Ode to Oxford

Oxford, it's been... weird.

After 5 years here, I think I can honestly say I've made the most of the 'Oxford Experience'. I've certainly struggled my way through countless essays, translations, tutorials and lectures over the years. Aside from all that, I've also managed to play a lot of croquet, to go punting, and to wake up in time for May Day (cheese hat?) at least once. I've been to balls and bops, I played for a university sports team and I've been a sports rep at my college. I've even seen them filming a few cheeky scenes of Lewis here and there. Most importantly though, I've really lived here. I've met some amazing people, learnt more than I ever thought I would, and have been pushed past every limit I once thought I had.

Oxford is not an easy place to live in sometimes. When you get here as a fresh-faced first year, you find yourself suddenly forced to be your absolute best, and to do it on a(n infinitesimal) time-scale. On top of that there are all these other things you want to be doing like having a social life, playing sports and joining clubs. Quite frankly, it's exhausting! I have never been so physically or mentally drained, as I am at the end of every single Oxford term, no matter how good I've become at balancing my time. But when I ask myself whether or not it was worth it? Absolutely.

I've grown comfortable here now, and that definitely calls for a change. That's not to say though, that I wouldn't do it all over again in a heartbeat. This university and its libraries, professors, classes, people and prestigious colleges have a way of leaving an indelible mark on you. Of course, no indelible mark is ever left from purely happy, care-free times, but I will be forever grateful for the years I've spent here. Pretty much everything that's happened since I came to Oxford has taught me something; whether it was immediately or a lesson for later, and I value every second of it.

For now though, that's it. Five years, and fifteen terms later, and it's all over. Leaving Oxford is legitimately terrifying, and I will miss it for so many reasons, but now it's time to go and see what kind of adventure is waiting for me next.

So thanks Oxford, and goodbye. Who knows when I'll be seeing you again...