Gabrielle – Oxford Brookes University – UK
Semester 2, 2024
Bachelor of Business/ Bachelor of Design
Hi! I’m Gabby, and I had the opportunity to study a dual degree in Business (Advertising) and Design (Visual Communication). In my third year, I spent a semester abroad at Oxford Brookes University in Oxford, England. It was an exciting and enriching experience, and I want to share what it was like studying abroad and living in England.
Why Oxford Brookes?
I had never been to England before, and Oxford seemed like the perfect mix of history, beauty, and accessibility to travel. Unlike Australia, where everything is far apart, Europe made it easy to explore different places with minimal effort. Oxford Brookes also has a diverse student body and a great reputation, making it a solid choice for my study abroad.
Preparing for the Move
Sorting out my study plan before leaving was key. I made sure my courses aligned with my home university’s requirements and had backup options. To make my accommodation feel more like home, I brought printed photos of my family and friends. Most importantly, I kept an open mind—this experience would bring challenges, but they were all part of the adventure.
First Impressions of Oxford
Oxford is stunning. The history, the architecture, and the academic atmosphere make it a special place to live and study. I even did a Harry Potter tour, which was a fun way to learn about the city’s history. Walking through Oxford felt like stepping back in time, and I loved that. And yes! Saltburn was filmed in Oxford so I LOVED checking out those film locations as well.
Living in Oxford
I stayed in Warneford Hall, which was only a five-minute walk from campus. The accommodation wasn’t exactly what I was used to, but I reminded myself it was temporary. The best part? My flatmates! I lived with four amazing girls from Spain, France, and Japan, and we became great friends.
Studying at Oxford Brookes
Oxford Brookes exceeded my expectations. The facilities were excellent, the tutors were engaging, and the gym was a great bonus. Uni life in England was similar to Australia, but one difference was that most students moved away from home for uni, which made it easy to make friends.
Exploring England and Beyond
Before uni started, I arrived early with my mum and brother and explored London, Stonehenge, Bath, and the Cotswolds. Once classes began, I took advantage of uni-organised day trips to places like Cambridge. I also travelled on weekends to Amsterdam, Bruges, and Ireland. One highlight was experiencing Halloween and Christmas in Oxford—such a fun atmosphere! The Oxford Christmas markets were beautiful and had the best desserts, it truly felt like a Christmas you see in movies!
Best Places/Experiences in Oxford
- Turf Tavern – A hidden pub with history dating back to 1381. Fun fact: Bill Clinton used to hang out here when he was a student.
- Ben’s Cookies – An absolute must-try. Best cookies ever.
- Oxford’s Food Markets – The dumplings here were some of the best I’ve ever had.
- Guy Fawkes Night – Honestly the best firework display I’ve seen.
- Blackwell’s Bookshop – Uk’s largest book shop (4 floors of book heaven!)
- Covered Markets – Great array
Top Tips
Studying abroad at Oxford Brookes was one of the best decisions I ever made. It was challenging but rewarding, and I grew so much from the experience. If you’re thinking about studying abroad, go for it! My biggest tips:
- Plan your studies early.
- Say yes to new experiences.
- Budget wisely—England isn’t cheap!
- Get involved and explore as much as possible.
- Keep an open mind and enjoy the adventure.
Find out more on how you can apply: Student Exchange
