Oxford University

Now as an Alumni of Oxford, I think back not so long ago, but in high school I always wanted to attend Oxford. When I was fortunate enough to attend in graduate school, the tutorial system is exquisite and the education that I could not have asked for anything better. I am pleased to be an Alumni and part of such an amazing institution.

The history of Oxford is a bit over whelming. There were many famous government, playwrites, economists, and leaders that are alumni dating back to the 13^th century. It is one of oldest English University made up of many sub colleges. This also a town that is possibly one of the most expensive areas to live. There is a big Oxford and Cambridge rivalry similar to the US version of Princeton and Harvard or maybe Brown.
Don’t quote me on historical accuracy. I sound like a bloody Yankee from across the pond. I am very new to the English culture. The casual dress is more refine than California and everyone speaks in proper English. I must really speak slowly and try not to use too many slang words or American idioms. The first night on the town my group ran in to a local Oxford curling team and we got a picture and I said the word awesome. They laughed because I’m sure I sound like a Ninja Turtle to them. I was taught the word Mate! As a cool lingo. Socal represent! Speaking of Southern California I will always use the word «hella» and get a similar odd reaction.
I find visiting the Rewerly House for a study Abroad Program great so far. It is only day 2, I work up for an early 6am morning walk in the 36 degrees Fahrenheit whether it is so worth it and beautiful. A bit chilly for me, but a great way to cure Jet Lag and a night on the town visiting many local pubs. It is free of smog with unlimited drinkable clean water. It is the opposite of California. We had a 4 year drought we don’t have a winter. Temperature ranging from 60 to 80 degrees year round.
I cannot wait to learn from one of the most prestigious University in England. I will not reference Harry Potter but I am in the right place. I hope to expand my knowledge and meet more locals.
Cheero!

A lot of tourists arrive in Oxford and ask where the university is. Well, in answer to that, it is all over the city. Colleges and departments can be found everywhere and many colleges are open to the public at certain times during the day.
If you want to see the ‘gown’ part of the city at its best then try and visit during exam time or matriculation (a Saturday in mid October) when the students and academics can be seen walking around in sub fusc (academic dress/​gowns).

This university is one of the best in the country the academic results prove that.
what also proves this is the amazing and famous architecture would make any student or person truely inspired to do good.
this is also a fave with the tourists and is a popular destination in oxford.

Its an amazing place. The Architecture is beautiful and must see. At just an hour on the train from london or an hour an 40mins on the bus how can you not see it if you are in London?
The nightlife is nothing to write home about, but its not there for its nightlife!

Oxford University… admire it or loathe it, it’s undeniably famous and one of the main reasons people visit Oxford. It’s inextricably tied up with the layout of Oxford: the magificent old buildings, the traditions, the culture and many of the inhabitants are related to the university and its spin-​off education centres, shops and attractions.
It’s the oldest university in the English-​speaking world, dating back to the 11^th century. In England its main rival is Cambridge, which was actually set up by some Oxford students in the 13^th century. It remains one of the leading universities in the world for teaching and for research, and combines the old with the new.
Many people come to Oxford thinking there is one set area called ‘Oxford University’. In fact, the university is a myriad of buildings, consisting mainly of colleges (there are around 30), which are semi-​independent entities like schools with their own traditions, accommodation, libraries (especially the Bodleian) and teaching. There are also libraries, chapels, museums, music rooms and theatres, as well as administrative centres. Many of the buildings are really old, with amusing gargoyles on, towering steeples (Oxford is known as ‘the city of dreamy spires’) and are sites where great literary, political and scientific figures throughout history made various discoveries and creations.
Nowadays the university is more active than ever and it’s worth popping along during term time to see students wearing their gowns (which some of them wear to dinner, and all to exams), academics in full academic dress on their way to various ceremonies, and to watch the rowing and punting, both of which Oxford is famous for. There are some famous students, such as the actress who plays Hermione in Harry Potter and Bilawal Bhutto, son of murdered Benazir Bhutto. Oxford students are stereotypically rich, public school educated and very intelligent. In reality, there is a good mix of people from different backgrounds, but there’s still a high proportion of pashminas, chinos, V-​neck jumpers and modern-​day Einsteins.