Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A fun semester and a peak into Oxford education April 10, 2025

By (History, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/08/2024 to 12/06/2024 with

University of Oxford - Visiting Students

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It is very interesting to experience the British education, and very specifically Oxford education as a history student. The education is very rigorous and help me build up skills to manage my time better. In addition, the traditions of Oxford are very fun and unique; dressing up in an evening gown to go to a ball on a random Tuesday night is definitely not something you would do in American colleges.

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.

I studied history at Oxford. For a traditional humanities subject like history, Oxford has plenty of resources, arguably the best in the world. Tutors are very dedicated to their study area, and the libraries have a wonderful collection of books and archives that can hardly be matched in any other institution.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Administration is quite helpful and friendly.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The room has a few little problems common for old buildings, but they are bearable. In general, it is nice, everyone has a room for themself.

* Food:

Much better than my previous stereotype of British food. Each collegehas subsidized dining hall and there are plenty of cheap options in town.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I interacted mostly with exchange students since there is a big group in my college. But local students are pretty nice to easy to talk to.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have much issue.

* Safety:

Oxford is very safe, some certain parts of the town could be a bit sketchy at night. But for most parts, there is no problem walking alone even at night.

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)

It is not hard to live on a budget. Grocery prices are definitely cheaper than in the US. Dining out could be slightly expensive.

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

  • Other
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?
  • Prestigiousness
  • Traditions
  • Education and supporting resources
* What could be improved?
  • Clubs are not that accessible to students only staying a term.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You will have a lot, a lot of free time at Oxford. There are not that many hours you spend in class with other people(at max 2- 3 hours per week), so you need to plan your schedule well and learn to do things alone.

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.