Changes can be hard to embrace. Even when changes are for our own benefit they can still be challenging. That is why moving abroad, leaving home and adventuring ourselves takes a lot of courage, braver and motivation. However, physically leaving our home does not necessarily mean having to give up on our habits, routines or identity. In fact, according to Berry’s model of acculturation (1986), Psychology suggests that one keeps practising their original culture’s norms and beliefs, while integrating the new culture’s values. That way, acculturative stress or the feeling of stress caused by immigrating, will be reduced. I personally struggled to settle down and enjoy my stay in Oxford at first , as I found myself in a completely new cultural environment, far away from home and on my own. But after completing my first year of IB Diploma, I discovered some tools that helped me to improve my overall experience and that I hope will help you as well in your new adventure.
Make your room as cosy as possible
Back at home, I’ve always enjoyed making my room a peaceful and welcoming place to be in. Once you arrive in Oxford, finding yourself opening the door of the dorm that will be your home for the following year, seeing it empty and minimalistic, can be overwhelming. However, if you had previously packed up your bags with the correct stuff, you won’t have this issue at all. I highly recommend that you bring along some of your favourite room items. Whether it is your colourful pillow, a painting or a rug, adding your sparkle to the room will instantly connect you to your identity and to your real home. Also, since every room has pin boards, you could consider bringing pictures of your loved ones to feel them closer.
Explore Oxford
Suggesting exploring Oxford might sound obvious, but believe me, some students who completed the IB Diploma in this beautiful city, didn’t know how to navigate themselves without using their phone’s map. It is key to investigate your new city, get familiar with the landscape, and learn about its history. Since Oxford will be your home for the following two years, deeply exploring it might make you discover locations that remind you of home and make you feel joyful. You can always gather with friends and have free tours of the city which will make you discover unusual spots and be acquainted with your surroundings. Whenever I am overwhelmed with school, I find it relaxing to go on walks accompanied or on my own. In particular, Port Meadow is a great location to breathe fresh air, get away from the city’s chaos, and leave responsibilities aside.
Try out restaurants and find your comfort food
Another way of discovering a new city is through food. Going on a gastronomic tour around Oxford, especially with friends, is an exciting plan to do. You’ll be able to get a taste of different cultures, as I mentioned in my previous article: ‘Make Your Stay in Oxford Feel Closer to Your Home: Best International Restaurants in Town’, and even find your favourite dishes that immediately connect you to your best memories of enjoying a meal with your family and friends at home.
Plan weekend activities
Friday, Saturday and Sunday should be more than just waking up, homework, eat, sleep, and repeat. After a long week of being out of bed early in the mornings, studying and working hard, it is absolutely necessary to take a well-deserved rest. This might look different according to your preferences and needs. You might enjoy sleeping until midday, having dinner out with friends, going to the cinema or theatre, or watching a film in each other’s house common rooms. Either way, it is important to prioritise dedicating some hours of the weekend to pause schoolwork and have some fun.
I must confess that going out of your room on a cold and rainy day is hard, but once you put on your jacket, grab your umbrella (an Oxford essential) and meet your friends, you will instantly forget about the weather and uplift your mood. And don’t worry we also get sunny days! Knowing what to do on a weekend, makes your sunny day specifically a different experience altogether that you will appreciate immeasurably.
Photos taken by me in the Radcliffe Camera and the Ashmolean Museum
Continue working on your interests
Temporarily leaving home is not a synonym of pausing your habits and routines. In fact, sticking to your habits by slightly adjusting them to the new reality, is very helpful. Whether you are keen on playing a sport, taking art lessons, learning a new language or volunteering, try to find ways to continue doing so while you are staying in Oxford. Ask other students if they have the same interests as you, or surf on the internet and look up for courses, lectures and events of your interest. Oxford is the ideal place to study because there are plenty of activities going on every week. For example, in the local libraries there are always talks, Oxford University organises lectures, and theatres put on workshops. It is a matter of carrying out research, finding, trying and failing until you eventually find the way to continue working on your interests.
Form relationships outside of school
I’m sure that once you find those places and spaces to open up yourself and express your interests with like-minded people, you’ll start forming relationships outside of school. This is of great importance as sometimes it is a good idea to disconnect from school and the people you surround yourself with on a daily basis. Even if you do not practise any hobby outside of school, you can still form “friendly” relationships with people you frequently see in the supermarket, a coffee shop, a shop or even at the bus stop. Oxford is quite a small town, so you’ll probably see the same people coming across yourself at different locations, on different days and times. I guarantee that even if you don’t talk to them, at least smiling at each other when you make eye-contact can change each other’s day.
Making small adjustments to your daily routine can have a huge impact on your overall well-being. These adjustments will not happen overnight but remember that every little change builds up to a big achievement: making the most out of your stay in Oxford. At the end of the day, this is a wonderful opportunity and regardless of the ups and downs, it’s absolutely worth it.
Written by Tina – IB25 student