Very excited to say we have completed our first week in Oxford and are all loving it here. The group is staying and taking classes in Lincoln College at the University of Oxford, one of the older and more intimate colleges. The college was founded in 1427 by the bishop of Lincoln, Richard Flemming. We are fortunate enough to spend a lot of time in the original 15th century buildings, including those that border the front quad. Later additions were made to the college in the 17th and 19th centuries, including my dorm which sits on a quad called The Grove. The Grove is the only one of the lawns students are actually allowed to walk on. Every year, there is a university wide competition between the colleges over which has best kept lawn and Lincoln has won for many years. Thus, we are not allowed to walk or touch two of these lawns.
The college has a phenomenal dining service where all the students eat at long tables, surrounded by portraits of important rectors and faculty. The dinning atmosphere is very similar to that of Harry Potter, only instead of Elves preparing the food Lincoln's chef caters to us. We receive table service everyday, with a set of staff who brings us our lunch and dinner, as well as clear our dishes. Essentially, we are receiving restaurant quality food and service while sitting in a great hall which is older than the United States of America.
Our dorm rooms are also serviced by individuals called "scouts". Every weekday, our scout comes to make our bed and remove any trash. They also provide fresh towels and blankets should anyone be in need. It is quite the adjustment to be treated as if you are living in a hotel! Given that we have been dispersed between dorms centuries apart in their completion, the rooms vary greatly. While I have one of the smaller rooms, I am happy to brag about my view of various church bell-towers and chimneys across Oxford!
A view of the great hall from the front quad.
Turl Street with a view of the Lincoln College library, a former church.
A view of the chapel and its lawn (look how well kept it is!).
Much of our exploration of Oxford has been to see other colleges associated with the University...as well as to find food and shopping (my two favorite things). Many of the colleges have served as settings for Harry Potter scenes, which is very exciting. In particular Christ Church has been featured prominently, but the entry fee for students was around $15 so I have yet to go. However, we have gone to seen the courtyard where Malfoy was transfigured by Mad Eye Moody, as well as the space which doubles as the library and the infirmary.
Courtyard at New College of Oxford University.
The infirmary and library at the Divinity School in the Bodleian Library.
Another great discovery has been the coffee shop directly across from Lincoln called "The Missing Bean". While I have never been much of a coffee drinker, I can honestly state that they produced the best chai latte I have ever had. This is a serious statement coming from me because I am quite a snob when it comes to a chai. The baristas at the Missing Bean take their time to carefully craft each of their hot beverages, including creating designs in the foam. The drink was truly a revelation.
Example of a foam design, courtesy of their website.
Lastly, we came upon a store called Primark. Primark is essentially like Target, but it only sells clothing which are priced and look better. Quickly upon entering England, I realized that I had quite under-packed (in fear of having too heavy a suitcase), and nothing was more assuring than finding loads of five pound clothing racks! I genuinely enjoyed the clothing, finding it stylish and young. As a group, we have been almost three times in one week, unable to find clothes as cheap and cute. I plan on reporting about fashion in Oxford very soon!
Sending so much love to everyone across the Atlantic!
