What is Oxbridge actually like??
So I've never really believed someone with my intelligence could get there! But I got 8 A*'s and 4 A's at GCSE and ive been predicted 4 A's at AS so i think maybe i have a slight chance (i hope)
But anyway, I've always felt that even if i did have the chance to go to Oxbridge I probably wouldn't take it, but I'm starting to change my mind.
I'm just worried socially, it wont be the same as other uni's and I'm only going by the stereotype and also it's pretty obvious alot of intelligent people go there!
So if anyone studies there/ been there...what is it ACTUALLY like?
But anyway, I've always felt that even if i did have the chance to go to Oxbridge I probably wouldn't take it, but I'm starting to change my mind.
I'm just worried socially, it wont be the same as other uni's and I'm only going by the stereotype and also it's pretty obvious alot of intelligent people go there!
So if anyone studies there/ been there...what is it ACTUALLY like?
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As with every uni, a huge mix of people will attend there. From the study 16 hours a day type to only not going out on 2 nights in an entire term (she was insane). There is always a dedicated going to clubs 2/3 nights a week group to satiate your appetite before club nights become repetitive and boring.
Take a look a the actual benefits (college system, course, city), go to an open day and decide for yourself.
Take a look a the actual benefits (college system, course, city), go to an open day and decide for yourself.
Original post by nexttime
From the study 16 hours a day type to only not going out on 2 nights in an entire term (she was insane).
Out of interest, did this end well in terms of degree class?
I also wish to add my interest as to how well that person did. Also in addition, to the veritable few who have studied at both I have been informed they are very different in feel and somewhat similar in atmosphere, and certainly from visiting both universities I got a vibe for it, so it's probably going to be more so a case of asking what Cambridge is really like and what Oxford is really like.
Original post by comrade_jon
I also wish to add my interest as to how well that person did. Also in addition, to the veritable few who have studied at both I have been informed they are very different in feel and somewhat similar in atmosphere, and certainly from visiting both universities I got a vibe for it, so it's probably going to be more so a case of asking what Cambridge is really like and what Oxford is really like.
I would disagree - I think they are similar in terms of the academic feel/ the social side of things - the main difference is actually just the size of the towns - Oxford is a big place unlike Cambridge which feels like an oversized village.
I would suspect that the reason you got a different vibe in visiting Oxford is that the Colleges themselves are very different, and the 'vibe' at King's is, in my experience, completely unlike that at any other College.
Original post by Azarimanka
I would disagree - I think they are similar in terms of the academic feel/ the social side of things - the main difference is actually just the size of the towns - Oxford is a big place unlike Cambridge which feels like an oversized village.
I would suspect that the reason you got a different vibe in visiting Oxford is that the Colleges themselves are very different, and the 'vibe' at King's is, in my experience, completely unlike that at any other College.
I would suspect that the reason you got a different vibe in visiting Oxford is that the Colleges themselves are very different, and the 'vibe' at King's is, in my experience, completely unlike that at any other College.
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahaahahha.
Clearly you have never visited Oxford. The city I mean.
Original post by ellie-wellie
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahaahahha.
Clearly you have never visited Oxford. The city I mean.
Clearly you have never visited Oxford. The city I mean.
Have you ever visited Cambridge? Comparatively, Oxford is huge!
Its one of those things that comes up in freshers week - half of the room is saying 'its so weird being in such a huge city, there are people everywhere!' with the other half saying 'its odd being in such a small town and being so close to the country'.
(edited 13 years ago)
Original post by ellie-wellie
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahaahahha.
Clearly you have never visited Oxford. The city I mean.
Clearly you have never visited Oxford. The city I mean.
Compared to Cambridge Oxford is a big place. EDIT: Just saw nexttime say Oxford seems smaller than Cambridge? Really?
The thing about Oxford is it's like any other normal city, but with bits of this medieval university scattered here there and everywhere. Cambridge is the university. The positives and negatives all depend on perspective: more faceless high streets like any other at Oxford; or more to do, more choice, unlike the almost campus-like Cambridge.
In turn it makes sense that there are different feels to both universities. Although it's interesting that Azarimanka states King's is a completely different feeling college. It would be nice if they or others could elaborate
On another point, does Oxford have a hate figure a la St John's?
(edited 13 years ago)
Oxford's a lot bigger than Cambridge, its got a lot more "to do" - by that I mean more clubs and places to go out. Cambridge has its fair share of clubs but there's only really two decent ones. There's this myth that people propagate that Cambridge is further from London - BS. It takes 1h to 1h10m to get from Oxford to Paddington and 45min to get from Cambridge to London. Both have really nice looking colleges. Cambridge generally looks nicer in the summer because its got a more green, campus-like feel. Its a bit like Princeton in NJ, USA. Oxford has more of a city appeal though the colleges are generally more compact and close to each other.
To be honest, people are on-the-whole happy (or at least as happy as they could be) where ever they go and this isn't even limited to Oxbridge. And there is absolutely no truth to Oxbridge being socially or culturally "limited" and "full of only toffs and rahs".
To be honest, people are on-the-whole happy (or at least as happy as they could be) where ever they go and this isn't even limited to Oxbridge. And there is absolutely no truth to Oxbridge being socially or culturally "limited" and "full of only toffs and rahs".
Original post by comrade_jon
Compared to Cambridge Oxford is a big place. EDIT: Just saw nexttime say Oxford seems smaller than Cambridge? Really?
Once you've seen Cambridge, Oxford seems positively huge — I'm sure that's what he meant.
On another point, does Oxford have a hate figure a la St John's?
Not really. Some of the colleges have more negative stereotypes, but there's nowhere here that's so bad to make us wish were in Cambridge.
Original post by comrade_jon
In turn it makes sense that there are different feels to both universities. Although it's interesting that Azarimanka states King's is a completely different feeling college. It would be nice if they or others could elaborate
In turn it makes sense that there are different feels to both universities. Although it's interesting that Azarimanka states King's is a completely different feeling college. It would be nice if they or others could elaborate
I ought to further elaborate: most Oxbridge colleges have pretty much the same 'vibe' I have friends in various colleges - St Johns Clare Peterhouse and Christs in Cambridge and Merton Balliol and St Catz in Oxford - they are all roughly the same in feel - albeit with a slight difference in feel between the modern and older Colleges. I think because of this the difference between the University part, as it were, of the universities, is superficial - the differences come from the Town. I mean the stereotype of Oxford being arty and Cambridge Scientific is true to an extent but it is negligible and based more on past output than a modern difference in teaching.
My point to you comrade_jon was that there is a huge difference between in King's and out of King's - King's is a totally different community within the Oxbridge system, in my humble opinion - it is so much more politically active than other colleges it is more accessible and takes being non-traditional to the furthest extremes. It is a wonderful place of learning, that can, at times, be utterly infuriating. Given its unique history it is hardly surprising that it has taken the turns it has.
Original post by Azarimanka
I ought to further elaborate: most Oxbridge colleges have pretty much the same 'vibe' I have friends in various colleges - St Johns Clare Peterhouse and Christs in Cambridge and Merton Balliol and St Catz in Oxford - they are all roughly the same in feel - albeit with a slight difference in feel between the modern and older Colleges. I think because of this the difference between the University part, as it were, of the universities, is superficial - the differences come from the Town. I mean the stereotype of Oxford being arty and Cambridge Scientific is true to an extent but it is negligible and based more on past output than a modern difference in teaching.
My point to you comrade_jon was that there is a huge difference between in King's and out of King's - King's is a totally different community within the Oxbridge system, in my humble opinion - it is so much more politically active than other colleges it is more accessible and takes being non-traditional to the furthest extremes. It is a wonderful place of learning, that can, at times, be utterly infuriating. Given its unique history it is hardly surprising that it has taken the turns it has.
My point to you comrade_jon was that there is a huge difference between in King's and out of King's - King's is a totally different community within the Oxbridge system, in my humble opinion - it is so much more politically active than other colleges it is more accessible and takes being non-traditional to the furthest extremes. It is a wonderful place of learning, that can, at times, be utterly infuriating. Given its unique history it is hardly surprising that it has taken the turns it has.
thats well interesting - elaborate!!
Original post by Vazzyb
thats well interesting - elaborate!!
On what, in particular?
This line about
King's is a totally different community within the Oxbridge system, in my humble opinion - it is so much more politically active than other colleges it is more accessible and takes being non-traditional to the furthest extremes
I thought all colleges were pretty much the same. From what you're saying it sounds a lot like Balliol too
King's is a totally different community within the Oxbridge system, in my humble opinion - it is so much more politically active than other colleges it is more accessible and takes being non-traditional to the furthest extremes
I thought all colleges were pretty much the same. From what you're saying it sounds a lot like Balliol too
Oxbridge (or, rather, Cambridge), for me, hasn't really been anything like I thought it would be. The few incredibly posh people I've seen tend to mingle with each other and keep themselves to themselves, and everyone else is pretty normal. There are a few workaholics, and it's true that you spend a long time working, but in general people's work lives and social lives don't tend to coincide. The atmosphere in the colleges seems to vary quite a lot from college to college; mine's quite laid back and there's little constant academic pressure (except the usual impending deadlines and so on), but some colleges put a lot more pressure on (e.g. by giving people who get 1sts a better choice of room) and subsequently get better results. But if you have enough self-discipline this won't be an issue anyway.
I don't really know where I'm going with this. Essentially, whatever you think it'll be like (even if you base it on this thread), it won't be like that. Your experience of Oxbridge, if you come, will vary hugely based on who you mix with, what college you go to, your work ethic, your interests, what extracurriculars you decide to do, etc. Some people live up the stereotype, and some do quite the opposite.
Is it? I know it has the socialist reputation, and a lot of its students live up to it, but I've not noticed it to be any more or less politically active than many other colleges. I also don't see how it's more accessible than at least some other colleges (though it is definitely more so than, say, John's or Trinity); and most of its non-traditional elements are things like not having gowns, having a two-word grace at formal, having a themed party instead of a May Ball... but what else is there? [I'm not trying to have a go; I'm really just interested.]
I don't really know where I'm going with this. Essentially, whatever you think it'll be like (even if you base it on this thread), it won't be like that. Your experience of Oxbridge, if you come, will vary hugely based on who you mix with, what college you go to, your work ethic, your interests, what extracurriculars you decide to do, etc. Some people live up the stereotype, and some do quite the opposite.
King's is a totally different community within the Oxbridge system, in my humble opinion - it is so much more politically active than other colleges it is more accessible and takes being non-traditional to the furthest extremes
Is it? I know it has the socialist reputation, and a lot of its students live up to it, but I've not noticed it to be any more or less politically active than many other colleges. I also don't see how it's more accessible than at least some other colleges (though it is definitely more so than, say, John's or Trinity); and most of its non-traditional elements are things like not having gowns, having a two-word grace at formal, having a themed party instead of a May Ball... but what else is there? [I'm not trying to have a go; I'm really just interested.]
(edited 13 years ago)
Original post by Vazzyb
This line about
King's is a totally different community within the Oxbridge system, in my humble opinion - it is so much more politically active than other colleges it is more accessible and takes being non-traditional to the furthest extremes
I thought all colleges were pretty much the same. From what you're saying it sounds a lot like Balliol too
King's is a totally different community within the Oxbridge system, in my humble opinion - it is so much more politically active than other colleges it is more accessible and takes being non-traditional to the furthest extremes
I thought all colleges were pretty much the same. From what you're saying it sounds a lot like Balliol too
To an extent it is like Balliol but I feel that the differences run deeper, as it were, at King's - that said I have never been at Balliol or in Oxford for a prolonged period just a couple of days here or there. I just find that there is a deeper radical element in King's not just in the student body but the fellowship as well - it has a very particular outlook on the world. Equally since there is actually, in my experience, a broader range of backgrounds within the King's student body there is less social stratification than at other Colleges which creates a good environment. As I said its history is the driving force, I think, since the College has existed at two extremes: only for Etonians until 1864 and then hugely Communisty/left wing in the 1960s-early 90s. It is still left wing now, but not a place where one would feel uncomfortable if one did not share in the majority opinion, as one might have in the past. As a result my esperiences suggest to me that it is a very different type of Community - it shares the 'cultural traits' of Oxbridge Colleges, but with strong 'regional differences/cultural autonomy' to a greater extent than a lot of other colleges.
Indeed elaboration would be nice. I can't comment as I'm not a student, I can only talk about what I know from people who are already attending, but I dunno I visited a few colleges in Oxford about a year and a half ago and I got such a different feeling, separate from merely the cities of Oxford vs Cambridge difference. Then again I visited almost wholly newish colleges in Oxford and only really visited the older centre of town ones in Cambridge so I guess that's debatable.
As to the King's political aspect, I knew it had the firebrand reputation but I didn't know it was that far removed from the others, that's interesting.
Ah ok, tis obvious but I just misread it silly moi
Where does one even begin with that haha
EDIT: I saw the responses from nurodai and Azarimanka and it's interesting to see the different takes on the issue. I mean I get what nurodai was saying about it just fiddling with minor things in an almost faux-radical way, but about it being more open at 76% state (I think) that's incredibly high compared to many colleges and I guess if a lot of people with chips on their shoulders join up then it will be a stronger force. Not that having a chip on your shoulder is a bad thing, although I'm not sure how I feel about the prospect of a very political college
As to the King's political aspect, I knew it had the firebrand reputation but I didn't know it was that far removed from the others, that's interesting.
Original post by BJack
Once you've seen Cambridge, Oxford seems positively huge — I'm sure that's what he meant.
Ah ok, tis obvious but I just misread it silly moi
Not really. Some of the colleges have more negative stereotypes, but there's nowhere here that's so bad to make us wish were in Cambridge.
Where does one even begin with that haha
EDIT: I saw the responses from nurodai and Azarimanka and it's interesting to see the different takes on the issue. I mean I get what nurodai was saying about it just fiddling with minor things in an almost faux-radical way, but about it being more open at 76% state (I think) that's incredibly high compared to many colleges and I guess if a lot of people with chips on their shoulders join up then it will be a stronger force. Not that having a chip on your shoulder is a bad thing, although I'm not sure how I feel about the prospect of a very political college
(edited 13 years ago)
Original post by comrade_jon
Indeed elaboration would be nice. I can't comment as I'm not a student, I can only talk about what I know from people who are already attending, but I dunno I visited a few colleges in Oxford about a year and a half ago and I got such a different feeling, separate from merely the cities of Oxford vs Cambridge difference. Then again I visited almost wholly newish colleges in Oxford and only really visited the older centre of town ones in Cambridge so I guess that's debatable.
As to the King's political aspect, I knew it had the firebrand reputation but I didn't know it was that far removed from the others, that's interesting.
As to the King's political aspect, I knew it had the firebrand reputation but I didn't know it was that far removed from the others, that's interesting.
Comrade_jon - it takes a while to actually get into the 'feel' of a college. However I am currently in my 2nd year at King's (feel free to PM me if you have any qs btw) and genunely feel that there is a difference between the College and others. OBviously all colleges are unique but King's is the furthest removed, I think, from any other.
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