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What is Oxbridge actually like??

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Cambridge is hectic but brilliant. I love studying here, and the quality of my teaching has so far genuinely been exactly how I hoped when I applied. All my supervisors have been great and there have been one or two who have genuinely been hugely inspiring.

There's an enormous variety of things to do every night, so many clubs you can join, and so many genuinely interesting people from all over the world. However, when you combine a reasonably busy social life and keeping up with work with having extremely short eight week terms, it's not surprising that it can sometimes be a bit overwhelming. Week 5 of every term is infamous for being difficult, and I've been told exam term is very intense. There has been the odd day here and there when I feel as though the system is designed to make me feel stupid.

But I wouldn't change it. I think being stressed makes me push myself and do better. And I should point out that I've always felt that student welfare is really important to my college and that I have people to turn to if I ever had serious problems. I've heard not great things about pastoral care at other colleges, though. And I do know a few people in my year have chosen to degrade because the stress got to them.

Agree that college choice does affect what your experience is like - but, at the same time, almost everyone seems to end up loving their own college anyway.

In short, can't recommend it enough but prepare to be exhausted by the end of term.

Reply 21

7589200

Original post by nuodai

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.]

That line was actually a quote from someone else lol Should have put it in quotes!

Reply 22

nuodai

Original post by Vazzyb

That line was actually a quote from someone else lol Should have put it in quotes!

Ah, woops... I have a terrible habit of reading posts from the second paragraph in!

Reply 23

nexttime

Original post by comrade_jon

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

That is very high!

I find it interesting how the stereotypical socialist college at Cambridge has the highest state intake by a fair margin, whereas Oxford's equivalent (Wadham) takes less than Mansfield, Merton and St Johns, and Balliol taking far less.

I guess you could argue that King's has a case for being pretty unique, in that respect.

Reply 24

Bezzler

Original post by nexttime

I wouldn't want to share anyone's private information, although i will say she has progressed to third year unhindered.

I'm genuinely intrigued as to who you're talking about :s-smilie:

I have a couple of ideas, I guess...

Reply 25

cyberdrummer

Original post by Bezzler

I'm genuinely intrigued as to who you're talking about :s-smilie:

I have a couple of ideas, I guess...

As am I, I can't think of anyone in my year who was that dedicated to going out.

Reply 26

Languages Nutter

Original post by t_star

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! :smile:

So if anyone studies there/ been there...what is it ACTUALLY like?

It's great! I'd agree with what's been said before in that there is a huge variety of people there. I've got some friends who go out clubbing 3 - 4 times per week and others who don't go at all.

There's also a really strong work ethic at Cambridge, which I've found extremely helpful. There's always a library nearby, which I've found extremely helpful as I like working in libraries whenever I get the chance! (Each College and Faculty has its own library, which supplement the main University Library.) The College also feels like one massive family, which has been really great in helping me to settle in.