English & Oxonian Traditions

Oxfordian traditions are what make the whole experience, as the British would say, quite posh. The formal dinners were especially charming. There were waiters who served us three and sometimes four-course meals. We never read the menu beforehand — we enjoyed the anticipation of being surprised by the chef.

Each dining hall we visited was a unique work of art. Trinity’s hall felt brighter and more refined, almost aristocratic, while New College’s dining hall exuded quiet grandeur with its dark, oak-paneled walls. Magdalen’s hall struck a balance between the two — grand with a dignified air.

Our eyes could not capture all the fine details of the high ceilings, stained-glass windows, and gilded portraits that evoked a sense of enduring prestige.

I truly believe the Fall, or Michaelmas term, is the most wonderful time of year to study at Oxford. The approaching year’s end celebrations added a festive charm to the atmosphere, and the joyful spirit made everything feel even more memorable.

During the dinners, the lights were dimmed, the chandelier glowed with golden warmth, and Trinity’s choir would sing before each course was served.

The formal dinners kept us on our toes, with each menu remaining a surprise. But what truly amplified the experience was the setting — from Trinity’s bright dining hall to New College’s more mysterious aesthetic, we barely had time to take everything in.

Despite our already packed schedules, my sister and I still made time to enjoy the English countryside and Oxford’s many traditions. We loved how magical the English countryside felt. One evening, we went horseback riding during golden hour, passing lakes, fields, trees, and sheep — it felt almost unreal.

Although we are usually coffee drinkers, we found ourselves completely drawn to traditional English tea. Drinking from dainty bone china cups and eating small sandwiches and scones with clotted cream felt like stepping into a childhood dream.

We used to have pretend tea parties as kids, so getting to do that for real in England is a memory we will always cherish.

If we had to do it all over again, we would take more walks simply enjoying the scenery, explore even more colleges, and spend more time in the countryside.