Back in Oxford for Trinity Term (studying, antique book fair & haul)

AD Thank you again to NordVPN for sponsoring this video. You can get 4 months extra on a 2 year plan nordvpn.com/ruby. It's also risk free with Nord's 30-day money back guarantee!
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)

[@michellehawthorne2404]

As an older person I just want you to know I so enjoy your videos. You are elegant, intelligent, and just a joy to watch. SO REFRESHING! And I LOVE England!!!!

[@louisewalker9074]

Yes, me too! Ruby’s appeal is to us ‘old girls’ as well as to the young ones!

[@terrsalisbonfan]

She’s superficial. All about aesthetics.

[@Karen-ve6ds]

I like her. It’s good that she shares her academic journey although I hope that, by doing so, she doesn’t overwhelm herself with too much work. My school education ended in the ‘80’s and because of the high unemployment, my demographic and the kind of school I attended, I didn’t know anyone who went to university, let alone Oxford! So Ruby’s channel is a window into a world I never experienced. I have a daughter her age!

[@louisewalker9074]

@@Karen-ve6ds yes, I love her! She’s a young girl living her best life and she’s so hugely enthusiastic about all her plans and projects, it’s very sweet to see it! She’s also unashamedly bookish, intellectual, classy, and reserved. What a breath of fresh air in this day and age! And yes, I have children her age. I was at university more than 30 years ago, and I still love academia, so it’s lovely and relaxing to dip back into a world where your ‘job’ is to sit and read books all day! Keep doing what you do, Ruby! We love you!

[@Karen-ve6ds]

@@louisewalker9074 Yes absolutely, never stop learning!

[@sarfred1]

Hey Ruby! As a fellow student, I’d love to see more about how you plan out your research, your process in critical reading, behind the scenes on dissertation work- I think that would be so helpful and interesting! Thanks for all you do 😊

[@penultimateh766]

Absolutely love it when Ruby just chats into the camera about books.

[@__Sonya__]

Two vlogs within a week!!! omg I love it! Thank you, Ruby❤

[@RubyGranger8]

Let's see how consistent posting holds up this term!! I'm hoping to upload regularly :)x

[@heidichatwin7205]

I particularly liked your visit to Paris but would prefer not to go alone

[@marywong9976]

My favourite part of Ruby's vlogs are the bookish events, fairs, talks that she captures in the Oxford vlogs! It feels like finding a golden ticket in a Wonka chocolate bar!

[@elizavetanikitina]

Dear Ruby, thank you so much for making such a high quality videos. I have watched you for the last 4 years. You inspirited and motivated me for so many times. literally can't imagine, how I could have finished high school without you. Now I study at university and you still are my biggest inspiration. Thank you and I wish you a lovely day!!!💗

[@linnulman5883]

You and Tom together was a treat. And yes, EVERYTHING you said about writing when you showed us the book of diarists.

[@guestaccount6530]

The frequent videos are giving me life. Thank you for sharing you life with us!

[@milisuarez-al-nashy4314]

It’s so nice that you take us along on this journey with you. It is wonderful to see, thanks 🤗

[@Danitypes]

It's been over 6 years since I last saw your vlogs. Can't believe you've grown so much. Proud of you

[@silvialogan9226]

Ruby, I am so glad to see you back at Oxford again studying. I just love all the interesting books which you are talking about.

[@marthacampbell6188]

The Books Unbound podcast have coined a term 'Mashed Potato' books for those books that you really want to read but keep putting off reading until the right time. They also do Mashed Potato May, when they make sure to read one or some of their mashed potato books. It's called mashed potato because they love mashed potato and always leave it to the end of a meal and the metaphor is that sometimes you are disappointed with them because they are not as good as you expected or they have gone cold or you are full and wish you had eaten (read) then earlier.

[@youvegotwings]

My favourite French historian (Michelle Perrot) wrote a book about how women's history is so much harder to learn because most of their writing is private (journals and letters), so I really liked how you talked about the last book you mentioned

[@gladouhills9039]

I'm French and I love your videos❤ "The mill on the Floss" is one of my favorite novels 😊 ! I read it in the beginning of 2024 and it moved me so much ! I love the characters and even where the story takes place ! It's worth reading !

[@Snowinthecrowd]

Aah i love your oxford vlogs so much❤️

[@RubyGranger8]

Thank you so much!

[@Marymooau]

Love this vlog. Thankyou for taking the time to make it. You are appreciated ❤

[@mj.manvendra]

My fav youtubers - Ruby Granger and The Cottage Fairy. Period.

[@RubyGranger8]

Ah I love The Cottage Fairy!!

[@mj.manvendra]

@@RubyGranger8 I started watching it on your recommendation.

[@mashainmotion]

The Unexpected Gypsy is also great. Lover of art and also full of wisdom words.😊 I know there are many more, but she really stands out from all that I watch often.🙂

[@Computra]

Lady of the Library has a very lovely personality like Ruby!

[@user-qh8nh7oe6d]

MJ, I have just come here from the Cottage Fairy.❤

[@IceCookie]

Hi Ruby. Wanted to say I was always inspired by your videos that I started a study with me channel by myself. Amazing video as always 😍 I love that blue floral theme bag and box so much. It looks super cute

[@carolsmith9478]

All those Post-It notes remind me of the movie “A Beautiful mind” for some reason. I’m so glad you are doing so well being in your element, so happy for you!

[@user-nq6pq1uq2d]

So glad to see another vlog from you!

[@micaylabam2428]

I love watching you write and love, love, and love how refreshing your videos are. Please never stop spreading this joy you have and being unapologetically you.

[@user-qv2mh2ef4v]

I outlined my qualifying examinations and my doctoral dissertation using post-it-notes! So cool to see you using them.

[@zaaratahreem1821]

It's always a therapy to watch your videos ❤

[@oboeverity]

Thanks for the memory jolt, Ruby! Did my teacher training at Brookes, up at the Westminster campus overlooking the spires, but graduated at the Headington Campus. Have ordered Secret Voices as it ticks a lot of my boxes. At 44, I’m probably a lot older than many of your followers, but thank you for the most lovely content.

[@MLCraane]

Loving your videos Ruby! Always so inspiring for books to read, organization, nature and even clothes. I discovered Miss Patina through your videos! Love your style. Love the green vest you wore during your book talk.

[@jeannelynskey6946]

An antique book fair sounds like heaven. And buttered toast is the best, but in the UK they put the butter on when the toast is cold. I think it's better when the toast is warm!

[@RubyGranger8]

You’re so right on the butter! I don’t know why we don’t always do it immediately 🙈

[@kateellis3446]

Thank you, Ruby. I love your videos - thank you for sharing so much. I now feel motivated to sit and work on my book review university assignment. Blessings.

[@tomwayling]

So nice to see you Ruby!

[@settan633]

Hi Ruby. I'm Japanese and really love your videos❤ You always motivate me. Thank you!

[@lizjeffries5366]

Another older viewer here, lovely video Ruby. I was excited about the diary anthology, Secret Voices, so ordered my own copy. Thanks for highlighting it.

[@jules-chan6718]

Lately I have been so unmotivated to study and just, well, academics in general. But everythime I watch your videos I am reminded to just slow down.

[@margijohnson3900]

Absolutely loved your choice of books Ruby

[@martaukaszewicz9080]

Hello, Ruby! I just wanted to tell you that I was visiting Cambridge in early April for a conference and library query. Its vibe made me think about your channel so much! I have never been to Oxford but Cambridge is really beautiful and cosy :)

[@bolovesbooks7930]

I'm also always putting off books I'm really excited about, because of that pressure. I really get that.

[@shadowdancingpoetry]

Ooh, the book of women's diaries looks very interesting - I'll have look out for that now.

[@paulawilliams9645]

Lovely video. The book fair looked amazing and it was great to see the books up have bought recently.

[@priyankapayel7787]

🌸🌿🍃Just loved the intro & background music.. Couldn't be more relaxing😌😇 & the book haul was pretty cool actually!!😮❤

[@angelajane3679]

Hii Ruby! Greetings from the Philippines! 💚💚

[@absurdism101]

Will you do a mark breakdown for your previous essays and diss when you get it all back?

[@krissyhuxley0713]

Lovely video as always. You are a remarkable human, Ruby ✨

[@alejandrorodriguez4189]

A wonderful vlog the start off the week love these

[@yuricer87]

I love your videos! They must demand so much hard work to make. Bravo!

[@maverick_monkey]

What a lovely day you had, thanks for sharing it with us :) (Also, you always choose such nice background music! How do you pick it, do you know in advance what you want for a certain part of the video or do you have a way of browsing/finding music for videos? I’m such a layman when it comes to making KZbin content that I’m really interested in how and where one would even get the music xD)

[@RubyGranger8]

I choose it when editing, but there are pieces I consistently come back to! And I use epidemic sound and Pond5 for music :)x

[@chilin4s]

Yes!!! Butter toast is THE best thing ever. 🍞 🤤

[@lucaelisa9286]

That green and the lip colour look so wonderful on you!!

[@RubyGranger8]

Ahh thank you! x

[@soothingszelam2607]

hi Ruby, you accompany me along my master study journey, as a full time worker and part time student, it is hard to maintain motivation to study, you inspire me for that. ❤

[@Voguegirl-dn5vy]

Can i ask how you balance studying and doing a job? I think i would find it really hard. Also i wouldnt want to give up my independence and do full time study either 😩

[@soothingszelam2607]

@Voguegirl-dn5vy 1. motivation is important, think about why you wanna study, for me, it's more about my self interest to learn new things and some part is related to my work, that's why it keeps me motivated to continue for that 2. I find it is very effective to divide tasks into small sub milestone. 3. you can utilize some small piece of time, during lunch hour, during small breaks or traveling time to read materials, do some research on new topics and do some studies 4. establish the learning environment, I find it is very useful to establish my own study environment/atmosphere such as cleaning my desk, playing some slow relaxing music, preparing some snacks and warm tea etc. 5. during work, it's important that you focus only for work and during study, it is important that you don't think about work and just focus on study, so that you can ensure your quality of performance for both side of tasks 6. regular physical exercise helps you to calm down and relax your mindset 7. reward yourself when you complete a sub task, eg. go for a walk and enjoy with friends etc. 8. prioritize work duties and discuss with your boss earlier about your leave plan and expected off work time and plan work arrangement in advance if possible I hope the above helps.

[@valerieelisebethcooper83]

I remember reading Silas Marner at school. I loved all the English Literature, did same for my A Levels and an English Lit program with Harvard.

[@terisaisherwood3006]

Love your channel Ruby!

[@SeerOfTime577]

As a ginormous journal-writer, myself, "Secret Voices" sounds incredibly interesting! I've added it to my To Read list. ❤

[@nxreu]

could you do a video on your top 5 pieces of literature of all time? :)

[@circleofleaves2676]

The book is called Silas Marner, not Silas 'Mariner". There is no 'i' in the second word. I would definitely recommend Middlemarch over The Mill on the Floss, but that's just a personal preference.

[@RubyGranger8]

Why do you prefer Middlemarch? I have heard such good things about Mill on the Floss, but haven't had as many people recommend Middlemarch strangely enough x

[@sundaygirl006]

I adored Middlemarch. Definitely my favourite work by Elliott. There is a brilliant BBC adaptation of it from the 90s that is well worth a watch.

[@alicegreenbury346]

I think you’ll love Middlemarch Ruby! It was really ahead of its time.

[@lindseywatkeys]

Middlemarch is wonderful and it is suggested that one reads it every ten years as you get a different perspective of the book according to what life stage you have reached. I loved your Paris video, best ever , felt I was there with you experiencing the book shops and art galleries.

[@mariaesthervilaralvarez9418]

The Mill on the Floss is an absolutely wonderful novel which I truly recommend! It's perhaps one of Eliot's novels that do have a very heartbreaking end though. Otherwise my two favorites so far are Adam Bede and Romola, they are so underrated and yet such incredible and life-changing masterpieces!

[@phmwu7368]

Interesting video, in Belgium students master at least 3 languages and are encouraged to read writers in their native language (e.g. French authors should be read in French to get all the intended nuances of the text = not so easy for Sartre) 🧐 As a book collector I tend to go for hardcover editions only although a cheap paperback is always useful as a real reading copie to highlight passages. Did You already read about Oxford-educated Gertrude Lowthian Bell, famous female writer, traveller and archaeologist? Try: The Uncrowned king & the desert queen. T. E. Lawrence and Gertrude Bell. A friendship ...

[@KingYahwey]

I love your videos so much ruby. you are so inspirational.

[@blixverse]

Book hauls are always a welcome surprise

[@azrika7]

Where can I buy your journal Ruby? The pumpkin productivity one.. and btw, u drew me closer to literature and now I wanna hope into it but, I’m a mbbs undergraduate TT but, I just rlly love the history n poems combined. Just takes me to another world.. like back into 2,3 centuries ago..thank you for being my inspiration Ruby, you made me feel studying as an adventure kinda thing lol. And now, I love studying ALL THE TIME.Sending love. xoxo

[@emmabarnes609]

hey ruby i love oxford for the park and ride and shops and the botantic garden and the cafes they have there

[@PrithaAPrasad]

Hey Ruby! What would your advice be for someone struggling to write poems as a beginner?

[@tiftif5650]

the intro especially the when you were eating breakfast in the park felt like a scene from the film 1917, I don't know how to describe it but it felt like you where in a period piece where war was looming

[@wageeshasdiary]

Your vlogs are inspiring Ruby..❤

[@RubyGranger8]

Thank you

[@gardenofedy]

Thank you for the wonderful study motivation!

[@arizonajen7577]

Silas Marner is such a sweet, interesting story. She is a fabulous author! Mill and the Floss has been on my TBR for years. Maybe we'll both get to it this year.

[@hanjissidegirl8672]

Hi Ruby, hope your doing well! I hate to bother you, or anyone else who would answer, but would you have any tips for a Year 10 going through GCSEs for the first time? I'm incredibly stressed and by the time it reaches the weekend, I don't even have it in me to study, and I'm sort of dealing with burn out I don't want to admit exists. Your videos are such a comfort and always bring me back down to earth ❤❤

[@user-kp2gb9fm1o]

谢谢你Ruby，错过的春天在你这里找到了。樱花好美。

[@MeAsTeee]

These vibes tho 💞

[@Mav047]

ohh god what a lovely vlog ❤❤

[@fantian201]

非常喜欢你的作品，能给人一种积极向上的能量

[@mishypeas2959]

I love Tom Ayling- I don’t have instagram so can’t comment on that but he has an amazing KZbin channel. He has single handedly made me interested in rare books and make me want to start my own collection! I’m off to Hay festival next month so hoping to find some treasures there ❤

[@tomwayling]

Ah that's so nice! Enjoy Hay!

[@mishypeas2959]

@@tomwayling thank you, I’m hoping to find a first edition of How Green was my valley by Richard Llewellyn 🙏

[@Monimalistka]

Vlogs I love❤❤❤❤❤especially from Ur home but uni is also ok

[@BSyn-ei4uv]

Wouldn't the grass be wet with dew in the morn? My OCD could never ☺

[@AnneOfCottage]

OH GOD I LOVE CREATIVITY FLOWS Dear Ruby, I wasnt really in the mood to write tonight but your intro music and some images of the book i've been reading were still in my mind. So naturally i repeated your intro some 20 times and well.... since no one aorund me knows english, your the only person i can share what u have inspired. Trying to get over the resistance of sharing my writings so here we go...... Standing on the ciff edge. The world beneth me, at my feet. Its a sea of fog. Unseen and without sound. Its a grey canvas as far as the eye can see. Its strange to think that all I have seen and shall ever experiance is contained between these almost invisible lines of earth and murky landscape. How humbling it is to know that the thread to which I cling calling ''life'' and the moments of passion and vilonce which I call ''living'' are so minute and insignificant. The fog is never affected by my heart's feeling of intensity. But the intensity canges my precption of the fog. The fog remains still. At my feet,but slowly growing. Encapsuating ,me within it. Every moment passing and a limb of mine lost to the unaltered part of the mortal world. The heart no longer racing. Almost dormant. Like a fatigue overcomming my soul. Then leaving me, Its temporary abode. It becomes a part of the mist. Its a sea of fog. Once seen and with sound. I see now how all I've ever seen and experianced was contained in the completley invisible lines of my conscious. This was obv just some emotion based writing and for an unskilled 15 yr old like me, quite difficult to portray. But thankyou again for inspiring a creative spark in me tonight.

[@marufgazi9025]

Had a Productive day todaay.. at the library.. 22:42 11/05 sat !

[@giorgia7254]

You will enjoy some great time reading the Cossacks! The end was not much to my taste but the personal trajectory of the main character and his encounter with the greatness of the Caucasian nature is marvellous!

[@rappigonen]

is very cool for you to study ! I am sure you like very much to study , You teach yourself how to be smart and not to make mistakes in life. is very fun to study , you read a lot of books . ❤

[@fairytail8768]

I love your videos ❤

[@courtneyhawkins2280]

I just wish you would make another kindness journal

[@jennycartledge9970]

I love when creators cross paths! I love Tom Ayling!

[@RubyGranger8]

Isn't he wonderful!

[@jennycartledge9970]

@@RubyGranger8 So wonderful! I really developed a proper appreciation for old books watching his content. I feel the two of you pair perfectly!

[@fanetteby7842]

hi ! loved it ! 👏👏 if i may, where is your cup from ? at the very beginning of the video ? 😊

[@burcu6743]

Your outfit is so cute and green looks so good on you.

[@girlylondonchic6513]

Hi ruby please do a come shop books with me - would love to see you take us into the Oxford bookshops and charity shops looking for books !

[@RubyGranger8]

Oh that's such a good idea!!! I absolutely will do :) (this is dangerous though... I definitely shouldn't be buying so many books...!!)

[@billoddy5637]

@@RubyGranger8Oh, don’t worry. If anyone deserves to indulge in buying many books, you do!

[@KarenS-qe3ly]

Hi Ruby. Thank you for your Inspiring Videos; I always look forward to watching them. Ruby are you writing a new book, and if so what is it about? Also could you please make a Video about how you published your first book on Kindle and Apple Books. Thank You so very much, and please continue with these Excellent Videos.

[@samikshachhetri5506]

Hi Ruby, this might sound a bit out of the context but I really like your lipstick shade. It really looks so so good on you. Could you please let me know the shade and name of the lipstick?😊

[@PromisingPod]

I love how we can learn from your wise thoughts, we can see your process of doing things. and we can catch up with the latest of what's going on with you, all at the same time. Thanks, Ruby.

[@profearthurito6993]

❤🎉 Happy and blessed Sunday Dear Sister. Greetings and blessings from San Juan de Lurigancho, Lima Perú ❤🎉

[@RubyGranger8]

Ah hello! Thank you for watching and being so quick!

[@FreyaGoodchild_]

As someone who is aspiring to study English at Oxford in three and a half years, what is your best advice for early preparation?

[@Mercurymercy0_0]

I feel the tune material is incongruous for the opening, could be slightly euphonious sounding. 😊

[@wills681]

I love Folio Society books. My cased copy of Under Milk Wood by Dylan Thomas is beautifully illustrated and gives me so much pleasure. £5 from a charity shop at Exeter.

[@Voguegirl-dn5vy]

George Eliot is considered to be one of the best authors. A lot of people pick Middlemarch as their favourite book. But I’ve heard it’s quite hard to read and there are lots of different characters in it.

[@jasminheidemann6568]

Can you maybe give a detailed feedback on "metamorphosis" of Kafka once you've read it? I would be so thankful for that

[@janeenbreyman212]

Will you explain more about the chapter post it note pinterest idea. This is new to me and sounds fascinating.

[@MarinaOkarinah]

Oh someone with a Moo Moo's milkshake! I used to love those when living in Oxford! Love to see the city around! =^.^=

[@jasminheidemann6568]

Kafka is so so good and accurate !! He was one of the deepest thinker for his times and at the same time a very melancholic person. We have read him in Germany and he is so so much worth reading !!

[@tentoumushi8]

You are not just some random blogger, you change people’s minds, behavior, thoughts. You become more and more interesting and beautiful person. Thank you for sharing a piece of your life with us 🙂

[@sarinat1546]

Since you mention the "book as objects" theory fairly often - do you prefer buying/collecting books over reading them? have a nice day xx

[@RubyGranger8]

I like the intersection of the two - so I’m very specific about the edition of a book I will read because I think the object of the book affects what you then take from it. I do enjoy looking at beautifully bound / illustrated books on topics I’m not interested in, but would never personally buy a book I didn’t want to read x

[@saradowling]

I absolutely enjoyed listening to Benedict Cumberbatch read Metamorphosis!

[@juliaforsyth8332]

A glorious voice.Sean Bean has a lovely voice too. Rich and low.

[@Hepzibahlee8440]

Nonhardback version of planner😊 when will it become available on website 😔

[@Skjsjakkanajamka]

I love your vlogs I watch your old video when i miss you 😢

[@Sugarplumglitter]

Luv this💖📜🖋️

[@melmagalhaes6357]

you're such an enjoyer of life, I think that's what I love the most about your videos ❤️

[@maneskinnnnn7190]

i'm irish and my dad is a poet and writer, he is in his 70s i think has read nearly every book on the planet. you should visit ireland, i live near w.b yeat's castle. have you ever read irish folklore?

[@AnaMariaBotoser]

Hey, Ruby! Are you planning to do a PhD next? Just curious😊