University of Oxford

St. Hugh's College houses graduate students in old Victorian homes around the perimeter of the college grounds. They are large, but many are in great need of significant renovations and repairs. The roommates have not been adjusted in a few years, so people with large rooms are often paying less than people with very small rooms

We went to a pub called 'Thirst' a lot. (Well, when we had time in between our studies, which were very rigorous!) Also a club right across the way. The name, I forget. My apartment was right on High Street. There are lots of great shops along the way, if you're into that. Eat a cookie at 'Ben's Cookies' in the Covered Market -- they are ridiculously good. Go inside Christ Church if you can (it's closed to outside visitors). It's where 'Harry Potter' was filmed. Go to the college bops. I found the name funny at first, but I had a great time each time I went. Oxford is beautiful, but make sure you travel as much as you can. Scotland and Ireland are gorgeous.

We frequented the local pubs almost nightly; in particular, we could be found at the Horse & Jockey pub and the Eagle & Child. Our favorite restaurant was Brown's, and our favorite cafe/sandiwch spot was Taylor's. All of thes were close to campus. The bookstores in Oxford should not be missed-- particularly Blackwell's. We also had the opportunity to study in the Radcliffe Camera at the Bodleian Library, which was an amazing experience. I recommend touring the many colleges within Oxford, and seeing as much of the Bodleian as possible. Overall, Oxford is filled to the brim with terrific spots for both students and tourists.

It's also easy to be free with the plastic, so I'd recommend withdrawing a fixed amount of cash each week from a cash dispenser and trying to only spend that much (so very hard to do, but possible).