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English Literature - Oxford vs. Cambridge

The problem is this: I have recently visited Oxford and Cambridge as I am going to apply for English at one of them, up until now I had been sure of Cambridge but now I don't really know.
To me, Cambridge has a better course, it goes chronologically (although it seems that Oxford does too?), does practical criticism, and doesn't involve old English translations (which are a little daunting but I'm not totally against). I must admit that I am being entirely superficial and am kind of won over by Oxford as a place. It feels much more grand and impressive, which I like a lot, and I can see myself living there.
There are also little things that I don't know about each that I'm hoping someone can clear up:
I know that Cam offers free mfl lessons, does Oxford?
I know that some Ox colleges have storage facilities, is that the same for cam?
which has better libraries? nightlife? vibes?

I would be super appreciative of any help, particularly advice from ox and cam students, and especially those studying English. Also if anyone has an in-depth overview of both courses, I would love to see, I find the ones on each unis' websites are a bit vague...

Thanks!!!

Reply 1

Many-Moment-6435

Hi, I'm going into Year 10. Sorry as I cannot be of any help to you in your question (for me personally I have my heart set on English Literature at Oxford and it has been so for as long as ever). However I have some questions I want to ask you and I would forever eternally be so grateful if you could take a moment to help me: From Year 10 on, what extracurriculars did you do for this - school clubs/societies, writing and essay competitions and reading? And per year, so year 10, summer, 11, summer ,12,... what things did you do academically and for extracurriculars and supercurriculars? And do you have any recommendations for what I must do now? Will creative writing tremendously help, it's my biggest passion? I wish you all the best in your application, may you attend Oxford and live my dream, maybe in a few years when I go I can walk your amazing footsteps. Have a great day/night when you read this! Until then, N.K.

Reply 2

thegeek888

Original post

by jackkerouwack

The problem is this: I have recently visited Oxford and Cambridge as I am going to apply for English at one of them, up until now I had been sure of Cambridge but now I don't really know.
To me, Cambridge has a better course, it goes chronologically (although it seems that Oxford does too?), does practical criticism, and doesn't involve old English translations (which are a little daunting but I'm not totally against). I must admit that I am being entirely superficial and am kind of won over by Oxford as a place. It feels much more grand and impressive, which I like a lot, and I can see myself living there.
There are also little things that I don't know about each that I'm hoping someone can clear up:
I know that Cam offers free mfl lessons, does Oxford?
I know that some Ox colleges have storage facilities, is that the same for cam?
which has better libraries? nightlife? vibes?
I would be super appreciative of any help, particularly advice from ox and cam students, and especially those studying English. Also if anyone has an in-depth overview of both courses, I would love to see, I find the ones on each unis' websites are a bit vague...
Thanks!!!

Here is the URL to the Cambridge University Alternative Prospectus:

Colleges

Here is the URL to the Oxford University Alternative Prospectus:

College Suggester - Oxford University Alternative Prospectus

The libraries at both Oxford and Cambridge get a copy of every book published. 😀 So, you only need to look at College libraries perhaps? 😉

I would choose Oxford if it was me, since the offer is just AAA. 😉

St. John's College, Oxford is the wealthiest college at Oxford University and they also give £400 grants for books and computer peripherals each term, so £1,200 a year. ...and you don't need to pay it back!!! 🙂 lol

Where else are you considering applying to?

(edited 5 months ago)

Reply 3

xyz1234567

You can access the undergraduate course handbook for Oxford online https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/academic/guidance/undergraduate/handbooks

This gives you a detailed overview of how the course works.

The Oxford language centre doesn’t offer its courses for free, but some colleges may fund students to take them, especially if it is a language that can help with your studies.