size, with a tiny bathroom attached. There is a communal kitchen and huge common room with TV, tables, chairs and balcony that everyone shares. A cleaner tidies up your room once a week, which is nice.

Kitchen at St. George's Gate often got sort of gross since so many people were using it. Eating in the Dining Hall on the quad isn't so bad.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The bops held by your college and the university-wide balls are fun. Lots of student club nights. Bonfires in Port Meadow!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I always felt safe walking/biking around Oxford, even late at night, but obviously it's better to be in groups always. I didn't experience the healthcare system first hand, but from what I understand it is a lengthy and frustrating process to see a doctor. Make sure you go to the health orientation at the beginning of the year and get everything in order.

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

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• Dorm

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• Americans
• International Students
• Local Students

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• International Students