Masters & Gap Year Q&A

Take a look at my new website where I have started sharing my writing, both online and in print (including a facsimile of the nature journal I kept in Spring): rubygranger.com/
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)

[@godsbuckets]

Ruby, if it gets too much, don't feel pressure to upload consistently while at Oxford. We will all be here when you do get the chance. Do what feels right for you ❤

[@RubyGranger8]

Thank you so much 🤍

[@Yesica1993]

Yes! Please don't stress yourself out. @@RubyGranger8

[@michaelamisantone8747]

yes! I agree!!

[@greenfairy365]

I also agree

[@astara3770]

She spoke too soon about the weather at the start of the video 😂 I was so excited for autumn to start and now here in the UK we're having a heatwave 😭😭

[@RubyGranger8]

I know!!! This video definitely aged badly haha!

[@jade_960]

Same in Ireland! Trying to feel summery again when I really just want to curl up with blankets and hot tea 😂

[@gonnie8464]

Melting in The Netherlands

[@Luumus]

Portugal switched with the UK weather because we've been having a lovely rainy, foggy, autumnal weather whilst you guys are having our sunny, hot days xD

[@gailsgrandplan3561]

I’m melting!

[@pax3182]

0:42 : Why did you decide to go to Oxford and not Cambridge? 1:38 : Where did you apply for your MA? 2:07 : What made you want to go back into academia? 2:44 : A chat about gap year. 3:57 : Regrets about gap year. 5:19 : Are you moving to Oxford? 5:26 : Which college are you going to be at? 5:51 : Are you worried about starting university again? 6:30 : How is your book going? 8:37: How was the process of applying to Oxford, was it draining? 9:41: How do you make your tea? 10:07 : When do you start? 10:10 : Has your degree been helpful in your journey for proving your creative writing skills, if so, in what way? 10:47 : Do you think that internet aesthetics do more harm than good? 13:20 : What autumnal things are you planning on doing during your first autumn in Oxford? 13:55 : What is the oldest book that you own? 14:35 : Could you go into more detail about how you learn Latin? 15:17 : Will you be vlogging Oxford?

[@RubyGranger8]

Thank you for this!!! I’ll add these in as time stamps! Have a wonderful day xxx

[@pax3182]

@@RubyGranger8 Thank you for being so great and you too xx

[@rosewalls8776]

Words can't express how much I love the content you put out. It's so refreshing to consume the content of an intellectual influencer.

[@suzinelson2977]

I’m 52 and I’ve just finished my BA in Liberal Arts (focusing on Creative Writing and Philosophy), just about to start an MA in Creative Writing at a different uni. I’m glad you mentioned Imposter Syndrome. Definitely feeling that. If you wanted to talk more about that, I’d appreciate it!

[@chance5745]

Congratulations on completing your degree! Well done too!

[@doris_1325]

✋🏻Suggestion for Ruby! Regarding your novel, I think that you should record yourself telling us about everything that is happening as you are writing your novel, so you get to settle your urge to tell us, but don't upload it, save it separate from all other videos, until the time is right. When the time is right, even if it's several years, we can go back in time with you. We will all see your roller coaster of thoughts and emotions while writing your novel, and you can re-live the experience. It can be a leading up to the promotion of the release of the book. Maybe a lucky subscriber can win a copy of it. 😃 Good luck!

[@JadisDeauclaire]

Je vais écrire en français, ce serait plus simple pour utiliser le bon vocabulaire ! Merci de partager avec nous tes abandons, tes "regrets" et autres réflexions que tu peux avoir sur des sujets divers et variés ! J'ai hâte de voir la vie étudiante à Oxford !

[@silkemaria7339]

It's just a couple of days ago that I found your channel (for once: thank you so much algorithm) and since then I spend so much time with your videos, started using notion and fell in love with it and really got excited for learning, academia and education again. So thank you so much, Ruby. And all my heartfelt best wishes for your MA in Oxford. ❤

[@crumblecrumble99]

the passion that ruby has for writing and books >>>

[@psychology4introverts]

thank you Ruby, you are quite the philosopher, and what you said about language makes perfect sense. I’m really glad you won’t stop vlogging, there are so few bookish nerdy academic introverts out there who do such cozy wonderful videos ❤

[@koals6783]

Since I'm one year younger than you and also took 4 years to finish my bachelors and happen to be taking a gap year now, I feel like I can always see a bit of a forecast for my life in your videos. I've been watching your videos ever since the last years of high school, and seeing your experiences on what I'm going to be doing is always comforting among all this change :)

[@jade_960]

I’m starting my post-uni gap year this term (yes I still think of time in school terms even if I’m technically not studying anymore hahaha) with the hopes to be accepted into my masters course next year, and I just love hearing about Ruby’s experience in that exact stage of education/life ; it’s been really encouraging and has inspired me to keep learning even when I’m not “formally” learning, to pursue a postgrad I’m truly passionate about and can put my all into, and generally just to enjoy the little moments in life, as they’re often the most important

[@sotiria_lazaridou]

your passion about education and academia is really inspiring!❤

[@alexhika]

So excited this came out today, I really needed your calm energy and a spoken video is perfect ❤ I am about to start watching, in the meantime I wish you all the best for your upcoming year 🥰

[@haidian1322]

I am so so SO happy for you, Ruby ❤ I hope your masters will turn out to be everything you expect it to. And I am very glad to hear that you will continue to vlog there 😊 I am starting a PhD in a new uni (and country) also on the first week of October, and watching your videos help me to feel a lot more excited about it. 😊

[@caitlynthompson1047]

Congrats! You and I took the same gap year (but I’m going onto my DVM) you were a big inspiration during my undergrad so I’m so glad you will be putting out more study/school content!

[@fd3135]

Your planner has helped me so much already, and I've only just started using it! I absolutely adore it, it has everything I need for school!💌

[@curious_416]

Dark academia is absolutely helpful as a shorthand for various aesthetics, adding old content into your modern routine, and giving a lane for the commercial/access aspects. But it is troubling watching people try to adopt it as an identity without it coming out of their actual interests-such as people who don’t like reading asking which books they have to read to fit, or pretending to be a reader and academic when you’ve interest in neither.

[@RubyGranger8]

This is exactly it!

[@musicalotus]

happy autumn!! i can't wait for autumnal oxford content 🍂🍁

[@jamie.graywolf]

I was so excited to see that you got into Oxford. I discovered a couple of weeks ago that the college I'm transferring to has a summer at Oxford program. I'm working so hard to work towards that and hopefully make it in. I definitely agree with you on internet aesthetics. Although, I do find myself trying to fit into the box rather than create things of my own from the aesthetic sometimes. It's always a good reminder to check if I'm doing something aesthetic for myself or for others. My college has a whole course on the branch of philosophy that surrounds aesthetics that I'd love to take as it really interests me.

[@LemsLife]

So excited about anything you are writing, be sure we all are and can't wait for you to publish anything ♥

[@darlinggg7340]

Ruby I want to say how much I adore your style of videos, they always feel like I am on FaceTime with an old friend and it is lovely and comforting and gently inspiring. What I am trying to say is thank you for sharing yourself, your journey and your passion with us.

[@RubyGranger8]

Oh gosh, what a lovely message! Thank you so much 🥺x

[@thelaurels13]

Love this. 6:05 you mentioned imposter syndrome. Whenever I get imposter syndrome I always remember a quote I read online, “imposters don’t get imposter syndrome” and that usually snaps me out of it, or at least helps a little. 😊

[@RubyGranger8]

Oh I really like that! Thank you for sharing!

[@shanj-dc8rs]

Hey u probs won't see this but just wanted to say I discovered your channel this month and I've been loving it! I've been having a lot of trouble with getting into reading again and just generally doing things like eating healthy, romanticising life and your vids have inspired me so much. Also, I love your general bookish fashion style lol :) hope you have a good day

[@mavensjournal.]

Q&A video!!! YAY!! So excited to watch this, Ruby! 🤭🫶

[@minetekin5993]

Ruby your channel is one of the most comforting places for me. Though our lives, life plans and such are different, you honestly encourage me to work harder for myself in any field. Thank you for sharing your life with us💖

[@AuroraButterflyx]

Lovely video Ruby, just recently decided to withdrawal from doing Master year of my course and feel so much at ease. Good luck for your Master, looks like you will absolutely love it.

[@vixikie]

It is so cool that you are going to study your masters at Oxford the same time as Emma Watson will be there at Oxford and study her masters as well! If you are lucky, you might even see her.

[@Claudia_K.]

I was just going to say that! Emma is reading Creative Writing, they even might end up taking the same lectures.

[@spidermanfan2532]

I love the videos you really inspire to study and you are always relaxing good luck for Oxford 😄

[@tinabones6889]

I’m so impressed with what you have achieved and what your still achieving love you best in the world xxxx

[@matanslife67]

I’m SO excited for you!!! And Best wishes For your journey with the latest book!!

[@alice-elizabeth]

I always wanted to study creative writing at university, and hearing you talk about the books you're writing and hoping to publish makes me wish I'd just gone to uni to do it. I love how much you love writing and books! 💜

[@Emi_72]

It’s never too late. I am doing my Masters at 39 😊

[@micaylabam2428]

This is so exciting to hear. Cannot wait for the Oxford content. 🌻

[@PromisingPod]

Hey Ruby, if you make a planner again, it would be awesome if it had inspirational quotes personally written by you. Maybe some ambient photographs of landscapes or meaningful objects to you. One of my favorite planners used to have quotes on each page, so I really like that concept.

[@user-iq1dt8nz3k]

Hey Ruby :) This video was very comforting to me. I am falling in love with someome at the moment and started a new job. Everything is very loud and chaotic and new. Your way of being reminded me to hold space for the academic, introverted, slow-living and nerdy parts of me :) Thank you and I wisj you the best for your time at Oxford

[@felinetherapy4782]

Love your jumper! Can't wait to see some Oxford content, but focus on yourself and please don't burn yourself out!

[@lc969]

I’m not at uni or studying anymore but just wanted to say that I love your content and appreciate the effort you put into it :)

[@Lauriepotter179]

I just saw that video and like I didn't finish the video yet but I know that every video you make is a masterpiece ❤

[@kathrinsorgenfrei4893]

Hi Ruby, I'm originally from Germany but have been living in the UK for the past 5 years (I am now in Manchester!). I'm starting a remote BSc degree in Computer Science this fall and am using your academic planner! I'm 29 years old and working full-time as a linguist while studying and it feels kind of daunting but watching your videos really encourages me. I love your enthusiasm for literature and learning. I studied English at uni in Germany when I was younger but never finished the degree. I'm now doing CS but I still love English Literature and hope that one day I'll be able to finish that degree or maybe study a Masters. Oxford is definitely on my bucket list as a travel destination (as lately I've been trying to explore more of the UK!), it looks absolutely lovely, I hope you'll enjoy your time there!

[@lesliegraham8478]

I can't wait for the Saturdays to start. Very much enjoyed this video. Thanks❤

[@veranikakv]

You are so positive and calm, after watching your videos I feel like I've chatted with a close friend

[@SahilTanna]

Super excited for you and OXFORD!! That clip you showed literally looks like Hogwarts Castle :) It's crazy I am now a senior in college undergrad and I have been watching you for years!

[@ivymay6178]

I really enjoyed this video. It felt like I was a child watching a q&a from my favourite author... I don't know why my mind went to this, but it was a very cosy feeling!!!

[@asmaaziz9677]

Hello Ruby! Hope you have been well. Excited to watch the video! ^^

[@matildaknowles4763]

I loved this video. I really felt like we were old friends catching up or something, it was just really nice

[@GretaC]

I still have one year of undergrad to go but I can't wait for my master, which is quite similar to yours! The literal translation would be "historical sciences" and at the end of it I would become a curator for archives, museums etc. I am studying languages now, but I don't have the patience to practice every day which a language requires, however I absorb anything historical with so much joy that I am bummed that I didn't also get my undergrad in history. But at least I can do my masters in it!

[@hamzaguerbas5283]

I am 27 years and Tomorrow I will be flying to the Uk 🇬🇧 to study my masters in Robert Gordon university in Aberdeen! I also took a gap year last year ! I think gap year is a great thing and I didn’t regret at all that decision.

[@cass1523]

I did an internship in Aberdeen recently. Loved it. Should definitely go to Stonehaven and walk alongs the cost past the dunnotar castle is beautiful

[@hamzaguerbas5283]

@@cass1523 this is my first time abroad and you saying these things give me courage thanks 🙏

[@deelirious]

@@hamzaguerbas5283everything is going to be alkright❤

[@lillischneider6667]

i lived in aberdeen for a year and loved it :) be sure visit cruden bay! and definitely check out foodstory :D

[@hamzaguerbas5283]

@@lillischneider6667 thanks 🙏

[@JohnBarratt2750]

Thankyou for your video today, Ruby. I certainly look forward to following you at Oxford. Wishing you every success.

[@RubyGranger8]

Thank you so much! That’s so lovely of you x

[@critter18]

I didn't know you were wanting to learn Latin! I'm in high school & homeschooled, learning Latin at an online school that teaches ancient languages. Anyway, it's not often you find someone who WANTS to learn Latin. I wish you luck in your endeavor! I've learned best by just reading it, starting really simple and building up. I'm so excited for you that you got into Oxford! ❤

[@HFTLH]

I've been meaning to check out your website, so I'm doing that now! Love the sweater and tea mug!

[@halloween42]

i CANNOT wait for your oxford vlogs

[@jonahjones89]

I find your enthusiasm to study, is inspiring, keep up the good work

[@user-sw2du1og9b]

I completely agree with you regarding internet aesthetics! I would add that people might be tempted to spend more time making their life look like one aesthetic, rather than living their life? For example, a student might lost themselve in making their room or their notes look similar to an aesthetic instead of spending this time learning, stydying, exploring life. It's important to find a balance, and balance isn't something that internet promotes those days.

[@amirkhan-tl5lp]

Ruby, for latin, I really reccomend familia romana. It won’t be as effective for grammar as a textbook, but it will build reading fluency. I read it alongside my first year latin course at uni, and it really helped.

[@RubyGranger8]

Thank you!

[@JessicaSalenaOrtiz]

✨So nice to have Oxford to look forward to Ruby. I think you should just upload once a week on the weekends and film a little here and there throughout the week. That way, you are able to focus on the academics during the school week. Cheers✨

[@jodieturnerx]

Aw that gift from Blakeney was so thoughtful! Also don't put pressure on yourself to upload too much 💌x

[@RubyGranger8]

Isn’t it! She’s so lovely! And thank you Jodie ❤

[@RJE95]

Talking about parks to explore this autumn, I'd really recommend that you visit the Harcourt Arboretum. It's a little awkward to get to but it was so pretty last time I went in autumn. Don't forget to take your student ID too as it's free for Oxford students!

[@MKTudor]

Thank you, Ruby! You are very inspiring!

[@123canadagirl]

Excited for you and your studies at Oxford!

[@thatonegirl375]

Love watching your videos! I’m starting an MA in Creative Writing as well and I am nervous and excited, too! (Much more excited!)

[@RubyGranger8]

Ah that’s so incredibly exciting! Good luck! X

[@happy_reads]

I can’t wait for the Oxford’s videos 📚❤

[@r21167]

Please prioritise yourself and your wellbeing over any upload schedule! And best of luck with everything in the upcoming academic year!!

[@Emma-mg4xk]

I'm soooo happy for you ❤ Wish you luck and success along the way 😊 Love you and your beautiful aesthetic channel

[@RubyGranger8]

Thank you Emma xx

[@natalyrmrz]

Can't wait to know more about your book ❤

[@_zay__326]

I don't know why but i feel so peaceful watching your videos , it's like a cozy place for me or an escape from my overthinking 😢❤

[@RubyGranger8]

I'm so pleased to hear that - and I really hope you're okay x

[@_zay__326]

@@RubyGranger8 oh my god you replied to me !!! 🫶🏻💕 I love you ruby so much ❤️ you are really inspiring me to develop myself and to be better 😔✨❣️ wish you all the best and I hope you're doing well 🙏🏻💗

[@chance5745]

All the best with your Masters and writing, Ruby. You seen to be adept at balancing a lot of things - perhaps because you plan and know the value of self-care. I am about to start my second year in person-centred counselling at University of Suffolk. Am excited and apprehensive... not looking forward to the deadlines and presentations (my retention and recall are not great). Anyway, here's to productivity! Kind regards, Craig.

[@emmaalexwatson]

I loved you view on internet aesthetics. I am a person with multitudes. I like a lot of aesthetics and I really hate putting myself in one box. I would rather have the aesthetics defined by me than me defined by aesthetics if it makes sense.

[@laracastagnetti3183]

Can't wait to see your videos in Oxford❤❤❤

[@Keeperofthelostedits]

The way you talk about going back to “Academia” makes it sound like the name of a magical, enchanted kingdom, I love that!

[@xxabsxx31]

Haha you’re sat in a jumper whilst I’m sat melting in a T-shirt and shorts. What a difference a couple of days make with uk weather 😂❤❤

[@ruebennomura9143]

Love your gap year question and answer too

[@irenegentilini5607]

Sad that you won't be uploading twice a week anymore but that's totally understandable. Good luck on your new course, you'll be great 😊 Can't wait to see Oxford/master's contents

[@Melissa23495]

I love your videos, you are a very sincere person!🌷💌

[@katscozycorner]

@2:05 I think with a Master’s the courses are so specialised it’s okay to apply just to one course or uni. In the same way I only applied to one as well (one was all that was needed). 😊 Good luck with your Masters and I hope it’s everything you dreamed it to be!

[@RedVelvetLines]

Ruby, I love the pumpkin blanket on your bed!!

[@Imsaved777]

Merry Christmas 🎁 Ruby!

[@milkawickramasinghe164]

Hi Ruby! Love your videos. And i felt so happy when you mentioned the name of my country, Sri Lanka! I didn't expect it😮. Like your vedios so much! ❤

[@angelina011]

Hey Ruby I have a video suggestion. Can you make a video about all the voluntary work and extracurricular activities or the clubs and organizations that we can start for university? That would be very helpful❤

[@skinni_the_P00hBear]

Taking off for a year, renting a cottage and doing nothing but reading....I have that same Thoreau-esque fantasy lol. I graduate in December, and while I wanted to take a year off and unwind, I've already started getting my paperwork ready for grad school. I'll have a month off for Winter Break if I'm accepted, so I will make the most of that time (mostly sleep, reading and writing lol)

[@candegonzalez2753]

I absolutely love Q&A videos

[@barbarasgorbati7738]

Looking forward to your Oxford content. 🤞on your book(s).

[@twilight7457]

Hi, Ruby. Could you tell us more about the chores you do? I mean do you do any grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning ? or everything is well taking care of by the college, and you just need to focus on your study and socializing?

[@Elizabeth-vz9ei]

13:01 this is so profound, I needed to hear this!

[@anannya_mukherjee]

Really appreciate you ruby, thank you for all the information. But could you make a seperate video on how to publish books, for new writers? ❤

[@claradoree4113]

Ruby tu es une femme incroyable et magique Dans ma liste de rêve il y a celui de te rencontrer un jour si tu viens en France 🥰 Merci de nous partager ta vie merveilleuse

[@sid8483]

U are so beautiful as a human thanks for existing Ruby😊

[@isabeldeberrie8687]

Most Oxford libraries won't allow you to have tea in the actual book area, which is disappointing, though understandable with many valuable books around! But some of them have a cafe or tea room. There are also some nice cafes such as Common Ground which has co-working space.

[@PlanetImo]

What an enjoyable QnA. X

[@lullabydisney89]

Funny you mention the flask of tea!! We weren't allowed to bring drinks into my college library, but I once snuck in a little flask whilst studying.... it didn't go well, I ended up spilling coffee all over the table! Had to frantically mop it up before the librarian discovered :D

[@amyybee]

I'm a Phd student researching Mary Oliver's poetry, and I absolutely love your videos - they're so cosy and motivating! I was just wondering, do you plan on doing a PhD yourself? Wishing you all the best for your MA, can't wait to see your uni videos to come. 😊

[@RubyGranger8]

Hi Amy! First of all - Mary Oliver! Oh my word, she’s amazing! Which of her poems are your favourites because I’ll read them :) And I would love to but I’m not sure yet so I’m going to decide this year! X

[@amyybee]

@@RubyGranger8 isn't she just! I recently watched your Massachusetts vlogs and got excited because I plan on going next year to visit Provincetown where Oliver lived. :) Some of my favourite poems by her are 'One or Two Things', 'When I am Among the Trees', and 'Wild Geese' - I also recommend her book length poem 'The Leaf and the Cloud' - she writes so beautifully. :) x

[@ericapetre1422]

I love The Journey.

[@sarinat1546]

Interesting Q&A, You mentioned that you had to hand in a personal statement with your field of interest. Since I don't know much about the time period that your course covers I would love to know why you are interested in that period? Have a nice day xx

[@majj2370]

Loved this video! BTW, if you're going to sell more in print books, could you add a feature on your website where you can be notifiyed when the next drop is? Really want to buy one, but I always check too late!

[@franciseylim11]

Nobodies ask her or she didn’t pick the Q…about her current part time teacher, does she enjoyed, might became teacher or lecturer in future? How’s the experience, what grade of students did she teach, activities etc…xx

[@Mintipard]

Hi Ruby, I had the misfortune of studying Latin in high school. 😅 it wasn't my favorite subject. In Italy in certain high schools it is one of the main subjects of study. Anyway I can advise you to buy a Latin dictionary. I don't know if they exist in English but I think so. I remember that we took it to school for each test (usually the translation of a part of a Latin or Greek work was required). it was absolutely necessary as the "root" of the words were sought as the endings change.

[@kflecha1]

Rubi is such an inspiration!! I'm happy for her that she is happy in Oxford now 🤗💓

[@farthing751]

Hey ruby I know that you're probably busy with school already but when you have time can you do a mug (if that's what you brits call them lol) show and tell- they all seem so cool and interesting

[@carertosocialworker]

Hi Ruby, not so much a studying question but would you ever consider taking a trip to west Sussex where the weald and Downland open air museum is? I feel this place you would love xx

[@gerdurevawiium6332]

I can’t wait to watch this video!:) But first I have to study😅

[@mistycottage98]

The one thing I wish I did before starting my bachelor’s degree was to take a year off. I went from graduating with my associate’s right into my bachelor’s. A gap year would have been great for me.

[@jasoncromwell4206]

You never know the limitations of the English Language until you start writing Love texts, several times a day, over a couple of years. Classification is a hard thing to discuss especially since it's a marketing tool. As a writer I feel free to add as many genres as I want when I am writing a story. I leave it up to the publisher to put it where it needs to go and for the reader to read the blurb on the back to figure out the genres. That is when my first book gets published. Best of luck with your Masters Ruby. Can't wait to follow you on your journey.

[@ioanagrancea6091]

It would be a good idea for us to insert such quotes manually. And then send Ruby photos with our work, showing how much we reallg listen to her :)

[@jasoncromwell4206]

@@ioanagrancea6091 I don't know if she has Twitter or not? I deleted mine long before I started following her. I'm in the midst of deactivating my last Social Media account atm so I have to leave my well wishes here. Everyone can always use a nice comment on a place like KZbin!!!!!