Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Wonderful Year at Oxford July 23, 2025

By (Physics, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/08/2024 to 06/21/2025 with

University of Oxford - Visiting Students

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about physics specifically and was able to take more advanced courses than I otherwise would have. I also appreciated the chance to travel around England and to other countries in Europe. Overall, my experience was definitely worthwhile and I'd certainly do it again.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The terms are quite short (only 8 weeks) meaning that the terms are short and intense. Although, I certainly learned a lot and I appreciated the chance to focus only on one subject.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The Canal dorm room I lived in was nice.

* Food:

I didn't always like the dining hall found and found it easiest to mainly cook for myself. However, I had access to reasonably nice kitchen so this wasn't too bad.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? ~$100

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
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
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?
  • I really enjoyed living in Oxford
  • I learned so much in my courses
* What could be improved?
  • I'm not sure
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You will want to have at least one formal set of clothes (which for me was a full length dress) and if possible something that's black tie. I didn't fully realize this before going abroad (and there are places to buy clothes in Oxford so this was fine) but I wish I went to Oxford with more formal clothes than I did.

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!