Oxford: Unique, Extraordinary, and Distinctly English Past Review
By Aimee M (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., Barnard College) for
University of Oxford - Visiting Students
It may sound cliched, but I know I've grown so much as a student and person from my study abroad experience. I now know I have the self-discipline, independence, and open mind that are necessary for new academic and personal experiences. I also met so many incredible people who are not only intelligent, but also friendly and fun.
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Initially, I had some difficulties with the program in terms of figuring out how everything works for me as a visiting American student. The visiting students program at Oriel College is new, and I was the only visiting student that year. However, Oriel was very accommodating to my needs as a student and allowed me to take any classes I needed for Barnard or my own personal fulfillment. The faculty were all extremely nice, friendly, approachable, and willing to help. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived on the college campus. Unlike American universities, Oxford only offers singles. The rooms are a part of a "staircase" or building that can hold anywhere from 10-15 single rooms. Most rooms are quite nice and roomy. My room even had its own bathroom. The rooms are graded based on quality and any extra amenities such as an en-suite bathroom. Each grade corresponds to a certain price. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Oxford has numerous traditions that are unique to the university such as rowing events, formal hall, bops, May Day, and other events. It is definitely worthwhile to attend as many of these events as possible since some of them cannot be experienced anywhere else. Some of my best memories of my year abroad derived from these events. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Oxford is a very safe city. It is a university town, so most people (especially those walking around at night) are fellow students. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Varies |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Food is relatively cheap in Oxford. Food in hall is very affordable and there are many cheap grocery stores (such as Tesco and Sainsburys). Oxford is definitely cheaper than London, but expenses can add up because of the exchange rate, any traveling expenses, and the amount of clubs you attend, or alcohol you consume. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | My best advice is to be open to the different academic, cultural, and social experiences that Oxford has to offer. It will be difficult and a bit strange at first, but I always had the feeling that my experiences at Oriel and Oxford would be unlike anything I've ever experienced. This program is best for open-minded and independent students who are ready for challenges. Choosing an Oxford program (whether at Oriel or any other Oxford college) should not be taken lightly since it requires an entire year away from your home university and can be very academically challenging. However, I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions and experiences of my life. I have no regrets in choosing Oriel, Oxford, or a year abroad. |
