Oxford, UK-England
Deer grazed on verdant pastures, wildflowers dotted the rolling hillsides, and the bucolic scenery slowly gave way to cobblestone streets. As I exited my coach, it felt surreal to finally be at Oxford University in the summer of 2024.
After settling into my room at Cohen Quadrangle, I toured the Oxford campus. Walking under the arch, I saw Exeter College. I beheld everything in awe—the intricate design of the Exeter College Chapel, the ivy-covered walls, and the fanciful Fellow’s Garden. We convened in the Fellow’s Garden for champagne before heading inside the dining hall to our first formal dinner. Full of spark and elan, we feasted under the gaze of dozens of portraits.
My first few days in Oxford were idyllic. I played croquet in the Fellow’s Garden, went on a run through Port Meadow where I saw wild horses, and met Walter, the Exeter cat.
My first seminar was in the Ashmolean Museum’s cast gallery, one of the oldest, largest, and best-preserved collections of Greek and Roman sculpture casts in the UK—it’s a ‘classroom’ I will never forget!
My first tutorial was a cozy and comfortable discussion about the theoretical underpinnings of international relations – a topic we would delve into in more detail throughout the next six weeks.
Our group decided on a whim one night to leave Oxford and visit Marseilles, which I only knew as the birthplace of bouillabaisse. Coincidentally, my art class at the time was discussing “Letter to Bishop Serenus of Marseilles” in our unit on medieval art. As the professor lectured about the letter, it evoked memories of entering the Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde in Marseilles, a pilgrimage site of the Middle Ages looking over Vieux Port, founded by the Ancient Greeks. I relived the sweltering weather of Southern France as I walked along the esplanade and how the darkness was suddenly repelled by the overwhelming colors of the mosaics as you came into the cavernous depths of the basilica.
I was finally able to try punting, which is a surprisingly chaotic Oxford tradition of poling along the river in a flat-bottomed boat while soaking in the scenery. Despite constantly bumping into the other boats, I enjoyed the picturesque landscape, managed to spot some geese, and saw St. Hilda’s college. I’m eager to try punting again in the future and hopefully improve my skills!
The fourth week of the program began with another formal dinner. It was a rainy, stormy day, and I rushed to the Exeter Chapel in heels, taking caution not to slip on the cobblestones. The inside of the chapel was beautiful with glinting light fragments from the stained glass windows—a stark contrast to the gloomy weather outside. After champagne, we headed into the dining hall to raise our glasses in a toast, uttering Latin phrases to mark the accomplishment of completing half our program.
I went on a program-led excursion to Bath, a place I quickly grew to love as I strolled its meandering roads. The day went by too quickly. I saw the Roman baths and experienced my first afternoon tea with scones, clotted cream and jam.
While studying for my final exams, a sudden crescendo of orchestral music reverberated through the Exeter College Library. Surprised, my friend and I rushed outside to discover the source of the music.
It was Rhapsody on the Theme of Paganini performed by the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra in the Sheldonian Theater. We could not see the concert, but the resounding music could be heard everywhere throughout Exeter College. It was so magical, as if Oxford was celebrating our last few nights.
On the final day, I donned a sparkly dress to attend what would be a bittersweet candle-lit formal dinner, but first I stopped at Knoops, the chocolatier conveniently next to Exeter college for an ice cream before it closed. It was difficult to say goodbye.
Studying abroad in Oxford felt like a dream. Every time I walked around Oxford, I could never fully take in the sheer beauty; it was overwhelming. This program was a wonderful way to end my undergraduate career (I graduated early), and I will hold the memories I made here for the rest of my life. Floreat Exon!
SERENA BROOME
Study Abroad Program: Summer in Oxford
Other Countries Visited: France and Scotland
Home University: UC Davis
Year: Senior
Serena graduated early and is interning for Phi Beta Kappa and international non-profits. She is currently traveling throughout Asia and Micronesia after having caught a bit of wanderlust (her profile picture is in Japan!). The six weeks she spent at Oxford University were full of serendipitous adventures, and she hopes her experience will encourage other students to apply to the program, which was nothing short of whimsical.
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