More than just study abroad - integrating at Oxford Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

You'll have to work hard, but I always thought Middlebury required more work. To clarify, I had on average three essays every two weeks, but there was no day to day homework. I could work more on my own terms at Lincoln. Would have enjoyed more feedback from tutors on the quality of my writing. The year is absolutely not a study abroad vacation.

On-site administration of your program

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing doesn't get better than this during college. I had an enormous room with my own bathroom and views over both of the college's historic quads. Middlebury students are consistently given some of the best rooms in Lincoln (probably because we pay more than the Oxford students). During vacations you have to apply to stay in your room (and you have to pay a lot for it), so consider traveling or just going home during breaks. 5-6 week vacations are a blessing if you plan ahead and take advantage of them though.

You hear Americans complaining about English food all the time, but I grew to like the food served in hall a lot. The problem is food price. It's around 4.50 pounds to eat dinner in hall, which is the cheapest food you'll find in Oxford (the town is pricey). In reality it's a great deal though since hall dinner is a three course sit down meal. But, there is no kitchen access aside from a microwave, and hall food isn't included with tuition, so there's really no choice but go to hall and pay a lot for food over the year. Lunches in hall are big and for 2-3 pounds are a deal.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

All the Lincoln students were very welcoming. I was mostly friends with second years, which I think was more unusual for Middlebury students (most make friends with freshman, as you live with them). If you want to meet older people, I recommend joining a college sports team during the first term. I played soccer, rugby, and cricket. It was only competitive to make the soccer team. After the year, I really enjoy British culture, and feel that I made a couple groups of solid friends that I will continue to keep in touch with back home.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

NHS is great.

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

Spent anywhere from $100 to $150 a week. It's at the higher end if you want to go to pubs/clubs/"crewdate" dinners.

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• Dorm

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• Local Students

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• Local Students

• Academics
• Great, fun people and social life
• Long vacatations

• The dollar compared to the pound