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What is Oxford life really like?

Is everyone at Oxford a real nerd? I don't mean this in an offensive/stereotypical way, but it's generally seen that people at Oxford are nerds. I'm considering about applying for a Mathematics course (to start in 2017), but the one thing that's putting me off is that I don't think I'll fit in, and I don't want to be at a uni where I don't enjoy it because of that. So, I'd be very grateful if someone were to describe to me what life at Oxford really is like, and if everyone there is the nerdy, posh stereotype that most people think of! Thank you x
'Nerd' isn't a very nice word :frown:

But yes, people have got there because they have done well academically, if that's what you mean by 'nerd'.
Original post by Serine Soul
'Nerd' isn't a very nice word :frown:

But yes, people have got there because they have done well academically, if that's what you mean by 'nerd'.


I didn't mean it in an offensive way, I didn't really know how else to say it! I understand it's all about academia, and having passion for your chosen subject, but I'm just not sure if I'll fit in... I have a strong passion for maths and, not trying to be cocky, but I am good at it (and most people do class me as a nerd haha). It's just that I tend to hang round/socialise with people that haven't got that much of a significant interest in academia, so I'm just unsure as to whether I'll fit in...
Original post by LaurenLovesMaths
I didn't mean it in an offensive way, I didn't really know how else to say it! I understand it's all about academia, and having passion for your chosen subject, but I'm just not sure if I'll fit in... I have a strong passion for maths and, not trying to be cocky, but I am good at it (and most people do class me as a nerd haha). It's just that I tend to hang round/socialise with people that haven't got that much of a significant interest in academia, so I'm just unsure as to whether I'll fit in...

Ah, I see :smile:

Don't worry, my closest friends aren't even going to uni, never mind being academic, and I plan to go to Cambridge.

You'll find plenty of types of people at Oxbridge, some more focused on their work than others and such, just like any other uni. Bear in mind that it's the workload at Oxbridge that makes it seem more 'nerdy' :yes:

If you have a passion for a subject, it's most likely that you will fit in there, moreso than you've ever fit in anywhere. It's suddenly not embarassing to be good at a subject or do really well in your studies :smile:

Also, can I recommend Cambridge? It's much better than Oxford for Maths :wink:
Original post by Serine Soul
Ah, I see :smile:

Don't worry, my closest friends aren't even going to uni, never mind being academic, and I plan to go to Cambridge.

You'll find plenty of types of people at Oxbridge, some more focused on their work than others and such, just like any other uni. Bear in mind that it's the workload at Oxbridge that makes it seem more 'nerdy' :yes:

If you have a passion for a subject, it's most likely that you will fit in there, moreso than you've ever fit in anywhere. It's suddenly not embarassing to be good at a subject or do really well in your studies :smile:

Also, can I recommend Cambridge? It's much better than Oxford for Maths :wink:


Ahh thank you! & yeah, I've heard Cambridge is better, but the entrance exams seem much harder!! Thank you :smile:
Reply 5
Original post by LaurenLovesMaths
Ahh thank you! & yeah, I've heard Cambridge is better, but the entrance exams seem much harder!! Thank you :smile:


It's not really the case that Cambridge is better than Oxford for maths, or at least not put so simply as that. If you want to do more physics in your first year then the Cambridge course would suit you better; likewise there's a bit more pure in the Oxford core which you might prefer. Also if you wish to do a joint maths degree for three or four years Oxford would be the only choice of the two. So there may well be good reasons why an individual might strongly prefer one over the other. But really they are both large, highly reputable maths departments with challenging courses if that is what you are looking for.
Original post by RichE
It's not really the case that Cambridge is better than Oxford for maths, or at least not put so simply as that. If you want to do more physics in your first year then the Cambridge course would suit you better; likewise there's a bit more pure in the Oxford core which you might prefer. Also if you wish to do a joint maths degree for three or four years Oxford would be the only choice of the two. So there may well be good reasons why an individual might strongly prefer one over the other. But really they are both large, highly reputable maths departments with challenging courses if that is what you are looking for.


Thank you! I don't do physics at A-Level, so would I struggle if I were to do maths at Cambridge? I do M1 and M2, though
Reply 7
Original post by LaurenLovesMaths
Thank you! I don't do physics at A-Level, so would I struggle if I were to do maths at Cambridge? I do M1 and M2, though


I am not at Cambridge but A-level physics is not very mathematical and mechanics modules cover pretty much all the more mathsy bits (and in more mathsy fashion..). However M3 might be a good idea, much harder than M1 and M2 and some important topics
Original post by 1 8 13 20 42
I am not at Cambridge but A-level physics is not very mathematical and mechanics modules cover pretty much all the more mathsy bits (and in more mathsy fashion..). However M3 might be a good idea, much harder than M1 and M2 and some important topics


Aw okay, thank you! Obviously I can't change the modules my college teach, but I might look into some M3 modules now :smile: Thanks
Reply 9
I wouldn't exactly generalize everyone who goes to a well regarded University as a nerd.
I think a better way to describe them would be passionate..
Reply 10
Original post by 1 8 13 20 42
I am not at Cambridge but A-level physics is not very mathematical and mechanics modules cover pretty much all the more mathsy bits (and in more mathsy fashion..). However M3 might be a good idea, much harder than M1 and M2 and some important topics


That was true of the old A-level physics, but I understand much less so of the new syllabus.

Original post by LaurenLovesMaths
Thank you! I don't do physics at A-Level, so would I struggle if I were to do maths at Cambridge? I do M1 and M2, though


But in any case I think mechanics modules are a good replacement for the sort of material you need - as long as you're familiar with terms like momentum, kinetic energy, Hooke's Law, Newton's Laws, simple harmonic motion etc. - the physical side shouldn't be a problem in a maths degree.
Kinda like Cambridge
Reply 12
Original post by LaurenLovesMaths
Is everyone at Oxford a real nerd? I don't mean this in an offensive/stereotypical way, but it's generally seen that people at Oxford are nerds. I'm considering about applying for a Mathematics course (to start in 2017), but the one thing that's putting me off is that I don't think I'll fit in, and I don't want to be at a uni where I don't enjoy it because of that. So, I'd be very grateful if someone were to describe to me what life at Oxford really is like, and if everyone there is the nerdy, posh stereotype that most people think of! Thank you x


Yes oxford is full of stereotypes.
Original post by LaurenLovesMaths
Is everyone at Oxford a real nerd? I don't mean this in an offensive/stereotypical way, but it's generally seen that people at Oxford are nerds. I'm considering about applying for a Mathematics course (to start in 2017), but the one thing that's putting me off is that I don't think I'll fit in, and I don't want to be at a uni where I don't enjoy it because of that. So, I'd be very grateful if someone were to describe to me what life at Oxford really is like, and if everyone there is the nerdy, posh stereotype that most people think of! Thank you x


The rigorously studious/socially awkward/reclusive stereotype isn't true of a great deal of students here. Yes, you're more likely to find people with a few quirks here than in most places but beyond that, I really wouldn't worry about it. Clubbing, house parties, film nights, sports, etc. are just as common here as any other university. Coming from a Welsh comprehensive and a fairly low income area, I was a little scared about coming up to study but almost everyone is completely normal.
(edited 7 years ago)
I did maths at Oxford from 2010-2014 - feel free to PM me if you want specific advice.

My best tip is don't go there with any preconceptions. You will meet all kinds of people, with lots of different sides to them, and they will be just as nervous as you. Nobody likes being stereotyped. You will meet people who pretend to be something they are not (the 'Oxford' myth does generate some odd behaviour), but they usually grow out of it. Best thing is to just be yourself and be social, and you'll definitely meet people you get on with. In my year there were all kinds of different people.

It isn't the same university experience you might get at a 'party uni', but there are plenty of people willing to have fun (both of the clubbing kind and the normal friendship group kind), lots of clubs and societies, and the collegiate system means you automatically get to know your year, if you make the effort. Plus you will get to work with some of the most intelligent people in the world. I would definitely go if you have the chance.
Original post by Caitlan
The rigorously studious/socially awkward/reclusive stereotype isn't true of a great deal of students here. Yes, you're more likely to find people with a few quirks here than in most places but beyond that, I really wouldn't worry about it. Clubbing, house parties, film nights, sports, etc. are just as common here as any other university. Coming from a Welsh comprehensive and a fairly low income area, I was a little scared about coming up to study but almost every is completely normal.


Haha thank you :smile:
Original post by Octohedral
I did maths at Oxford from 2010-2014 - feel free to PM me if you want specific advice.

My best tip is don't go there with any preconceptions. You will meet all kinds of people, with lots of different sides to them, and they will be just as nervous as you. Nobody likes being stereotyped. You will meet people who pretend to be something they are not (the 'Oxford' myth does generate some odd behaviour), but they usually grow out of it. Best thing is to just be yourself and be social, and you'll definitely meet people you get on with. In my year there were all kinds of different people.

It isn't the same university experience you might get at a 'party uni', but there are plenty of people willing to have fun (both of the clubbing kind and the normal friendship group kind), lots of clubs and societies, and the collegiate system means you automatically get to know your year, if you make the effort. Plus you will get to work with some of the most intelligent people in the world. I would definitely go if you have the chance.


Thank you!
Original post by Octohedral
I did maths at Oxford from 2010-2014 - feel free to PM me if you want specific advice.

My best tip is don't go there with any preconceptions. You will meet all kinds of people, with lots of different sides to them, and they will be just as nervous as you. Nobody likes being stereotyped. You will meet people who pretend to be something they are not (the 'Oxford' myth does generate some odd behaviour), but they usually grow out of it. Best thing is to just be yourself and be social, and you'll definitely meet people you get on with. In my year there were all kinds of different people.

It isn't the same university experience you might get at a 'party uni', but there are plenty of people willing to have fun (both of the clubbing kind and the normal friendship group kind), lots of clubs and societies, and the collegiate system means you automatically get to know your year, if you make the effort. Plus you will get to work with some of the most intelligent people in the world. I would definitely go if you have the chance.


I see what you did there; was it intentional?
I think the most notable thing socially about Oxbridge is the college system. Having a community of people starting uni with you that is only 80-100 strong is quite a different scene to other unis.

I personally found I had far more common interests with basically everyone than previous. I think most people find the same.
Original post by LaurenLovesMaths
Is everyone at Oxford a real nerd? I don't mean this in an offensive/stereotypical way, but it's generally seen that people at Oxford are nerds. I'm considering about applying for a Mathematics course (to start in 2017), but the one thing that's putting me off is that I don't think I'll fit in, and I don't want to be at a uni where I don't enjoy it because of that. So, I'd be very grateful if someone were to describe to me what life at Oxford really is like, and if everyone there is the nerdy, posh stereotype that most people think of! Thank you x


What makes you think that people who are academically able are unable to enjoy themselves? I wouldn't base your choice of university upon such shaky information

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