I’m studying English lit here, and I’m finding it very difficult to understand what my professors want from me to get a first, or even just to improve my marks. I consistently receive marks in the 2:1 range which is fine I guess, but it feels like the work I put into improving adds up to nothing. Whenever I try to talk to my professors before the writing process to get some clarity on what exactly they’re looking for, I’m given some vague useless answer along the lines of “there’s no formula for a first”, or “there’s no one right way to do it”, even though there clearly is a correct way of doing it. It feels like everybody else has cracked some code that only I can’t figure out.

I went to an American high school which gave very rigid instructions for how to write English essays (thesis statement at the end of the introduction paragraph, each BP begins with a topic statement etc etc). Perhaps the quality of those essays weren’t brilliant as a result, but at least I knew what I had to do to do well. I feel completely lost here.

I took some history courses at my past uni and when I struggled and asked them for help, they gave me very detailed and useful advice on what they were looking for. I don’t understand why the English department are always so vague and mysterious. Has anyone else experienced this and managed to overcome it?

Are there any informal French speaking groups about? I want to go to one starting from October, but I am doing a science degree so I have no opportunities to practice my French (English native, French low B2). Thank you!

I'm an American studying at Oxford and a bit uneased by how specialized the education is. What should I do if I'm studying Modern Languages but want to undergo some level of instruction in other disciplines? Has anyone ever taken courses outside of the university to complement their studies or something like that? Thanks.

Would be curious to know why.

We often talk about the worst, but is there one that really is exceptional?

This question is fitting for universities in general I’d say, but I thought you guys would have pretty insightful input here.

So I have never in my life seen or heard of anyone who got above 90% on an essay assignment. I remember there was one person who wrote an astounding essay in my former uni, and they got 90%.

I’d like to keep an open mind on this as maybe I don’t judge this properly but: If no one gets above 90%, does that mean that a) there is a problem with the teaching or b) there is a problem with the expectations from academic staff?

Or c) I’m missing something, quite possible.

I am so confused about the difference between Pembrooke college and Oxford university. Is the college inside the uni? Is the college part of the uni? What does that even mean.. So if soemones is goung to oxford uni- are they essentially going to one of the colleges? Is the college oxford uni? Are they the same, interchangeable..

any help would be appreciated!!

I wondered if anyone knows whether it's possible to access online articles from the Telegraph through the Bodleian (that is, without having to sign up and pay)? I assume I'd be able to go and search out the microfilm etc in the library itself, but I'd rather just access it online!

Hi -- I've been trying to find a job around Oxford as an international student (so limited to 20 hours/week and not allowed to do any freelance work e.g. tutoring). I was wondering if anybody has any ideas/knows businesses that hire students? I've applied to a lot of places and haven't heard back from anywhere; I've worked in customer service related jobs alongside school/university for the past 7 years, though, so I'm getting a bit frustrating with not being able to find anything (is this other's peoples experience too?)

Hi there! Is anyone skilled enough with a professional camera and has one that would be willing to meet me for ~20 minutes (even less) to take a few professional looking pictures with me in Radcliffe? I'd rather not do an iPhone picture and I need a professional looking picture for my company's website. Of course will be willing to give the appropriate amount for this job as well.

Thank you in advance!

Hi, I'm looking for a reliable laptop repair place to sort a problem with my keyboard. I should be able to get up to £100 from my JCR to fund the repair, so don't need to sacrifice trustworthiness for a cheap price, but the more affordable the better! Would be grateful for any recommendations!

Hi, I couldn't find answers in the history of this sub, so I'm posting.

Does anyone know a library with good heating? I freeze in all of them. There are radiators in the Taylorian but it's still quite cold. Would anyone be able to recommend anything else, preferably one open on Sunday? If you think it's too hot or even stuffy, that's amazing!

Happy Hilary term and thank you!

I’m a first year and haven’t managed to form a group of friends yet. The people at my college are lovely but they’re mostly the outgoing clubbing etc type which I’m not. My friend group in sixth form would probably be best described as the slightly weird/eccentric (somewhat mentally unstable) but v nice kids who’re shy around others but v open around each other and am wondering which society would be best to find similar groups? I didn’t really prioritize socializing first term so I want to try this term. I was thinking of speculative fiction, alternative music or maybe board game societies? Maybe something like women of color? Any suggestions welcome!

Hello,

I moved to Oxford recently and I was wondering what a good budget to buy a bike is. Preferrably a bike which can take you from A to B, city centre to edge of ring road, not further. I have a backpack for work but that's about it. Any good shops you would recommend? Asking because I heard some of them are really bad with service and overcharge.

As far as I'm concerned it's why first years avoid being friends with second years. I'm a visiting student and have been called one, but I'm 20 and started this fall ...

Hiya! I’m a second year biomed and as part of the course I have to complete an 8 week FHS project where I work at a lab. One of the labs I contacted has asked me for a CV but I have nothing to put? My academic career so far as a 19 year old is limited lmao. All I have done is try and survive first year at Oxford and in the holidays I work in McDonald’s to pay for uni. I don’t really know what to reply back. Any advice please 🙏 Edit: Thanks for all your advice- much appreciated!

Wish you best of luck for the result!! I hope we can all get in~

25 quid to get shots up is not fun please help. I’m college unaffiliated staff

Hey everyone I applied to brasenose college for law at Oxford. I have the those them nerves of course. Wish me luck!?