Oxford Lady Margaret Hall Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Academic rigour and intensity were high. Resources were provided, but for Economics, did not often connect to the source material. In comparison to Wellesley, Oxford is a lot of self-teaching. While this is a valuable skill-set in itself, I found that I learned and retained more through the additional resources and time given at Wellesley (small classes vs. large lecture halls, Wellesley help room hours and office hours, Wellesley student tutors, etc.). In essence, I thought philosophy worked well for the tutorial system while I thought economics worked better with the traditional American college class system.

On-site administration of your program

I enjoyed how the on-site administration planned so many activities to make the visiting students feel at home and help us become situated. However, they seemed very unorganized and late with setting tutorials, matching students to tutors, and giving information on when each tutorial started. Many other visiting students in the extended Michaelmas tutor arrived and did not hear from their tutor - or know what their tutorial was - for a week or two. All of us experienced some level of worry and stress having our concrete tutorials decided for us so late when we had to ensure credits transferred. Over the summer especially, the program administration did not respond to me for months at a time with my questions to change one of my tutorials.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Amazing - I had a large single room, two large windows, my own bathroom, and a team who cleaned my room once a week.

Food was affordable in the dining hall and good variety. The hours offered are much more limited than we were used to in Wellesley. Additionally, for about two weeks in late September, students experienced trouble adding money to their dining account. This was not the fault of Oxford, but of the company used.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Activities were provided - I did not pursue opportunities to integrate to the extent I could have as I was only there for three months. Additionally, the majority of my time was spent on work rather than social life. However, student clubs, college families, the LMH graduate provided to help visiting students, were all very much appreciated and useful. Students could integrate well if they choose to put in the effort.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The nurse is available every day for a generous amount of time. When I was sick, I easily saw her without an appointment. Additionally, they had a student dean of welfare reach out to me.

Oxford feels very safe.

Learned a brand new style of learning and enjoyed my time there.

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

Oxford tended to be about 12 pounds for a meal. Medicine/toiletries was similar to the U.S.. It depends on how often you leave college and go into town. Since Lady Margaret Hall is further from the centre of town, it is very tempting to stay in town after a lecture, study in a library (Radcliffe or Bodleian), and grab lunch instead of walking all the way back to college. This can add up over time.

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• Dorm

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Academic challenge
• Learning about new topics
• Being abroad and visiting new places

• Finalizing tutorial choices sooner

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