Oxford University Tour Review: Is it Worth it?
Thinking about visiting Oxford University? Well, the official Oxford University Tour could be just what you’re looking for, actually, but very really is it a *must-do*? Getting a feel for a university, is that right, before you decide where to apply can be super important. You’re going to spend a good chunk of your life there, so it’s worthwhile to go there to make sure that it is a spot that vibes with you, right? I’m going to go over what the Oxford University Tour has on offer, you know, so you can figure out if it is going to assist your decision making process or not.
What is the Oxford University Tour About?
The Oxford University Tour, or so they call it, provides you with a guided walk through the University, okay, pointing out various famous spots and, too it’s almost, giving you a quick lesson on some background info. Normally, you might think that it’s led by current students or official guides, apparently, that will fill you in on the history, student life, and maybe even give you some stories. The vibe, I guess, is to give potential applicants a close up idea about studying there.
Getting a Look Behind the Scenes
A big draw to it, and this is something to think about, is that the tour attempts to provide insights that you, seemingly, probably wouldn’t get from looking around by yourself. The guides might have their own way of showing you spots on location that normally are not that easy to access by everyday passersby, places like the older college quads, libraries (if you get particularly very lucky), and lecture halls. The guides generally highlight cool trivia about University customs and tell historical facts that aren’t mentioned, seemingly, on brochures. Now, depending on how you are as a person, that is right, it’s probably the best way to experience that kind of thing for the first time. Just imagine listening to how long people studied a few hundred years ago!
Hearing the Student Perspective
What is useful is that, actually, quite frequently the tour is given by people that study at the University. Because the people who go to Oxford study a vast number of topics, alright, you probably can ask a current student everything you were concerned about about balancing social and academic life, so you can figure out exactly what is involved in studying there. Or you might not be that type of person. A first hand story from somebody there in that exact place has an impact in making your own decision.
My Own Experience on the Oxford University Tour
Okay, I ended up tagging along on one of these tours a while back to assist my little cousin in sussing things out for himself; he wanted to maybe put his name forward, well you know, for a degree, that’s right. Going on the tour, I felt I should tell you, gives off a *feeling*. I do need to point out here that I went on one tour, still, that doesn’t represent all the different Oxford tours out there. I will give you some details about my experiences anyway.
The Good Stuff
The guide clearly knew a thing or two, so it’s something that I remember, he had so much historical knowledge about the university, so, honestly, all our questions ended up getting answered in great depth. He did a very thorough job explaining how the college system works, and, alright, that really aided my little cousin who was not that familiar with the layout or customs. We, just a little, were shown numerous spots and, to be honest, you know, some colleges we popped into were genuinely charming, and stuff, almost picturesque. We didn’t know it then, anyway, but, seriously, he would end up attending Oxford to study Archeology in the end. The memories from that one day made all the difference for him in making up his mind to put himself forward.
What Could be Improved
Just a minor thing really. The tour was seemingly somewhat too lengthy, so there’s that. Because Oxford holds centuries of history in its grasp, literally, that can lead to info dumps, of course. In addition to that, maybe he was not that keen on people not from the city, frankly, and in fact, I was also from somewhere else. The student did sort of come across like the place was too sacred to join for any other outsiders. A bit more encouragement, literally, from the guy would have went a long way. Maybe a few words of welcome wouldn’t go amiss in that instance. Just a side note; what if some student led tour guides had some kind of course where they talk about what to actually do to make everyone feel welcome.
Who Should Go on the Oxford University Tour?
Are you in need of some tips? Well, I reckon if any of the following match what you want, seriously, then it may be right up your alley, okay.
Students Thinking About Applying
Want to learn a little more? Seeing the colleges up close and, just, walking around may well help you form a more informed view. What course options, or so I’ve heard, really resonated with you, you understand? Get an insight as to why!
Parents Wanting More Details
Because they were considering it in great detail, just, like, you could tag along to learn how to suss out whether this uni feels like a solid option, and stuff, for your child. Maybe you yourself are now thinking of going to uni.
Tourists are also welcomed
Actually, yes really! Do you have a soft spot for academia and are going to visit? So, to be honest, you can use the trip to learn loads of historical trivia, well you know, which enhances all experiences in this gorgeous location.
Other Things to Check out When you go to Oxford University
What might some hidden gems be in Oxford? Here are what’s probably your main priorities when seeing the beautiful area around here:
Go and explore some libraries
Fancy getting a little hot under the collar? Head to the Radcliffe Camera (part of the Bodleian Libraries), seriously, since you should take a peek inside at its incredible reading rooms.
Colleges
Christ Church College, you know, just, like, where the fantastic *Harry Potter* was on location, kind of, might well be something you want to feast your eyes on, seriously, as a *Harry Potter* super-fan.
Museums and all the culture
Take a relaxed saunter near University, okay, Natural History Museum to observe all sorts of historical displays and curios.
Get to a river
Go to Magdalen Bridge for punting at its best, seriously, (that is boats that are propelled with a pole) on the River Cherwell to watch what the area has to offer at a gentler speed.
So, Should You Go? Summing Up.
Getting on a walking tour might assist, arguably, the way that Oxford presents its University grounds and campus, in fact, it definitely adds lots, specifically, when a visit feels overwhelming. I’d say it’s useful for individuals or the family, you know, if learning all those historical events and traditions seem worthwhile, alright, before picking any direction you intend to study in. Just mull it over to ascertain what exactly you need as an experience, clearly, so then this one tour then has all the more beneficial impacts.
Key points.
- Check official or student-led tours to, literally, view the facilities.
- Think about matching those interests you might hold with Oxford’s different areas to research for educational needs.
- Add some interesting libraries, parks, museums, still, as this will enhance everyone’s campus time too it’s almost.