Learning Philosophy and Playing Music at Oxford (plus pics!)

Great news! I just got back my Week 3 essays and both of my tutors indicated that I am making good progress. This is really encouraging because I was worried about how I measure up to other Oxford students. However, it was silly for me to be so worried about that - not because I am as smart as capable as other Oxford students, but because competition takes a back seat in their education system. Instead of regular midterms and exams, they give you personal attention and focus on your improvement. I actually asked my tutor if he could grade my essays when he is reading/commenting on them, and he said he didn't really want to. He explained that everyone takes time to get used to the tutorial system and everyone gets better the more they study. It's definitely intimidating to present your work to your professors each week, but I think the system is less stressful overall. The other main difference from the American system is that they specialize much more here. We only take 2 classes per term (both in your major), but you go into more depth in those classes. At NU, the amount of effort people spend on studying for distribution classes seems to get everyone stressed without much added benefit. You can always go to lectures for classes you are not taking if you want to make up for the fact that you're not taking distros - I went to a really good lecture about the US Presidency and Obama today. I am not sure whether I am ready to say that this system is better, but it definitely has advantages.

Another great part about Oxford is the music. I am in the Oxford University Orchestra, which is AMAZING - the best orchestra I've ever been in. They play professional repertoire (I heard they played Rite of Spring last year!?) and they have professional conductors. It makes for an intense experience though - 3 hour rehearsals twice a week, and I am sitting next to a really talented music major. Another exciting opportunity here is the chamber music! I have met some other string/piano players in college, so we are probably going to get together to play some music for fun. Also, there are recitals in the college every once in awhile in which we can perform. The last awesome opportunity they have here is a music competition in which the winners get scholarships for music lessons. I've heard it isn't that competitive and I have a decent shot at getting some money, so I wish me luck! I am really excited to get involved in the Oxford music scene.

Last thing - we've gotten really lucky with the weather lately (sorry about the hurricane-force winds Chicago!), so I got some great pictures around Oxford. Check them all out here - Oxford Pictures. Here are some pictures from the album:

St. Anne's Quad (taken from my room)

 Tom's Tower - Christ Church College

Miss you all!