Friday, August 31, 2012

A lovely aerial picture of Oxford
 
And another.

Hello everyone! Welcome to my study abroad blog. For the entire academic year, I will study at the University of Oxford. I don't actually leave for the UK until September 17, but today is my last day of work so it seems like the appropriate time to begin blogging. My goal is to blog at minimum once per week. If I don't follow through with this, please feel free to harass me about it via email.

I have known since February that I would be studying at Oxford, so I have had plenty of time to think about all the things about which I'm excited, and the few things I'm not. Here's a list:

Excited:
1. The tutorial system. Oxford and Cambridge have very unique education systems, in which students primarily meet one-on-one with their tutors (professors). I'm sure it will be challenging at first, but will push me academically and prepare me for grad/law school.
2. The people. I can't wait to meet other university students from around the world.
3. Accents/Downton Abbey/Sherlock. My best friend Liz, with whom I have been living this summer, has introduced me to a variety of incredible British shows. Which I will get to see before everyone in the US because they premier in Britain first.
4. British culture in general. Enough said.
5. Running cross country and track at Oxford.
5. Not having to live in the states during the presidential election, which is already contentious and painful to watch despite the fact that it doesn't actually occur for another 2 months.

Not excited:
1. Food. Everyone I have ever talked to who has been to the UK says the food is terrible. I am hoping I will be pleasantly surprised, but I have my doubts.
2. Missing 3 athletics seasons at my home school. I already miss my teammates so much!