What's your experience at Oxford University?

[a fragrant plant]

What is it like to study in Oxford?

[armouredapple]

Hi Peanut!

I've pretty much *only* ever studied at Oxford...which makes it a little hard to answer as I can't compare! I can have a go answering, but if you could mention your expectations of what it might be like and why it might be different to your current program, or what features you're particularly interested in, then I might be able to give a more informative response. Also I'm a humanities/social sciences student, so my experience may or may not be relevant.

But some features that might (or might not) be distinctive: like any grad program your academic experience is completely in the department - the colleges have nothing to do with the courses - but the advantage of the colleges is that you have a very mixed community you can live and socialise in, in terms of disciplines. How much you take part is up to you - some people mainly socialise with their academic peers, and others mix it up, which can good when you need to get away. It's also fun to be able to share ideas across disciplines (and colleges sometimes try to organise this formally).

I've heard (though I don't know if this is really true) that the culture in the US in terms of impressing professors, making sure you ask questions in class etc is a bit different. I get the impression it's a bit more laid-back here - people do ask questions of course (sometimes, I've found, not particularly smart ones), and I don't think it has particular significance.

One difference for the humanities and social sciences is that the Master's is recognised as a completely separate degree to the PhD, and plenty of people come just to do the Master's, or come to do both but change their mind and leave.

There are lots of big-name speaker events and visitors, plenty of seminar series.

The graduate body is very internationally mixed, in contrast to the undergraduates who are (by a large majority) British. Undergrads and grads mix a bit socially in college - this depends on you of course - but especially in extracurricular activities.

Speaking of which, there is a *huge* amount going on there: a professionally conducted orchestra, some of the top choirs in the country, lots of sport and very impressive drama, politics, etc.

It's a genuinely beautiful town and a great place to live.

And it's much much much better than Cambridge, of course!

On the negative side...my impression is that the Master's-level training (at least for social sciences) is not as wide-ranging or as thorough as in the top programmes in the US.

Also, there is a bit more of an old-fashioned culture of leaving PhD students to just get on with it. There *are* opportunities to present, to teach and so on, but I don't think you get pushed to do it in the same way, and it is not as structured. This depends on your subject and, I guess, on your supervisor. I left before this stage so I can't speak from experience. And again this is more for humanities and social sciences - the culture in sciences I think would be pretty much the same as in the US.

Hope that's of some help.

[balderdash]

Well, as a filthy Tab, I'll add this tidbit:

I've got a friend at Merton who is really getting sick of the fact that they have formal hall every night. He says it's a constant celebration of the fact that they've matriculated, without actually doing much work. Also, he finds his course (a social sciences MPhil) to be really cutthroat: people will openly deride each others' work in discussion.

But as for the former, I think that's just a college-specific thing. If you don't want formal halls and freeflowing drinks, don't go to a formal college. As for the second, I think it's just an adjustment process from a different method of teaching.

Of course, I think you should check out Cambridge.

[a fragrant plant]

Many thanks! I do have a few more questions:

- What are colleges' roles in postgraduate (DPhil) education?

- Does Oxford have good facilities (computers, wifi, libraries)?

- Are people friendly? Does Oxford have a diverse and open environment for discussions (balderdash, can you PM me more about the "cutthroat" social science that you referred to? I'm also in social science)?

- What sort of accomodations do postgrad students usually go after (I'm 27)?

[balderdash]

Many thanks! I do have a few more questions:

- What are colleges' roles in postgraduate (DPhil) education?

- Does Oxford have good facilities (computers, wifi, libraries)?

- Are people friendly? Does Oxford have a diverse and open environment for discussions (balderdash, can you PM me more about the "cutthroat" social science that you referred to? I'm also in social science)?

- What sort of accomodations do postgrad students usually go after (I'm 27)?

Colleges have a lesser role at the DPhil level than they would for the BA level. Your department has control over your education, but the College is the center of your social life. It also gives you access to resources (funding, libraries, travel grants, etc). All in all, I would say it matters less than for undergraduates, and the calculus is certainly different. You want a rich college with good accommodation that is near your faculty.

The facilities vary depending on college, but you won't want for resources. It's a different system to negotiate, as it's all decentralized (as opposed to the US schools). But overall, as good as anywhere.

People are friendly and outgoing. It's the only place in the world where guys can wear salmon-colored trousers every day and no one bats an eye... Generally speaking, Oxbridge is great for social life because you have separate circles of friends: your department, your college, your activities, etc.

If I were you, I would live in College first year to be part of the whole experience. But it depends on which college you're at and what your preferences are.

As for the PM, coming right along.

[wreckofthehope]

Many thanks! I do have a few more questions:

- What are colleges' roles in postgraduate (DPhil) education?

- Does Oxford have good facilities (computers, wifi, libraries)?

- Are people friendly? Does Oxford have a diverse and open environment for discussions (balderdash, can you PM me more about the "cutthroat" social science that you referred to? I'm also in social science)?

- What sort of accomodations do postgrad students usually go after (I'm 27)?

Hi Peanut,

I only have personal experience of undergrad education at Oxford, but my boyfriend did his MSc there in a social science subject (social policy) - if you have any specific questions in that area I can ask him for his input.

As far as the DPhil experience goes - I know one of my best friends, who did his DPhil in History, regretted his hasty college application - it makes your DPhil experience easier if you're at the same college as your supervisor, and a college with lots of money is always a better bet for summer/research/travel grants etc. If your supervisor is in a different college then the only thing your own college will provide is accomodation/ library access/ and the (very) occasional meeting with a college academic advisor that checks in once a year or so to make sure you're on track.

As for the rest of it -

College facilities will depend on the wealth of your college, but faculty facilities are usually pretty good. The Social Science Library is particularly good for computers etc ( as oppposed to the EFL, where I was). But... I imagine that universities in the States will generally have more impressive technologies etc.

As someone above said - college accomodation is best for the first year - and, since you usually get meals included, is often a very good deal, it also means you have a ready made community to get to know. For later years, most people rent shared houses in Jericho or Cowley or down Abingdon Road area. Private accomodation is expensive and self-contained flats are out of most people's price range.

[a fragrant plant]

As far as the DPhil experience goes - I know one of my best friends, who did his DPhil in History, regretted his hasty college application - it makes your DPhil experience easier if you're at the same college as your supervisor, and a college with lots of money is always a better bet for summer/research/travel grants etc. If your supervisor is in a different college then the only thing your own college will provide is accomodation/ library access/ and the (very) occasional meeting with a college academic advisor that checks in once a year or so to make sure you're on track.

Hi wreckofthehope,

Thanks! I didn't know anything about Oxford's college system but my potential supervisor asked me to choose her college, which is St. Cross. Any comments on St. Cross?

Thanks,

Peanut

[wreckofthehope]

St Cross seems nice. A friend of mine did evolutionary anthro there and enjoyed it. It is in a really great location and has very nice grounds. It's graduates only, which has its benefits- the more undergrad oriented colleges can be a little isolating for new postgrads, or so I've heard. The only potential draw back would be money- I don't know how wealthy it is or what kinds of funds it can offer, but probably not much in comparison to the big guns like St Johns, Christchurch etc.

[Hashem1]

What is it like to study in Oxford?

How difficult is admissions into Oxford, generally? Are admissions based on purely academic criteria (e.g., GPA, languages, etc.) or does your undergrad (or former grad) school's pedigree come into play?

[ACEFLY]

What is it like to study in Oxford?

Hi Peanut,

have you got the offer from Oxford? I have got one from them. which department will you go?

Thank you very much.

ACEFLY

[MJ0911]

Hi wreckofthehope,

Thanks! I didn't know anything about Oxford's college system but my potential supervisor asked me to choose her college, which is St. Cross. Any comments on St. Cross?

Thanks,

Peanut

I've also applied to St. Cross, for a social sciences subject PhD. I liked the fact it was a grad college, got the impression it wasn't sports mad, was central and old, a good size, and most importantly they offered a scholarship I could apply for. Second choice was St Anthony's where my potential supervisor is based. Good luck in your application!

[a fragrant plant]

Can someone explain to me what 'college fee' is? I just learn that college fee will cost at least £2k and it's not included in the £3k tuition fee (for EU/Home students). I am told that the 'college' is not as important in postgrad as it is in undergrad. If so, what is the college fee for?

I also heard that most UK funding covers only tuition fee. There is no stipend. Is this true?

[Bukharan]

The college fee is a fee for membership at the college. The college is not as important for postgraduates as it is for undergraduates yet it still remains a big part of your graduate experience. Think of the college fee as part of the tuition fee. It is easier to justify it that way then.

As for the funding, it really depends on which funding you mean. Some scholarships are all-inclusive: they will cover tuition, college fees and maintenance. For instance, AHRC and ESRC normally grants those to successful UK and EU citizens. Some scholarships will only cover tuition or tuition + college fees or maintenance.

[a fragrant plant]

The college fee is a fee for membership at the college. The college is not as important for postgraduates as it is for undergraduates yet it still remains a big part of your graduate experience. Think of the college fee as part of the tuition fee. It is easier to justify it that way then.

As for the funding, it really depends on which funding you mean. Some scholarships are all-inclusive: they will cover tuition, college fees and maintenance. For instance, AHRC and ESRC normally grants those to successful UK and EU citizens. Some scholarships will only cover tuition or tuition + college fees or maintenance.

Thanks very much. That means Oxford's 'tuition' will be at least £2k more expensive than other universities in the U.K. Sigh...

How much do you think I'll need to put aside for maintenance fee?

Edited January 17, 2011 by Peanut

[balderdash]

Thanks very much. That means Oxford's 'tuition' will be at least £2k more expensive than other universities in the U.K. Sigh...

How much do you think I'll need to put aside for maintenance fee?

Maintenance, unless Oxford has a particular meaning of the term of which I'm unaware, isn't a fee but rather what they call living expenses. So they estimate what food, transit, books, et cetera will cost you.

Food is relatively cheaper in the UK, so I usually get by on a shoestring of about 25-30 pounds per week. But if you value your sanity, I'd plan on about 40-50 per week in food, plus any expenses you expect to have. Keep in mind train/bus fares, printing/photocopying, books, and essentials (like a coffee pot) that you will have to buy.

Edited January 17, 2011 by balderdash

[a fragrant plant]

Hello all, I have been accepted to Oxford and I think there is a high chance that I'd go. Anyone who is certain that they'll be heading to Oxford this fall?

[ACEFLY]

Hello all, I have been accepted to Oxford and I think there is a high chance that I'd go. Anyone who is certain that they'll be heading to Oxford this fall?

cong~and I think I will go to Oxford this fall as well, What is your major?

[tweety11226]

Peanut,

How are you paying for your education? I am interested in applying to Oxford for next year and I would like to know how did you choose the colleges that were best fit for you? What did you look for in your colleges because I am really confuse about this? I am interested in a Masters in Global Health Science or Masters in Medical Anthropology.

[Subcontinental]

Hi Peanut,

I only have personal experience of undergrad education at Oxford, but my boyfriend did his MSc there in a social science subject (social policy) - if you have any specific questions in that area I can ask him for his input.

As far as the DPhil experience goes - I know one of my best friends, who did his DPhil in History, regretted his hasty college application - it makes your DPhil experience easier if you're at the same college as your supervisor, and a college with lots of money is always a better bet for summer/research/travel grants etc. If your supervisor is in a different college then the only thing your own college will provide is accomodation/ library access/ and the (very) occasional meeting with a college academic advisor that checks in once a year or so to make sure you're on track.

As for the rest of it -

College facilities will depend on the wealth of your college, but faculty facilities are usually pretty good. The Social Science Library is particularly good for computers etc ( as oppposed to the EFL, where I was). But... I imagine that universities in the States will generally have more impressive technologies etc.

As someone above said - college accomodation is best for the first year - and, since you usually get meals included, is often a very good deal, it also means you have a ready made community to get to know. For later years, most people rent shared houses in Jericho or Cowley or down Abingdon Road area. Private accomodation is expensive and self-contained flats are out of most people's price range.

Hi wreckofthehope,

You mentioned that your boyfriend studies MSc. in Social Policy. I have been accepted for the same programme this Fall. The thing is, I have also made it to the MS in Public Policy and Management at Heinz, CMU and am REALLY confused on which one to pick. I'd be grateful if you could give me some insights! =)