Freshers Week is OVER!

Dear all,

Today is Sunday and officially the start of 1st week at Oxford. The week we've just finished is called "noughth" week (very difficult to pronounce) or more endearingly known as freshers week. The week has been filled with pub crawls and library inductions and I can say without a doubt that I am completely exhausted and excited to start this term at Oxford.

I've met with both of my tutors and received my assignments for this first week. I've been sufficiently kicked in the butt by the amount of reading I have to do and am trying to make a substantial dent in it. I'll be comparing and contrasting C.S Lewis' "The Pilgrim's Regress" and "Surprised by Joy" for my first paper. I've just finished SBJ and am very intrigued by Lewis' writing. The sections of his book on Oxford are some of his most beautiful and they enforce this sense of surreality that I'm experiencing right now. Studying C.S Lewis in Oxford, what could be better? The second paper is for my Christian Ethics tutorial. The paper topic is, "Is the Bible the ultimate norm for determining whether an action is ethically Christian?" An intriguing question to say the least. I look forward to answering it soon.

It has been incredibly scary to hear the academic expectations of Oxford verbalized. The amount of independent work here is nothing like the University system in the US and it requires an extensive amount of self-motivation (something which I often lack at Wellesley...) I'm getting used to it though, forcing myself to wake up early and go to the Bodelian Library or the Theology faculty Library (my two favorites so far, although there are over 200 Libraries here to explore!). Anyway, we'll see how these first two papers develop and go from there.

Mansfield, the college where I am studying is one of the most unique in Oxford. It is a relatively new and small school, (only 150 years old, an infant in Oxford standards) and it was established as a place of training for nonconformist pastors. Thus, the layout of the campus is very open, no walls or gates like other schools in the University. The people here are friendly and welcoming, always ready to have a good time or talk about Kant or Miro, a really fascinating dynamic.

Speaking of having a good time, there is no shortage of fun in this city. I've never seen people drink like the people here. Going to a pub is like brushing your teeth, you do it religiously everyday. My budget and stomach are still getting used to this activity, but I can say that I'm trying to fully embrace it :) I've audtitioned for two acapella groups this week and will be hearing from them soon. I've also decided to learn how to play golf! Watch out Dad, I'll be tearing up the course in no time (I may have to get over my lack of hand eye coordination first...) There are also lots of fun formal dinners where everyone wears their academic robes and eats delicious food and drinks delicious wine, a noble tradition. There's so much to do here, I'm trying to fit as much in as possible.

SO, things are going well here. I'm trying to dive headfirst into the Oxford culture, studying, meeting new people, and exploring the city. This is a truly amazing place and I feel so lucky to be here, I still can't believe it. I miss you all so much and can't wait to talk to you again soon. Check out some pictures of Mansfield and the city above (Mansfield is on the right).

-S