A Semester of Growth and Community Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The tutorial system was an interesting experience. While you have a lot of independence to structure your own schedule and learn at your own pace, it's totally different than anything in the United States. Essentially, you teach yourself before each class. One of my tutorials had no lectures, so I was completely on my own (i.e. I didn't have peers to talk to, a general book to reference, etc.). There was definitely a lot of frustration, especially days before an essay or problem set was due, but I think it was nice to get exposure to this way of learning. I don't think I would do it again, partly because I didn't enjoy my tutorials as much as I had hoped, but I appreciated all of the sessions I had with my tutors.

On-site administration of your program

It was great! I studied at Worcester College and loved everyone, from the Director of the Visiting Students Programme to the porters at the main entrance. Whenever I had administrative concerns, I could find someone to address them promptly.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Worcester College is amazing because you live with full-time students rather than being placed in a corridor with only visiting students. I had a beautiful room (which had a private bathroom, giant desk, two windows, etc.) and a large kitchen just across the hall. A scout emptied my trash once every other day and vacuumed my room once a week.

Worcester College's dining hall was being renovated this term, so all meals were moved to a small conference room. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were always provided, and there was also a small snack bar that served sandwiches, drinks, and more. The food was decent; it was pay-as-you-go unlike my home college's meal plan where we get unlimited meals by paying a flat fee in the beginning of the year. People serve you at each meal, and you're not allowed to get seconds. This mostly isn't an issue, though, because they give you a good amount. At dinner, dessert is also served.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The community was incredibly accepting, but I definitely think you have to put yourself out there. If you're someone who's more asocial, it may be difficult to easily connect with full-time students. I suggest joining university-wide societies, college-specific sports, or simply hanging around in your dorm kitchen.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't personally have any exposure to health care. I understand there was a nurse onsite during certain days, though.

I thought Oxford was incredibly safe. I didn't feel uncomfortable at any time. I never heard of any safety-related incidents. When I went out late at night (e.g. 2 to 3am), I mostly stayed with friends, so just use good judgment and you should be fine. Worcester College was also closer to the center of the city, so I'm unsure if colleges farther away were less safe since they were in more remote locations.

I loved Worcester College and all of the people I met. While I wasn't the biggest fan of Oxford's academics, I definitely appreciate the friends I made, the societies I joined, and the overall growth I experienced.

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

Since Oxford has a pay-as-you-go meal plan, I basically chose to go into the city to buy food at restaurants or grocery stores instead of sitting in the dining hall. It was my personal choice. If you want to only eat in your college, though, then the meals should be relatively affordable. I don't think you should be paying more than $15/day.

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• Dorm

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• Local Students
• Americans

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• Local Students

• Friendliness of local, full-time students
• Social scene
• Societies

• More bonding events among visiting students

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