A Saturday at Oxford

You can get an extra 4 months free on the two year plan with my link: www.nordvpn.com/ruby (Nord also offers a 30 day money back guarantee if you change your mind!).
instagram: @_rubygranger
tiktok: @rubygranger8
Pumpkin Productivity (my stationery company): bit.ly/3wgsR85
Frequently Asked Questions:
😇 How old are you? 23
📝 What are you studying? I am set to start my MA in English Literature at Oxford this autumn.
📚What are your favourite books? • 200 book recommendatio...
📚 Do you have a book club? Yes! You can join it here for free: fable.co/club/reading-with-th...
📝 Have you written a book? My life goal is to be a published author and make a living from writing and I am using this year to gain experience, build up a portfolio and work on a book with my agent. I have just finished the final draft of that book, as you can see in this video. I did self-publish a book about bullying when I was seventeen which is available on Amazon (amzn.to/3mdJKLm), but I'm slightly embarrassed by it now!
🎃 Do you have merch? I don't have merch in the traditional sense (I can't imagine selling something with my face or name on haha!), but I do have a stationery company where I sell planners for students. These are all designed with students in mind and follow models which I've used when planning my studying. Our products are printed in pastel colours on recycled paper: bit.ly/3wgsR85
🍵 What's your favourite tea? That's a REALLY hard one, but I think I'd have to say the B&B Chocolate Digestive Tea: bird-and-blend-tea-co.sjv.io/youwilllovethisone (affiliate link)

[@RubyGranger8]

Thank you again NordVPN for sponsoring this video! You can get an extra 4 months free on the two year plan with my link: www.nordvpn.com/ruby (Nord also offers a 30 day money back guarantee if you change your mind!).

[@insilicobiology]

Seeing you blossom at Oxford is amazing! =) Break a leg with the final dissertation (I've done 2 already, i know the stress 😅). If you need help with latim terms, you have quite a wide southern European follower base, we can always lend a hand.

[@Kim-Philby]

Hi Ruby, you got a boyfriend yet? If not I from Iran, you come and I make you my wife.

[@joannasmith4793]

I took advantage of this. My phone was broken into hoping this helps make it more secure.

[@Emliy66]

Hehe

[@aynapaisley]

Fun fact: Dostoevsky was condemned for betraying the tsar and was due to be executed. He was pardoned at the very last minute (he literally was on his way to the firing squad) and the dread he felt thinking that this is his last minutes is where a lot of his characters monologues about life and the will to live no matter what comes from. It's literally his own reflections and thoughts before dying. I think this experience is mentioned in all of his signature books one way or another through main characters or just random stories they tell.

[@rebeccawilliams4048]

Hi Ruby. I'm really enjoying seeing what life is like studying at Oxford. Thank you for taking us on this journey with you.

[@leonorexx_16]

i love the Oxford diaries with those beautiful Oxford sights and you just living your study life! I love you, Ruby🤍

[@Emliy66]

Hi

[@minoo.bararnezhad]

Hello Ruby, I'm Minoo Bararnezhad, and I live in northern Iran. It's been almost a year since I've been following your channel. I always enjoy seeing the effort and planning in your work. The city where I live has similarities to London. Cloudy skies, rainy days, flowers, and fields remind me of you 🥰 By the way, today I plan to go to a cafe for coffee, taking my book along. I love you.❤❤

[@alinacatniss]

Hello, I know that I'm not Ruby (obviously ^^") but I just read your comment and I wanted to reach out to you, for your sweet words really let me feel that loving soul of yours, even though I was just passing by that comment section. I don't know you or your history, but I wish you loads of love from Germany and hope that you'll always have some precious books to read around you! (Please excuse my mistakes in grammar etc. - English is not my first language and I still have a lot to learn ^^")

[@TAYLORALEX2008]

Ruby I find your videos so comforting and inspiring. I'm currently working full time as an Archivist and studying for an MA on the side to become qualified. It can be quite stressful but your videos have helped me manage my time more effeciently and given me the motivation to keep going!

[@nitade2481]

I ❤ the sound you always play in the beginning, it fits so well. As soon as it starts i feel relaxed and it goes on with the sound of your voice. Your videos are just relaxing & motivating all in one ❤

[@jedipudgiebunny]

Also oh my gosh, I adore the edition you got of Ruskin!!! I hope you enjoy reading it! I’ve actually just been studying Ruskin in my graduate programme as well - I am a library science student and he has written a lot about the philosophy of physical objects and how their age and wear and damage is just as much a part of their lived history as the original objects itself (an important thing for librarians to factor in when deciding on treatment plans for books that may need conservation/restoration)!

[@beckyr2056]

Hi Ruby, I did terribly in my first big exam yesterday despite revising for weeks, and it was stuff I knew... The time pressure just got to me and I panicked. I was so upset afterwards, when everyone around me was celebrating it being over and buying themselves cake - I just ended up crying in the car. 😢 Then I remembered when you didn't get into Oxford first time around but you picked yourself up and look at you now! So that really helped me come to terms with it a bit. It's really tough to cope with, but I'll get there.

[@HazelBechtel]

Thanks for posting today Ruby! Hope you’re doing well and are staying safe and healthy. 😊❤

[@Grace-go7pg]

Hi Ruby! Seeing you in Oxford is just amazing. Glad that you're enjoying time in Oxford! Someday it would be grateful to see your recipes! Your cooking and baking is just so calming.

[@32446]

I read the Winter’s Tale for A-Levels many years ago and we used that exact edition of the play. Brought back memories to see it. I also was accepted onto a Masters Degree today. So excited.

[@melissarose1046]

once I watch one of your videos, I have to get my commonplace because I am flushed with productivity and inspiration - even if you don’t realise it or intend to be, you’re a form of therapy, please continue brightening your part of the world so you can light up ours!🥰

[@emmaclaire3603]

I second this ❤

[@gracioussunshine07]

❤Hello Ruby! Wish me luck, I have Major Exam coming up in few weeks.❤

[@zaharabatool2030]

Good luck to you! You did and will do All Great! God bless you sis!

[@izzy08xx]

Good luck xx

[@victoriah.2083]

You can do this. Try not to neglect exercise and sleep. Make sure you keep a study schedule on track. And if possible use/try POMODORO study to maximize concentration and absorption. I will be praying for you.❤

[@user-rc4uq4hw5j]

Good luck! behave lols

[@RubyGranger8]

Oh good luck! I am sending nothing but the very best x

[@exablob75]

Cheers from Paris 🤗 I grew up there but now that I’ve moved out, I appreciate the city a lot more when I’m visiting (like I am now). SO many things to see and do - and taste!

[@seyma_aksu8]

It looks like you had such a wholesome day Ruby, it was nice to watch how you spent your day! :)

[@catherineadamson5061]

I’m so glad to see you annotating your book as you go along - as a student over 50 years ago, I used to do this all the time (French with Politics degree). I really thought this would have died away by now!

[@anjabondke8601]

The Oxford vlogs are so lovely, I always watch them to get me in the mood for a new day working in academia. PS: I love how "omnibus" has those two meanings; a vehicle or a volume containing literary works previously published separately.

[@blixverse]

I just got back from my semester finals day 1 and before getting started for tomorrow's exam I wanted to watch a video of you to wind down and here you are saying "15 hours ago" ❤ thank you you motivate me so much !

[@absurdism101]

Oxford and Cambridge postgrad decisions are coming out in February! Good luck to anyone that applied :)

[@linnulman5883]

For pleasure reading set in Venice, there's Donna Leon's mystery series plus at least two other books she's written about the city. The detective is Brunetti and his police colleagues. There is also a TV series adapted from these books. ALSO, since you love lyrical writing and have visited us in Massachusetts, I'd wildly recommend Daniel Mason's new novel *North Woods*. I have trouble expressing how deeply I love this book and how it shifted my spirit and my sense of where I live.

[@sophiemaemonica]

Recently spent a weekend at Oxford, and I really understand how easy it is to fall in love with the city. Makes me miss my studying days! i'd have loved studying among the old buildings. Dont take this time for granted! Enjoy every moment

[@RubyGranger8]

It is truly a magical city... I feel grateful for the opportunity every day x

[@Amanda1304pol]

Thank you for your upload Ruby! I just finished exams for the first semster (term times are a bit diffrent here) and i'm due for a 1,5 week break from everything uni-related, but this makes me excited to start off the second semester strong ❤️

[@alisontaylor6135]

What a charming video. Thank you for sharing your book haul - some real treasure there. You seem completely at ease and fulfilled this year. Wishing you a happy term xx

[@carolynmarshall1968]

I so look forward to your vlogs, so calming and love hearing about the books you buy. 📚

[@Marymooau]

Thankyou for continuing to inspire me to study better and harder. I’m currently 3 weeks ahead and really taking in all the content :-) ❤

[@nnicollan]

The reality is you need excellent health and energy levels when keeping to a 5 am schedule even on weekends. Ditching food products and anything that drags your energy down is so so important. ❤ Also, I have to say I couldn't stick to a schedule like this 😅 I need time to rest and recuperate after intense exam, study and work periods. It's also important for my motivation and productivity. I do have a chronic illness so I don't know if without it I'd be able to pull stuff like this off long-term.. I'm not sure I would. But it's still inspiring to watch because the attitude towards studying is so positive and appreciative, the approach is balanced and the work ethic is excellent. Ruby also really enjoys life and has time for social interactions. Great role model for students of any age ❤

[@user-cw2qq8tj1i]

Your Oxford vlogs are soo beautiful and motivating..it is really helping me to keep going since I am also doing my masters 💕❤️

[@josefineslot7937]

Immediatly watching! Love your videos, Ruby❤

[@wordslvr5269]

Thank you for posting so frequently! Just know my friend and I are living vicariously through you

[@hiroshii586]

Ruby is my favourite vlogger. Moreover, she is so inspiring, as I have an avid interest in English and Oxford university. I'm looking at the nuances between English master and others. I advertently found this channel. Fortunately, her habits and hobbies are similar to me. She's my role model. I've watched Wonka too!💗😊

[@JohannaWinter-zs5ry]

I would recommend the thief lord written by cornelia funke. The story starts in an empty cinema in venice where a group of kids live.

[@SeerOfTime577]

Thank you for these vlogs, Ruby! ❤

[@femke5161]

Hi Ruby. Your videos always inspire and motivate me to go to study. I'm currently writing my masters thesis and I'm struggling a bit so watching you creates some inspiration. It really feels like you're a friend who is going through the same thing. As your digital friend I wanted to ask if you're okay? The tiredness in this video is, in my opinion, a sign your body says to slow down/ relax a bit. I don't want to meddle in your business, just making sure you're looking after yourself

[@ArianMota10]

I really enjoyed your video, Ruby! The part of the video where you are in the first library is so relaxing and peaceful 😊 I also really liked the phrase "It would be better to live than to die right now, only to live."

[@forev3rsilenc3d]

I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to recently come across your videos as my trip to London approached! I just toured the old Bodleian Library and it is beautiful. And the Radcliffe is amazing! I’m looking forward to watching more of your videos! Good look with school!

[@lillysims4865]

Literally how did you know I needed study Inspo for midterms???? You always post right when we need you lol

[@scoutd197]

Yes!! The 'Glucose Goddess' book by Jessie Inchauspe talks about different milks and the worst offender for sugar spikes is Oat milk which was really surprising because it's viewed as a healthier milk compared to others.........but you have it and then you can crash shortly after it, I switched and it makes a difference!!!!

[@krislernguyen7169]

your videos inspire me a lot on hard studying, thanks a lot Ruby!

[@shantis9914]

Your videos are just so comforting. Also I have major Oxford fomo when I watch your videos.

[@ananyadutta1154]

I loved your narration of the sentence reading "It would be better to live than to die right now."

[@Loleey4]

Hi Ruby! If you do go to Paris, I know you’re a tea fan so I recommend you to get tea and a dessert at Mariage freres in Marais ❤️ best tea ever! it’s so beautiful, I think you’re going to like it!

[@limeparticle]

So happy for us that you’re setting aside time for youtube! 😊

[@RubyGranger8]

I really want to make sure I’m posting regularly this term! Just fingers crossed I keep up with it 🙈♥️

[@joannasmith4793]

I am enjoying your oxford vlogs. Feels like a dream i never could achieve

[@izzy08xx]

Hey Ruby! Youve inspired me since you started posting on your channel xx

[@jiaharrie]

I was literally waiting for a new video. Oh Ruby I'm really loving these vlogs 🥺💞

[@RubyGranger8]

I'm so glad!♥️

[@Crazyadventure2024]

Your videos are so peaceful, thank you for making them.

[@RubyGranger8]

That's so nice of you

[@onehumanfromearth5063]

The soundtracks on your vlogs are always v good. I like the change to your sign-off phrase.

[@twilightsagalover360]

Ruby! If you haven’t already please make a video on how you are consistent with your work and stay away from your phone/social media ?!

[@poetrybysuhashani__]

always find your videos inspiring ✨

[@micaylabam2428]

Omw. I love listening to the way you speak about books.

[@ellie2285]

Loved the vlog as always!! Take care Ruby🧡🧡

[@JB-mm4jp]

The Aspern Papers by Henry James is a novella set in Venice. Normally, I am not keen on James but this is wonderful.

[@ShevinAndresen]

Hi Ruby You're videos are so motivating

[@SheepandOak]

My jaw literally dropped when you read the Crime and Punishment quote. I have been wanting to pick it up for so long now, but now I absolutely cannot wait.

[@AJ-pz8mp]

Ruby! I had gestational diabetes in pregnancy so know a little bit about this from experience. Oat milk has a very high GI index and therefore has a big impact on blood sugars. Thinking it would be a really healthy choice in my 3rd trimester, I drank an oat milk blueberry smoothie one day. I pricked my finger to test my blood sugar levels and they were sky high. I completely crashed feeling rubbish afterwards - and a little bit anxious as I was meant to be cutting out foods with a high GI index to slow down the growth of rate of my baby. To this day I’m totally put off by oat milk! I really don’t think it’s very healthy at all. Definitely see if almond milk improves your energy levels. Love the vid!

[@billoddy5637]

No milk is high in energy, because it doesn’t contain starch (poly-glucose). If you want energy, you need starchy foods: cereals (wheat, barley, bread, pasta), rice, potatoes.

[@AJ-pz8mp]

@@billoddy5637 lol I don’t think you understood my comment

[@billoddy5637]

@@AJ-pz8mp I wasn’t replying to your comment, I was just sharing advice…

[@miriamsimon9361]

The whole Brunetti books by Donna Leon are great for Venice, easy reads and I always get such a vivid image of walking through the streets :) they are also often quite political

[@thelairdofyoutube]

I love your videos SO MUCH ! If you come in Paris, be careful with the public transport (buses and subway), the city is getting ready for the olympics and there are works a bit everywhere :D

[@RubyGranger8]

Thank you for the advice :)x

[@ornleifs]

You asked for Venice recommendation so if you haven't read "Brideshead Revisited" you might like that one cause a part of the story happens there and that's were that famous line is - "Drowning in Honey, stingless." - And of course a large portion of the story happens in Oxford.

[@laura221B]

Hey Ruby, first of all, thank you for the lovely video! :) Secondly, the moment you said you loved books set in Venice, I thought of a book that I read when I was about 10 called "The Thief Lord". It's written by the German children's book author Cornelia Funke and I remember loving the book as a child. I only know the German version, not the translated one, but I still wanted to mention it - recommendations are always nice, I think haha, and I remember wanting to visit Venice so badly after reading it, so it must have been good! :D

[@duncanwills8939]

Venice; fiction; crime... novels by Donna Leon. Commissario Guido Brunetti's engagements with diverse Venetian crime, leaning towards homicide, obvs. I find it soothing. Many references to dining.

[@cytje92]

Firstly, I always look forward at your videos, I am in my last year of Masters so this really motivates me! Second, one book I love is by Arthur Japin (he is a Dutch writer) and the book I believe is called: In Lucia’s eyes (I have read it in Dutch though, so I don’t know how the translation is.) But I really loved this story and it is very unique, and partly set in Venice! I can also recommend his other books but I am not sure how easy you can get them as they might not be translated.

[@Luna-vv2nz]

Hey Ruby, I have a book recommendation set in Venice for you. It's a children's or young adult book by Cornelia Funke (one of my favourite German children's book authors) and it's called the Thief Lord in English. I visited Venice two years ago and I kept thinking about this book, even though I hadn't read it in years. It really lets you see the magical and adventurous side of Venice through the eyes of the children. Good luck with the rest of your term!

[@GoldfinchRobin]

The John Ruskin will be an excellent read. The art book was a great find. I usually find that art books can be extremely expensive.

[@shonamara4544]

I am utterly in love with Italy and one of my favourite fiction writers Marlena de Blasi writes wonderful books loosely about her life in Italy. A Thousand Days in Venice is lyrical and makes you want to hop on a plane right away.

[@LtDualla]

If you visit the Louvre check out Le Sommeil d'Endymion in the same hall as the Mona Lisa, its just inside entrance on the right hand wall, by Anne-Louis Girodet.

[@deborahdeane]

Hi Ruby, Great video. Loved the street scenes in Oxford and the Book Shop recommendations. Debbie 😊

[@happycommuter3523]

If you’re looking for a fun novel set in Venice, Serinissima by Erica Jong is quite fun, and includes a lot of Shakespeare. Published around 1988, IIRC.

[@ianbrooke6342]

I have a question. I frequently see you making notes in the margins of books. Why? And do you think you will ever go back to those notes, why and when? If not, why do it?

[@bookthoughtswitheilish]

Crime and Punishment sounds incredible! I’ll definitely pick it up ☺️

[@whocaresaboutnames2604]

Such a beautiful video! There is something so magical about your channel...I always love to watch your videos🩵

[@byuzandajaryan2809]

very inspiring and informative, thanks much, will follow your journey

[@JP-bs9ml]

I watched your speech online at the Oxford union and thought it was very good

[@yasminceleste3844]

Hey Ruby! Maybe a fun video could be exploring all the independent coffee shops in Oxford! Though that you’re into coffee it could be a fun thing to do - and also show some love to some amazing places :)

[@RubyGranger8]

Yes! That's a good idea :) maybe I'll do it as short form content? x

[@AO2437.]

Interesting abt the oat milk, I love it, actually find almond milk makes coffee taste weird but to each their own

[@thetragicyouth]

Ruby, what is the gorgeous piano music that accompanies the Art & Architecture Library??

[@LarmoyanteLamentierlust]

For book recommendations set in Venice, maybe you'd enjoy Cornelia Funke's "The Thief Lord", if you don't know it already? It's a children's book, but I remember really liking it back when I read it (in German, so I can't speak to the translation) and since you tend to enjoy children's books ... maybe it'll appeal to you, too. :)

[@rojenkins]

Ruby, what made you choose the Pevear and Volokhonsky translation of Crime and Punishment? Was that the preferred translation in your syllabus?

[@PaulinaGallegos412]

I love your videos Ruby!! They make me wanna watch Harry Potter 🪄

[@MakeshiftMummy]

Hi Ruby, I hope you're well. I have your hardback planner but wondered when/if you'll get the big ring-bound plnners back? I'd love to purchase a few. Go well, Kate

[@Emmet_Moore]

I'm sure you'd enjoy Venice by Jan Morris - definitely among my favourite non-fiction writers.

[@katyfolk3433]

Was just wondering, as you are studying full time, do you feel like you have to study at the weekends too? Do you do anything to make the weekends different to week days?

[@Marymooau]

The vampire Armand is partly set in Venice in the 1400s. Very descriptive. Anne Rice wrote it.

[@rose_winter8143]

I brought a stunning edition on the Lord of the Rings from St Philips when I visited Oxford last January. Such a lovely shop!

[@zoeariel2571]

amazing, Ruby ✨✨✨💕.

[@user-fb1bt7wz2s]

Hello ruby your videos are so good and calming. Can you upload tips and the websites to use for english literature students it would be really helpful ❤ I always wanted to study like you but i didn't know how to 😂

[@jennybrockartist]

For books set in Venice, I really liked The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke (of the Inkheart books!) when I was younger. It's a children's/YA book but does that really matter? ;D

You have to read Miss Garnetts Angel by Salley Vickers set in Venice

[@cindypisano5002]

I think you are the best influencer on youtube and Instagram. 👏👏👏👏

[@gabyberron1916]

Hello Ruby! This will sound silly but I'm actually really intrigued about your oat milk vs. almond milk experiment since I'm a nutrition student; my hypothesis is that you will find yourself more energized with an oat milk coffee due to the amount of carbohydrates it has opposed to the almond milk option, but I would love to hear your results! (Btw, I´m mexican and got really excited when you chose to compare mexican pesos to euros!)

[@dees3179]

Interesting. I would have thought the opposite because the protein in almond would be slower releasing so more stable and long lasting. It will be really good to see how our hostess fares.

[@gabyberron1916]

Yes! That is also true! That is why I'm so intrigued! @@dees3179

[@jedipudgiebunny]

So interesting that you mentioned oat milk has been affecting your energy levels - I’ve actually noticed the same thing recently!! I stopped drinking oat milk and I’ve felt so much better since then. I’ve done a bit of research into it and it seems like a lot of oat milks contain extra oils like rapeseed in order to make them creamier/able to heat up better, but then yeah that means you end up consuming a lot more processed seed oils which can hurt your gut and be pretty inflammatory and gives you less energy. I think almond milk is a great alternative!! Wishing you the best of luck with your course modules this terms! It’s such a delight to see all of the libraries and cafes and bookstores you’ve been visiting, and just getting snapshots of life at Oxford. I would really love to hear more about how your women in print module is going/the kind of things you’ve been learning about if you ever want to share more of that! ❤️

[@franziskas39]

Reccomendations for books set in Venice? No problem! Cornelia Funke, The Thief Lord. It's a YA novel for everyone from age 10 and I'm actually convinced that you might like it.

[@RubyGranger8]

I need to read this! x

[@sydneyhart]

You should bring Lola to Oxford for a visit.

[@JKrausie]

If anyone knows where I could find Ruby’s timer or something similar (blank would be ideal) please let me know! 🙏

[@mada_mada_]

Look up “Magical Venice: The Hedonist's Guide”! The beeeest book about Venice. It’s a detailed account about every area of the city, with gorgeous pictures and miscellaneous facts! Same guides are for Iceland (reading it right now) and Paris.

[@wangyeelinpamela]

Really love the extract: 2:56

[@luasworld]

Ruby's videos always put me in a good and productive mood😊

[@RubyGranger8]

🥰🥰

[@Indeed999]

It's not Venice per se but The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch is a great fantasy novel set in a city heavily inspired by Venice.

[@taerynrosewrites]

My mom has read all of Donna Leon’s books set in Venice- they’re murder mysteries with the character Commissario Guido Brunetti 😊

[@RubyGranger8]

ooh that sounds excellent! x

[@billoddy5637]

I am baffled by how much people love fictional murders, but are terrified by factual murders.

[@serenalandolina8974]

Try reading Carlo Goldoni's work! He s an italian writer from the 1700's and many of his books are set in Venice