Ode to Adjustment

Culture shock, alienation, a new landscape.

All of these things bring to mind what it's like to move to a new place. That new place may be in your home country, and it could even be just ten miles away from your old residence. Let's face it, life is a constant stream of adjustment. Everyone likes to assume an appearance of having it all figured out, of having the hang of their lives. But no matter who, and no matter where, it takes time to settle into new situations.

Most days I wake up and go through a ritual of making coffee, toast, and checking my e-mail. It's amusing because without realizing it, we inhabit a new way of life wherever we go, but with the same mannerisms we've always used. I don't think I truly realized how much Lady Margaret Hall is my home until this morning. I've been here almost seven weeks, sleeping in the same bed, using the same small kitchen day-in and day-out. But the really resonant moment was when I thought about skipping a lecture. (I did, I am a BA). I was speaking with a student from a different Oxford college over the weekend and he told me there are three sectors to Oxford life (and most universities honestly).

1) Academics
2) Social Life
3) Extracurriculars

He said you can only efficiently do two of these things with good time management. And I completely agree. If you want to get really excellent scores and maintain clubs and a social life, it's virtually impossible. I observe it with the students around me--the ones who are hard club-goers are falling behind in classes, and subsequently their health (the flu comes and goes around here like a madhouse). Those who are striving for 1sts (equivalent to an A+) and perfect essays, aren't making many new friends or attending activities. And the crux is, that no matter who you are, you cannot obtain all three sectors. Yes there are a few people who exceed what we think of as a sane schedule, but chances are they're not giving themselves enough downtime to reflect on their own lives.

So when all is said and done, I think I'm finally aware that England is my home, and it's not for a short period of time. There are glimpses when I am envious of the students who are only here for this term. They will be home with their families for Christmas, and back at their home schools by January. While it would be extremely easy to slip back into the American frame of mind, and have the security and safety of familiar faces and places, it is not necessarily what is best for me. I wouldn't want my Oxford experience to end after nine weeks here, that wouldn't be nearly enough time. And just because home is comfortable and less strenuous work doesn't mean I'd enjoy it more. Because there are so many adventures waiting, and so much living left here.

In two and a half weeks I will be traveling across Europe for a month and a half. This will be my first excursion from England since I arrived, and I'm about to experience so much more about the differences and similarities in human nature. I've been asked numerous times from British students what the biggest difference between England and the US is. But, in reality, we're all people, and we all have similar desires and needs. It's not about what's different between us that makes this experience singular, but how we're all much the same, and how anywhere you go, you can realize that.

Afternoon Tea

Yesterday my friend I and ventured into town for a special treat—afternoon tea! We first browsed Crowley Street, right outside the city centre, which is known for its shops. The area was a little dingy, but offered many second-hand/thrift shops, which are called "hospices". I scored a beige sweater for £4 so that was a win!

For tea we went to the Grand Cafe, located on The High (yes Oxford just like OSU has a major street called High Street!). It is known to be the oldest coffee house in England, which I found fascinating, as I am the world's biggest coffee fan. The tea tray we split included scones, finger sandwiches, and coffee/tea, which was a marvelous meal! It was my first experience trying the famous English clotted cream, and it was superb! (I know I'm ranting about food, but it was so good!) 

If you ever come to England for a visit, a high tea is a must. It might not sound like something up your alley, but it is delicious and worth the small fortune. (Plus if you split it with a friend it's very reasonable). Overall high tea was an absolute success and a treat I will try again!

High Tea Platter

Saturdays are for Exploration and Sundays are for Studying...

Now that I have a bike, traveling to and from places in Oxford is much easier! Yesterday, my friend and I ventured into a part of Oxford called Jericho where we browsed the streets. Littered with cafes, boutiques, and restaurants, the area is a lovely spot for a Saturday. We ventured into a charming greek cafe where we studied and had some tasty treats.

We (my friend and I) can now boast of being able to cook for ourselves. Although it took three weeks to acquire the cooking-ware and finally decide to buy fresh food, we are now adept artisans of egg-making!

Me and my trusty Olympus Coral!

A lovely gift shop full of colorful items!

Autumn foliage!

A small park we found located next to the rail tracks!

Treats!

EGGS, nomz!

The Workload

The struggle is real. This week I have come down with a bout of "fresher's flu", and the workload has been heavy. Managing the toils of a cold while simultaneously writing and reading for two essays is *dun, dun, dun* difficult. I received my first set of feedback, which wasn't horrible, but mainly means I have to change how I structurally write essays since I am used to the American system. (I know, boring blog post, right?). Anyway, an interesting tid bit was that my tutor and I talked about differences in writing for public audiences and private audiences in the journals authored by nineteenth century women.

Being critically critiqued is hard to adjust to, especially after having university work come fairly easily to me, but it also means that I will become a better analyst. I think the main thing to keep in mind is the importance of learning, and as long as that is my goal, then I will find myself successful.

So apart from studying, I do sometimes socialize. One of my favorite university events is called Formal Hall. Every friday you can opt into a three-course dinner with formal dress. It is gorgeous--both visually and food-wise. It also makes me feel a bit like I'm eating a feast in the Great Hall at Hogwarts, so that's a plus too. Now I just have to make my way to Christ Church College and slip into their dining hall since the HP Great Hall set is modeled after their design!

The First Tutorial

So the first of many has finally commenced, the tutorial session. The good part is that my tutor is an absolute gem. She made me tea, is very kind, and not at all intimidating. This doesn't mean she won't rip my papers to shreds, but she'll do it with a sweet disposition.

It is truly a relief to have the first session over with, and while this means the brunt of my work is underway, it also means the most interesting studies of my life. This particular class is a cross-section of British women writers from the Regency period to contemporary literature AND creative writing! I mean how majorly amazing is that!? I never dreamt I could take a class this fascinating!

Alas, I have my work cut out for me here, but I am so looking forward to this challenge. I really have to thank my brother for convincing me to go to Oxford, props to you Chris!

I think it's easy to get so bogged down with work that we forget why we chose our majors in the first place. It is a luxury to study something we find fascinating, and feel rewarded by doing so.

One major difference I've noticed at Oxford is that no one has poked fun at me for studying English. People are here to work hard, and no matter their course, they will develop serious critical thinking and writing skills. At home, people inherently judge you for studying something they deem as easy or unnecessary. Here, many people study English and other Humanities based subjects. It is a freeing feeling that is also a bit daunting since I know the expectations are set high. However, the fact that my courses are now exactly what I'm interested in is such a pleasure and a gift.

The Excitement Over Academia

As visiting students, we have constantly been told about the heavy workload at Oxford. There is a large  gap between the amount of work expected from me in the USA at OSU and here in the UK at Oxford. I have been anticipating the work so much that I couldn't tell whether I was more excited or scared for it. However, now that I have set assignments, I find myself overjoyed to start studying again.

This year is bound to challenge me in many ways--intellectually, emotionally, etc. But I am finally finding my bearings here at LMH and settling in. It is a different sort of home, but one that I am enjoying very much. I know I will be overwhelmed, but it will also form me into a better writer, thinker, analyst, and overall person. It's important to look at the big picture and zero-in on details at the same time. So here's to academia and improving my intellect!

Oxford Life

Now that I've officially been at Oxford for two days, it's becoming concrete that I'll be here a full year. The city is beautiful; the city centre is truly amazing with interspersed modern, but mostly ancient architecture. I passed the Old Bodleian library today, and almost teared up at the sight.

So Lady Margaret Hall, where I'm living, is on the far end of Oxford's campus. It is surrounded by gorgeous gardens, and filled with Victorian* (French Renaissance style) buildings. The sights are wonderful, the accents foreign, and the adjustment a work in progress.

The problem with being an American visiting student in England is that English and American university systems are very different. In America, four year programs are the norm so junior year is ideal for studying abroad/co-oping, etc. In England, they do a 3 year degree and rarely ever study abroad. I am living and socializing with "freshers" (incoming students to the college, most all 18 year olds) and attending the same events. So I feel like I'm redoing my freshman year of college. That's not to say there isn't something to be learned from the fresh youth of Britain, but it is a disorienting feeling.

Oxford is an institution that follows its creed. It is both an institute of high academia, and a home to those who very much enjoy alcohol. That being said, every event I have attended as a visiting student has an air of formality (and alcoholic beverages) that I have not felt at Ohio State. Whether this is partly based on my hyper-consciousness as a new student in a foreign country, or because it is in fact considerably more formal, will eventually reveal itself.

In short, Oxford is both a beautiful and mysterious place to me. Primark has become my new best friend, with Tesco as a close second. I have probably introduced myself more times in these past two days than the entirety of my sophomore year. And while I know I am definitely not integrated yet, I am on my way to finding my place.

P.S. You can definitely survive two whole days without access to the Internet.

*I originally wrote Georgian, and my English friend, David, corrected me on the time period the buildings were constructed.

Leaving London

I have officially spent eight days in the wonderful city of London. Steeped with culture, this city is home to various nationalities, styles, and tastes. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here as a tourist, but I am happy to say farewell. 

My orientation has been rewarding--giving me the opportunity to take part in experiences I wouldn't have, but also granting autonomy in a vast city. We took a boat trip down the Thames to Greenwich, a charming community right outside the hubbub of London. I now have extensive knowledge of London's public transport system, since I explored many tube stops and bus stations after my roommate Becca and I went to explore Wembley Stadium. I am disappointed by the economic difference between the dollar and the pound, but have  learned the value of being thrifty in a major city. 

Tomorrow, we leave for Oxford, and although a great challenge lies ahead of me, I anticipate the change with excitement and an open mind.