My Taste of Elitism

Hi all, sorry for the hiatus on blogging (not that many people will be reading this anyway)

So, since November last year quite a bit has happened in terms of my life, i'll try to bring you all up-to-date with the whole experience.

I managed to get an interview at Keble College, Oxford back in December, and well, that's all that I got from it. Wasn't the most bitter pill i've had to swallow, but it was definitely a tough one. I'm possibly more disappointed not at the fact that I didn't get an offer of placement, but more because of the way in which Oxford carries out its elimination process. Everyone is asked the same question. The professors (interviewers) don't say that, but all the interviewees congregate in the Junior Common Room and share their experiences (after being advised not to), thus giving away what people will be asked in the interviews; giving them precious chances to put themselves closer to an offer. The majority of interviewees were nice enough people, albeit highly stressed and apprehensive at making friends too quickly. After all, we were all competing against each other. The private school kids seemed to have the upper hand in keeping to themselves. I could almost feel the barrier between classes. What an eye-opener.

Aside from the interviews, I had a really good time in Oxford, I'd recommend it to anyone who's even vaguely considering applying there. The accommodation wasn't bad either, as you can see from the images. Only after chatting to other people did I realise that I actually had one of the shittier rooms. I had a shared bathroom which I suppose was a giveaway but I just thought "Hah, even Oxford has shared bathrooms". I also had a view of some of Oxford's architecture which, I admit, is stunning.

Everything about the University spells 'fancy', but what I found out is that it mostly is just that; fanciness meshed on top of fanciness. It's success stems from tradition and reputation (and money), and what I discovered while in Oxford is that it's simply a good University. Just as Bristol and Sheffield and York are all good Universities. Oxford (and Cambridge, for that matter) are quite simply the epitomy of elitism and British tradition. Not to say that tradition is a bad thing, only that perhaps this country should stop serving its aristocrats more than its 'commoners'. It was an eye-opener to see the rift between classes. I guess it's even more apparent when you're White British and growing up in Newham - possibly the most diverse area on the Planet.

Nevertheless, I have good memories of the place, and it's certainly taught me to be calm in similarly stressful situations. I made friends too, some of whom I still talk to occasionally (very occasionally, now). I could go on for pages and pages about my experience there, but it's getting late and I've got school/revision sessions to look forward to tomorrow. Hah.

Until next time!