I didn’t think I was going to get into Oxford.
When I submitted my application back in September 2021, I tried to be realistic, to not get my hopes up despite that little voice in the back of my head asking, “But what if you do get in?”
I guess I should have listened to that voice a bit more, because come March 2022, I received an email that would forever change my life.
I had been accepted.
Cue the overwhelming joy followed by the overwhelming fear (and the crippling bout of imposter-syndrome, but that’s a topic for another time). What had I gotten myself into? Was I really going to do this? A million questions immediately flooded my mind, with what I found to be very few answers to guide me.
Like, what on earth is a college? How is that different to the university itself? Where am I going to live? What’s the process for getting a student visa? What kind of clothes do I need to bring? What the hell is sub fusc and when do I need to wear it?
I searched and searched every social media platform you can think of for answers to these questions. I was desperate to know what others did to prepare themselves, what to expect of the oldest, most prestigious university in the world. But most of the information I found was geared towards undergraduates (which is a completely different experience than that of postgraduates, as I came to find out).
I felt that I was very much on my own, tasked to figure everything out and pray that I would get at least some of it right.
My September departure date was creeping closer, and though I was excited to finally begin what I was sure was going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, I was scared. Terrified, actually.
That’s why I’m starting this blog. For the me’s who are just about to embark on this grand adventure and need some guidance. For the stories and tips I wish I would have had to bring some comfort and make me feel as if everything was going to be alright.
I’ve come a long way from the nervousness and anxiety that plagued me just one year ago. I feel excited, so much more confident, heading into this year having truly thrived during the last. And better yet, I’m so excited to bring you all along on this journey with me and share the things that bring me joy: from my life at Oxford, to the books I’ve read, to my most-loved bags and fashion.
So here’s to the beginning of this little blog. I can’t wait to share all that I have in store.
With Love, R.
with love, r 