Across the Pond: The Elusive Oxford University

While our not-so-pleasant first week in the UK was loaded with frustration, home sickness, and a temporary housing, it also allowed me the opportunity to explore central Oxford more than I would have otherwise. After sending Doug off to work, Kate and I would grab a pain du chocolat and café Americano and stroll the city for hours upon hours. Anything to avoid sitting in that dreadful tiny flat. We checked out all the standard spots – Botanic Gardens, Christ Church Cathedral, the Covered Market, etc. – but I could not seem to find the campus of Oxford University. For the life of me, I could not figure out how the oldest college in the English-speaking world could elude me. Too proud to ask and no internet to look it up, I remained mystified.

What I soon came to realize was that Oxford University wasn’t like UCF, Ohio State, or any of the other campuses I had visited in the US. It is a collective group of thirty-six colleges (amazingly all founded before the 16^th century) that are scattered about the town, each one specializing in its own area of study.

Magdalen College

Once a year after tourist season is over, but before school is back in session, Oxford’s colleges opens their doors for a program called “Oxford Open Doors”…such a clever name. Doug, Kate, and I were able to tour a few of the more private colleges that aren’t typically open to the public. Here are some of the highlights…