Was Oxford University worth it?

This is an honest review of my Oxford University experience as a law student at St. Catz College. I will discuss whether or not Oxford University was worth it as an undergraduate and which pitfalls I personally experienced during my time there studying for a law degree.
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[@katjafeldmeier]

Do you have any questions?

[@iangame7234]

Can I just mention that the UK has a very strong class structure. I would bet that the majority of your cohorts were from what we call ‘public schools’ but are as you say from monied backgrounds. Even Brits coming from state schools have a hard time fitting in. However it was a major achievement to get into Oxford. Fascinating videos you are producing. Good work.

[@katjafeldmeier]

Thank you so much for your kind words. Yes, I definitely met a few Brits who had a similarly hard time fitting in.

[@sarahlewin7671]

Except 70-75% Oxbridge students are from state schools…

[@davidc4408]

State and public is not always a thing. Many state school kids are wealthier than public school kids. My dad ran his own electrical engineering company probably with a networth of $20 million. The state school had a great sixthform and was close. Many public school kids can be from poor backgrounds on scholarship or just middle class with average income.

[@gdok6088]

@Ayat78 Who are you? A dictator it would seem. Don't you think people should be free to spend their money on what they choose?

[@gdok6088]

@Ayat78 I did not go to a private school and I studied medicine at a Russell Group university (London - UCL) and went on to have a very enjoyable and successful medical career. I never felt overawed by people who had been to private schools at all - I refuse to be cowed in any such way. I simply believe in freedom of choice. My 'benefit' has not been threatened, because I never had it!! I think you need to think it through again (credit to Charles Dickens!) and ask yourself if you suffer from jealousy, envy, an inferiority complex or have some other chip on your shoulder. Liberate yourself, believe in yourself, work hard with drive, focus and determination and you should never feel inferior to anyone - ever. I don't. I am not overawed by professors, rich people, posh people, kings, queens (I meet the late queen and spoke to her) or anyone. Equally I don't feel superior to anyone either. I believe that 99% of human beings are highly intelligent creatures - that does impress me - and I can put my hand on my heart and say that I treat patients from every part of the social spectrum with the same respect and give them exactly the same care, to the very best of my ability and standing on the shoulders of the giants who established modern medicine and the fine professors and tutors I was fortunate to learn from at medical school and during my post-graduate work and studies.

[@jarrodsio]

Hello from Cambridge! I agree with so many of your points. 1. Like you, I noticed how my friends would make a sport out of identifying accents. For reasons I still cannot fathom, the Birmingham accent received the brunt of the jokes. This is an extension of the very palpable class consciousness, of course. 2. I've friends whose family had attended both Oxford and Cambridge for generations. So, being at Cams was an entirely banal affair for them. 3. I mingled with a good cross section of students, staff and faculty member; so I didn't just hang out with public school graduates as I suspect you did. I'm sorry that you felt alienated, but the posh folks I hung with were actually self-effacing and quite nice. Perhaps it's noblesse oblige, I don't know. 4. Perhaps the postgraduate experience differs from that of an undergrad's. I had a great time overall. 5. I went up to Cams as a working adult, so I did have some money for social events like formals and May Balls. I do get your point about the costs of socialising. My experience would've been limited as well if I'd gone to Oxbridge right out of secondary school, like you did. 6. People regularly sneaked into Cambridge Union debates. No membership required, actually. haha. Good vid!

[@katjafeldmeier]

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences. Indeed, after the fact there were many times when I thought it would have been a much different experience if I had gone as an MA or postgrad student. I hung out with the older students a lot towards the end of my degree which was a breeze because they were interventional and more mature 😂

[@jarrodsio]

@@katjafeldmeier Do apply to (hopefully Cambridge) for a masters or PhD hehe.

[@themask6301]

Hallo Katja. Thank you for making this video, very concise and straight to the point (you may not have followed a law career but you’re certainly making good use of the speaking skills that u gained, as this video shows, haha). I think making videos like these are important, bc it’s so easy for impressionable teenagers to fall into the trap of "dreaming to go to Oxbridge," which was my case. Oxbridge, to me, was the quintessential learning environment: old architecture, small town vibe, vintage Harry Potter dining halls with candle-lit libraries and cafes. Now, after watching multiple videos on the Oxbridge experience, I now know it was not for me. The biggest struggle for me would definitely have been the insane amount of workload in such a short amount of time. I attend one of the best universities in Canada and even here the workload is insane. Now, if I find stressful here, I can only imagine it would have been so much more stressful for me at Oxbridge, to the point that it would severely have impacted my mental health. So, yeah, Oxbridge, not for me. Also, the breadth approach to education suits me more than the depth approach in England. So, I guess it worked out well for me in the end. However, even if I know that Oxbridge is not for me, there’s still a niggling voice in the back of my head that wished that attended Oxbridge somehow. I still love the idea of walking past ancient buildings and passing through where its many famous alumni have passed through and made so many discoveries and changes throughout the course of history. I would love see more videos on Oxford, if you’d like, on what was the dining experience or what was it like of joining a club, your daily routine, essentially. I would also love to see more videos on photography.

[@katjafeldmeier]

Hey, thank you for commenting. Maybe you could consider doing a masters there instead of your undergrad. The course is much shorter, it’s usually much more international and you will have specified your area so you will want to go deeper.

[@alexchen1707]

Same here. Culture shock of extreme competitiveness, class bubble which I cannot fit into, high workloads, financial problems, personal struggles. I guess they exist in every prestigious universities. Thank you for sharing your story. I feel you and I feel seen.

[@katjafeldmeier]

@@alexchen1707 thank you for sharing that. yeah, we are not alone

[@user-ro7ht1hw2z]

thank you so much for sharing your experience. first year here who's just survived their first term at oxford. so much of what you talked about resonates. thank you for articulating it so well and authentically. could i ask if you ever found any techniques for the reading? it's so true that reading lists are crazy. i wouldnt mind, but what pains me is that tutors tend to expect students to be able to navigate both the difficulty and quantity of this reading without it being too much of a challenge. and i hate to say it, but im convinced that people from better (/private) schools are far better equipped to manage that. you can definitely see that kids who have had more opportunities, more resources, more support in a private education are generally better trained for the workload/environment/culture of oxford than state school kids. it's incredibly frustrating- i admit i feel the class difference more indirectly as a difference in academic experience. private school folk just seem to have a kind of confidence about them as a result from that experience. not to say of course there aren't things like study skill workshops and of course, the 'well, you got in' argument to try bridge the gap and encourage those feeling uncertain and alienated being in such an incredibly different environment to which those from private schools seem to be so effortlessly at ease in- but man, there's a gap alright. [not to demonize/victimize parties on either side of it, but just to affirm that the classist gap is in fact there- in my experience at least]. also, SO much respect for you moving to another country at 18, going through that whole process by yourself, dealing with all the difficulties you faced... incredibly inspiring. thank you again for sharing 🙏

[@katjafeldmeier]

Thank you so much for commenting and sharing your own perspective on this as somebody who is going through that right now. I think looking back at the reading list issue, I believe what could have helped me, would have been to be way less perfectionistic about individual readings and reading the texts faster instead. I was trying to read and simultaneously take a lot of notes. So maybe read the texts faster and highlight some stuff, and then take notes afterwards, preferably from your memory. I would also start doing exam practice questions (past papers) as early as possible, because they are the real thing you are trying to tackle in the end. I was so afraid of exams that I was obsessing over the content I had to learn instead of using the past papers a a guide to show which parts of the content is crucial. And the biggest advice I have, is to try to not get so wrapped up in the stress and pressure of achievement if you can. I so so wish I hadn’t! Because Oxford is also a magical and beautiful place…the old buildings, the gardens, the history, the events and societies. Try to give yourself time and space to really take those parts in as well. Those 3 or 4 years can go by so quickly because of how short the terms are. and Oxford can be about so much more than essay marks and exams. I wish I had given myself more room to explore some societies and make connections there, go on long walks through the stunning parks, go to formals at other collages and see their halls and grounds, go to see the choirs at evening mass, have a cozy reading day at the Bod …you know…romanticize your life a bit as the cool kids say today :) I hope that’s a bit helpful and I really hope you can still have a good time there. Sending hugs 🫂

[@p-nh4hn]

Sorry, but I need to clarify something because we were at Oxford at the same time. I was also a foreigner on a student visa and the amount of work allowed is dictated by the Home Office for all student visas, NOT the uni. Student Visas then (and I believe still) allowed up to 20 hours for work. Nor was the type of work restricted. I worked as both a tutor in my department and as a research assistant. That you found you did not have enough time to work is a personal restriction. But Oxford University placed no restrictions on work beyond those associated with the Visa. Also, beyond the short trimester terms of Oxbridge, much of what you identify as challenging would be the same in any university (long reading lists, written assignments, individual responsibility, cliques, etc). I think what may happen to many overachievers who are admitted to Oxbridge is the pressure we can place on ourselves to live up to our expectations of what (we think) the quality of work here SHOULD Be. But again this would be a personal expectation ...So, I question how much of your experience can really be attributed specifically to Oxford?

[@katjafeldmeier]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I’m not sure we are talking about the same thing. I was an undergrad and also not there on a visa because it was still under the EU regulations then and Europeans did not need a visa. As an undergrad there was no possibility to tutor or be a research assistant as far as I know. I did work in the dining hall of my college though as a sever for a couple of hours per week. It was strongly discouraged to have a job outside of uni like a lot of students at other unis would have. I think you are right about the pressure overachievers put on themselves. I do have friends from other colleges who were really really pressured by their tutors and departments to get a 1st class degree. I’m just sharing my experience here. Which is one among many obviously… but maybe a perspective that is not commonly talked about…I find.

[@TheImpartialCorrespondent]

Very good video! I'm a student in the United States at Western Illinois University, I've had professors tell me I should go to Oxford for my PH.D., but I'm not too sure if it's the right fit for me. I appreciate the transparency you bring with regards to the realities of Oxford.

[@katjafeldmeier]

Thank you. Glad to share. It’s definitely a different experience as a PH.D. I believe. So do try and talk to some people who have done a PhD there. People will be a older / more mature in that program and it’s way more international than the BA program. Also you probably have way less set work or exams and can focus on your own thesis. If you are considering a Phd it already sounds to me like you are way more academic than I ever was. :) which field are you studying in?

[@TheImpartialCorrespondent]

@@katjafeldmeier I'm currently studying within the field of Political Science and History, very interesting majors

[@corner559]

If you had attended as a postgrad your experience would have been MUCH different. Your cohort would have likely been much more international and in a different stage of life than undergrads. Sorry your experience wasn't a good one. But if you decide to go back to Oxbridge for a postgrad course, I think you'll come back with a more positive outlook on it.

[@gabrielasofia4816]

thank you for sharing your experience! Many of us have difficult experiences when trying to ahchieve our dreams.

[@lpm6439]

Very valid points people don't always think about.

[@nicole_holding]

Some of these issues are not unique to Oxford. The costs involved would be the same at any uni if you lived in; long reading lists are like that for most unis-usually students are told to read what you can and the rest on the list are provided to students who have a particular interest in the topic or for future reference-you need to learn to gut or skim read articles/chapters. Classism is a big thing in England; we don't have that problem in Australia

[@katjafeldmeier]

You are right, that some of the issues are similar at other unis. Though cost of living is an important factor and Oxford is a particularly expensive city with limited housing options. I later did my MA in a different feeld and at a Uni in Berlin and the amount of work was drastically different. Oxford and Cambridge are also unique in the way that they prohibit students from working in jobs alongside their degree. Just some factors that are good to be aware of. I wasn’t at the age of 18 when I applied there.

[@nicole_holding]

Sydney, Australia is the most expensive city to live in (in the world) and Melbourne where I am from is not far behind. The cost of a rental here (if you can get one) is about $550 per week. Student accommodation $30,000 per year at for example Ormond College at Melbourne University where I stayed. Not sure why you could not work as I have a friend going to Oxford doing maths/statistics and she works 20 hours a week doing tutoring. Was it because you were an international student? In Australia international students can only work 10 hours a week. Cost of living in Australia is huge. A box of muesli bars (5 in a pack) is $7.50. I do appreciate what you are saying but I don't think Oxford and Cambridge are that unique. I do understand how it may have been difficult culturally and with the language. If you came to Australia I think you would have a lot of trouble in terms of language. Aussies use a lot of slang and phrases. My PhD supervisor who emigrated to Australia from the US has been here 10 years and still has trouble understanding me sometimes although she is a lot better. Good luck with everything. This is not meant as a criticism and your points are valid but just not that unique to Oxford and Cambridge.@@katjafeldmeier

[@katjafeldmeier]

Thank you for sharing. I was an undergrad and that was the rule at time that you could not have a job. Might be different now or different for MA / Phd students.

[@europhile2658]

Good video! I moved to the US for a few years so I appreciate your comments about context. Did you do your year in German Law ? that must have been easier.

[@katjafeldmeier]

Thank you so much! Yeah the year in Germany was definitely more chill, also because it was an Erasmus year and we didn’t have to take as many credits.

[@GeologyDude]

Oxford is highly regarded, but obviously it may not be the best academic/cultural fit for everyone. I had a similar experience. If bad experiences occur--no matter where it is, if you decide to leave, you can do it with your head held high. It's probably not worth it to study for years in a unhealthy place/atmosphere. .

[@katjafeldmeier]

True. It was hard at 19/20 years to know that

[@strabbie9548]

I guess the grass is always greener on the other side! Having been to a "low ranked" university, there are definitely cons with underfunding, group projects with people who don't care at all, and a degree where not much is expected of you to pass. Perhaps it's because you didn't end up wanting to get into law, but being taught by the leading professionals of a field is something not to take for granted. I would've loved to have that experience in my undergrad, were it not for the costs being too high.

[@strabbie9548]

I didn't mean to dismiss your experience btw!! I totally understand that the same thing may be different for different people. I just wanted to share the other side of the coin :-)

[@katjafeldmeier]

Thank you for sharing! I don’t think I took it for granted. Because it was such a special opportunity it was pretty impossible to deal with theses conflicting feelings or even allow myself to not finish. The cost was also much lower in 2008, I believe a third of what it is nowadays.

[@byuzandajaryan2809]

thank you Katja, very informative and interesting

[@Paul_Levine_Library]

Can I hug you? You are wonderful!😘

[@zongdufu238]

Think twice before you apply to St Catherine’s at Oxford if you are (East & Southeast) Asian. At least two of the porters at the lodge are highly suspected to be racist. Speaking from the experience of my own and other people’s experiences.

[@imranmohammed279]

Yoo i applied st catz at cambridge, apparantly this college's porters are a bit racist too

[@sgroadie6367]

Could you give an idea on the total cost of a year in Oxford? Fees, books, living, food etc.

[@katjafeldmeier]

That depends on whether you are a UK student, EU or overseas student. For UK students it’s like 9300£ per year in student fees but for overseas students it can be between 30k to 45k per year. For living expenses anywhere between 1300£-1800£ per month.

[@-gh5qi]

А какова же была причина того, что вы поехали изучать право в Оксфорд? Ведь что-то же вы написали в заявлении, обосновывая своё желание там учиться, и приёмная комиссия признала эту причину весомой!

[@katjafeldmeier]

I think my reasons were the same as a lot of peoples: the reputation of the uni and the degree. But I was also 17 years old when I applied. What does one know about anything at 17? Did you know what you wanted? I mean, why do people get married and then get divorced? I’m sure everybody gets married with the best intentions and then things don’t work out as expected ;)

[@MIZRAIM1906]

But did you dance Timba at Oxford though? :)

[@katjafeldmeier]

haha, I didn’t. But I danced Chacha, Rumba, Jive etc.

[@MIZRAIM1906]

@@katjafeldmeierAgua!!!!!!!!

[@victoria7105]

Very interesting, thank you 👍👍

[@beenie_travel]

It sounds like you wanted a German university experience. If so, why study abroad ? If someone wishes to study abroad, surely one should be open minded, tolerant and eager to learn about new cultures. If you find this difficult to do, why didn't you seek out other German students in Oxford ? I'm sure you weren't the only one. I speak from experience of being a foreign student in London. I made many friends, just by being tolerant and curious. Btw, Oxford is the 5th and not the 1st most expensive city in the UK. That honour goes to London. However, it's easy to find cheap eating out venues, if you look hard enough - there are the restaurants in the Oxford covered market and food stalls in the open air market.

[@katjafeldmeier]

Well everybody’s experience is different isn’t it? 😉 I’m glad you had a good time in London. As I say in the video, I’m sharing my personal journey and there are many factors to that. What subject did you study and which country did you come from?

[@TCGriswold_ICXC]

Life is hard

[@katjafeldmeier]

haha constructive…

[@yildirimselim]

I'm the 746th subscriber. Thanks...

[@katjafeldmeier]

Thank you! 👍

[@Sunday_Jazz]

Your edits are really harsh. You cut mid sentence?

[@katjafeldmeier]

Yeah, thx, I’ll try to improve it.

[@StephenDowney-x2j]

Sorry but this is a load of self-pitying nonsense. I joined Keble College Oxford as a Jurisprudence/Law student in 1999. I was brought up in one of the most deprived areas of the country and was a boy made good. I was a hardworking and intelligent lad who worked his arse off to get there. I agree that Oxford is an unforbidding place and that the whole environment is hard work but what the fuck did you expect when you got in?! It was never gonna be a playground and as for everyone there being posh, well fuck me, you've just got to Oxford. Of course everybody is posh. Laughable to expect otherwise! Dear me.

[@katjafeldmeier]

This was my personal experience as a student from a different country coming to the UK. Maybe you had a different experience, which doesn’t disqualify mine. Not every country or uni is as classist… As to the question of "what did you expect?" - not sure I knew what to expect as a 17 year old 🤔 And that’s exactly why I’m sharing my experience so that others can make up their own mind hearing diverse opinions. Take care