Eulogizing the English Lifestyle
In the heart of England, nestled among historic spires and cobblestone streets, lies the city of Oxford - a place where the culture of friendship and companionship runs deep. This vibrant university town has offered a welcoming and enriching experience to foreign students, such as Ashwin Prabaharan '26, who recently returned to the United States after an unforgettable sojourn.
Upon his arrival in October 2024, Ashwin found the British to be gracious and friendly, a far cry from his initial expectations of a hardened and blunt population. This discovery was echoed by the locals, who were eager to make new friends and share stories.
Oxford's unique collegiate system played a significant role in fostering close-knit relationships. As a student, Ashwin became part of a smaller college community, where shared academic, cultural, and social activities brought students together. The city's student life was energized by a wide range of clubs, societies, and events, all designed to encourage interaction and bonding among students from diverse backgrounds.
The city's atmosphere further complemented this culture of camaraderie. Oxford, often described as a "living museum" and a "buzzing student hub," offered not just educational richness but also spaces for socializing, such as cafés, theatres, museums, and outdoor activities like punting and sports. Regular social activities, including pub nights, film evenings, and weekend trips, were organized to help students mingle and feel part of a community.
Support systems at the university further enhanced student well-being and a sense of belonging. Dedicated welfare teams, counseling services, and student support officers helped foreign students adjust and cope with academic and personal challenges, creating a welcoming environment where companionship flourished.
Ashwin's time in Oxford was marked by a deep appreciation for the English value of taking time for leisure activities, such as walking in the park or grabbing a drink with friends, as an essential part of daily life. He will miss these moments, along with the friendships he forged, the arts, and even the breakfasts, as he prepares to take the helm of The Spire at Oxford next year.
It is worth noting that Ashwin is currently the Opinions Editor at Oxford University and holds the position of Staff Writer at an unspecified news outlet. His article, an opinion piece written in a personal capacity, does not reflect an official endorsement of the Student Government Association or any other campus entity at Holy Cross.
As Ashwin embarks on a new chapter in the United States, he carries with him memories of a culture that cherishes friendship and companionship, a culture that has left an indelible mark on his heart. The relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom remains friendly, cordial, and appreciative of their ancient bond, and it is this bond that continues to bring students like Ashwin together, bridging cultural divides and fostering a global community.
[1] Oxford University Student Societies: https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/societies-and-clubs [2] Oxford Student Life: https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/life-at-oxford [5] Oxford University Support Services: https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/welfare-and-support
- Ashwin Prabaharan, a student from the United States, found the variety of clubs, societies, and events at Oxford University particularly engaging, fostering a vibrant student lifestyle that brought students from diverse backgrounds together.
- The collegiate system at Oxford University plays a significant role in nurturing close-knit relationships, as students are immersed in shared academic, cultural, and social activities within their smaller college communities.
- Alongside the arts and educational richness, Oxford offers spaces for socializing, such as cafes, theaters, museums, and opportunities for outdoor living like punting and sports, which further complement the university's culture of camaraderie.
- The university's dedication to student well-being and a sense of belonging is evident through its welfare teams, counseling services, and student support officers, all of which facilitate a welcoming environment for foreign students.
- As a resident of Oxford, Ashwin learned to appreciate the English culture of valuing leisure activities, such as leisurely walks in the park or social gatherings, as an essential part of daily life, creating long-lasting lifestyle habits and friendships on the campus and beyond.
