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Antonio's First Year at Oxford

Posted 20th July 2023
by Antonio

As my first year at the University of Oxford has now officially ended, I thought I’d summarise what my experience has been like. Currently, I'm in Indonesia, teaching English to a class of 22 amazing 9-year-old children as part of an internship. I'm truly enjoying my time here and developing a deep passion for providing quality education to these children. My bond with the class has grown strong, and I'm touched by their eagerness to learn and their courage in taking on challenging tasks.

I hope you enjoy reading though, but overall, there are three main things I’d like everyone to remember when it comes to university:
- Everyone experiences university in a different way, so try not to compare your daily life with others. Just try everything out, try to enjoy it and keep being your authentic self.
- Things might not always work out, and this is perfectly fine too! Being at university is also about growing and becoming stronger adults.
- When it comes to finances, do try to save some of your budget in the case of emergencies! You never know when you might need some extra funds.
In the beginning, moving out of my home and into college seemed daunting, but it turned out to be smoother than I expected. Financial worries were less of a burden thanks to JVenn, which helped me find peace of mind. On the day I arrived, I immediately formed friendships that lasted throughout the year. Contrary to the stereotype of "stuck-up" Oxford students, everyone I met was incredibly friendly. I even connected with older students who mentored and supported me academically and emotionally (I encourage everyone to do the same and be less afraid of students in the years above). Although adjusting to the new rhythm, study styles, and teaching methods was initially challenging, my tutors provided great support. The first term was full of new experiences, from traditional ceremonies like matriculation to formal dinners, and discovering more about myself.
Interestingly, the second term was the most challenging for me. The academic workload increased significantly, with multiple essays and complex readings. Socially, the second term tends to be more isolating due to the colder weather, which keeps people indoors. Unfortunately, during this time, I also faced a few unexpected changes, adding to the difficulties. However, my tutors provided incredible support, encouraging me to take breaks and offering assistance during the process. As you can tell, it was a term of adjustments, patience, and personal growth, but I'm grateful for the supportive environment I had with friends and tutors.
Fortunately, my most recent term was overall a positive experience. Although there were ups and downs, I was more mentally prepared. The highlights included making new close friends even so far into the academic year, achieving a "first-class" distinction, taking on leadership roles in college and societies (including BAME Rep and a Senior position in the ACS), enjoying the beautiful weather, and attending networking events. Most importantly, I was granted an opportunity to intern abroad as an English teacher in Indonesia, which I'm currently doing! On the downside, I faced some health issues at a critical time, which prevented me from completing my end-of-year exams. Being in the hospital was a challenging experience, as I had to make important decisions by myself as a young adult. Furthermore, this meant that I had to readjust many of my plans and consider longer accommodation and postponing my moveout date and exams. However, with support, I recovered steadily, received accommodation, and postponed my internship to fly to Indonesia a week later.
Throughout the year, I actively participated in the ACS, which has become like a second family to me. I've been able to help younger students who were in the same position I was when considering and applying to Oxford. I also got involved in sports and the diplomatic society, expanding my knowledge of international careers.
The support from the JVenn was instrumental not only during the initial moving-in stage but also when constantly moving from home to Oxford each term. It goes without saying that it has been pivotal following the rise of the living costs. Furthermore, it enabled me to participate in societies and their events, as they often involved joining fees and additional costs. Most recently, it helped cover the unexpected expenses of staying longer in Oxford, medical bills, and visits to doctors and hospitals. For this, I will be forever grateful, beyond words.
Now, I'm really excited about making a positive difference in the lives of my students here in Indonesia. The upcoming academic year brings opportunities to explore new languages and have more control over our module choices compared to last year. Each academic year holds so many surprises, and I can’t wait to discover next year’s ones fully!

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