Matthew M. - Oxford, England - Fall 2011

Hello future study abroad students.  My name is Matthew and I am a senior studying abroad in Oxford for the autumn semester.  I am studying at Oxford through The Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Studies.  CMRS is affiliated with Keble College, where you will have the chance to meet other current students over dinner. 

I arrived in Oxford three weeks ago.  Before departing, I didn’t expect to experience a substantial amount of culture shock.  I was humbled.  Although there are a lot of similarities, there are also plenty of cultural differences between cultures.  The required international education course did help prepare me for culture shock and I found those resources helpful during the first two weeks.  The first week I was homesick and my sleep schedule was messed up.  If you are feeling homesick just remind yourself that you are only here for about three months and it is a once in a lifetime experience culturally and academically. For your information, Skype Is not allowed because of bandwidth issues so I suggest using Gmail video chat in order to keep in contact with your significant other and family members.  

When you first step off the bus in Oxford, you will be in awe of the medieval architecture, fresh markets and countless coffee shops and eateries.  In addition, when you realize the amount of facilities readily available for research (specifically the fantastic Bodleian library!) you will be anxious to begin studying.    If you are enrolled in the autumn semester you start with a mandatory Integral course (if you are signed up for Spring, I think you finish with the Integral course).  Do not panic when you are given the reading list and schedule.  If you plan wisely you will be able to focus your attention on specific topics that you are interested in.  The group field trips to cathedrals and castle’s are really informative and helpful.  My favorite city in England thus far, besides Oxford, is Winchester. 

Academically speaking, it is more rigorous.  But, so far I have found that it is rewarding if you keep up with the work assigned.  The reading list and lectures give you the opportunity to be very independent with your research and reading.  I do not start my tutorial and seminar courses for a few weeks, but I am excited to start soon!  Also, explore Blackwell’s Bookstore, which has a huge selection of books.  Every time I walk in I end up buying a new book. 

I am gradually becoming accustomed with my surroundings and beginning to feel more comfortable studying in Oxford.  It is amazing here and I am excited for what is to come.  If you have any questions concerning whatever you can email me personally at mattrmur@gmail.com.