Oxford

Oxford University is the oldest university in the English-speaking world and the second oldest surviving university in the world (not to mention a highly esteemed university worldwide)! There are 38 colleges within Oxford focusing on humanities, math, physical & life science, medical science, and social science. Aside from being an amazing university, both educationally and architecturally, even parts of Harry Potter have been filmed here!

Power
Oxford University, being one of the leading universities in the world, is a university that one would be extremely proud to attend. Being a student or graduate of this university would give a person so many advantages and opportunities in life; ultimately a huge form of power over their future. The education that one would receive from this university would be one well-respected by people all over the world. England receives enormous amounts of respect and recognition for housing this amazing university, ultimately giving England educational power over the world.

Tradition

The stairs they used in Harry Potter!

All students of Oxford University are required to wear gowns for certain occasions such as dinner, exams, chapel, and even major lectures. The specific type of gown that the student wears really depends on what they are studying and whether they are graduate or undergraduate students. To help understand, I really think of these gowns similar to those worn by the students in Harry Potter. Each student had to wear a gown, the specific type of gown being dependent on what house they belonged to.

Another tradition which I found really interesting and rather funny at Oxford was that students cannot sit on the grass until after they have graduated. This is supposed to signify a type of reward for graduating and symbolizes the fact that you can "relax" and lay on the grass after you have completed your studies. Being able to witness a few students laying on the grass was a really fun experience after learning about the tradition and meaning behind it!



Reflection
First stepping foot on Oxford campus brings a peaceful feeling, a whole lot different than when stepping foot on ASU's campus. I know that we went to visit during finals week, therefore the campus was a lot more tranquil; however, I mean that the architectural atmosphere made the university more peaceful. The old buildings allowed me to truly experience and understand that Oxford is a historical and esteemed university. Comparing it to ASU, Oxford seems a lot more like a true university, extremely dedicated to its studies. I would love to go to Oxford because of how renowned it is, however I do not think I would like the traditions and old buildings. I'm more of a modern person!