Oxford: Amazing from Some, Not for All June 25, 2021

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I greatly enjoyed my academic experience at Worcester (a good thing too with COVID, as especially the first term not much else was going on). I took an extremely rigorous course of study (five third-year physics tutorials and one philosophy of physics tutorial plus the September Seminar) and it was a big adjustment at first. Oxford assigns very challenging problem sets, but expects a lower completion rate--completing 70% of a problem sheet is often doing quite well. Tutorials are a bit strange--you don't get much teaching from the tutor, just a review of the correct answers and process (often presented by another student or yourself). However, it is a fantastic way to learn how to be more self-sufficient and learn how to self-teach from textbooks, lectures, and other resources (a valuable skill for graduate school). Also, the head tutors keep an eye on your progress and will provide more help if you are struggling. Ultimately, Oxford's education is very hard to compare to a US institution's and whether it works for you is very much down to your own learning style and commitment to make it work. I loved it most of the time (I was well prepared to thrive on my own and enjoyed the opportunity to set my own schedule and see the effort of purely my own work without instructional hand-holding), but sometimes the lack of organization and outright support (Wellesley's faculty heavily *teach* the material in a way Oxford tutors don't) was frustrating. Also, the material was fascinating and on subjects I would have difficulty finding in my current educational surroundings (even MIT rarely offers those specific classes at an undergraduate level).

On-site administration of your program

Michael Mayo (the program director) is fairly good at checking in and answering questions, although is not always the best at resolving actual problems. Overall, Oxford is very disorganized and slow moving, but fairly good at making things work for you. Additionally, it is useful to seek your own resolutions and be proactive. I was happy enough with how things worked out for me.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living accommodations were pretty great for me. En suite bathrooms, great kitchen, mini fridge provided in room, comfortable furniture (office chair, table, and living room-style chair). Sufficient laundry facilities. Things were a little slovenly this year, as there was no housekeeping due to COVID, which lead to some gross conditions in the kitchens, but they didn't start out that way and it would be differently typically. Also, I was pleased with the responsiveness of maintenance.

I didn't really eat the food from the hall, but it was fairly decent the times I did have it. You could order self-isolation food packs as well, which were substantial and could be catered towards dietary restrictions. I did a lot of cooking, as the kitchens are pretty great. There are four plus grocery stores within about half to three quarters of a mile walk (Tesco, where I did most of my shopping, Sainsbury's, Marks & Spencer, and Co-op). Additionally, Gloucester Green has a farmer's market on Wednesdays.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I lived with visiting students exclusively, but took tutorials with matriculated students. I had one good friend who was a matriculated student. I think this aspect would have been better in an ordinary year--it was hard for everyone to socialize this year. I also did all my own grocery shopping in local stores, tried a lot of local restaurants/food stalls, and did some touristing.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

As a full year student, I had access to the NHS, but fortunately never had to use it. There's also a nurse in college I think for minor matters. The uni did a good job distributing COVID tests to those who needed/wanted them and restrictions were in place but not excessive.

I always felt extremely safe, especially in college. I was rarely out late, however. The college has the porters at the front gate and all entrances are ID-controlled.

I chose Oxford due to the amazing opportunities in my field of study and the location (I really wanted to spend time in England). Both of these choices were the correct ones for me. The third-year physics classes were just as fun as they sounded and I loved pretty much everything about England (I had a ton of fun trying random food from the grocery store, eating takeaway, and going to museums when possible). Further, I knew Oxford favored independent learning, which works well for me as long as I have some level of supervision keeping me accountable.

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

Oxford is expensive (eating out especially). Luckily, I was not self-financing and was supported by my parents. Worcester's hall food is not as expensive as some and cooking can also cut down on costs.

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• Dorm

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• Americans
• International Students

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• Local Students
• International Students

• academics
• location
• ability to cook, travel, and doing things in town

• program organization
• support during initial weeks
• opportunities to travel/cultural events

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