The university has been great
Hi! My name is Julie, and I’m 23 years old. I’m from Oslo, Norway. I moved to the UK when I was 21 to start my studies at Oxford Brookes University, and it’s honestly been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
It all started when I went on a language trip with EF to Oxford Brookes. I fell in love with the city during that visit. I’ve always been passionate about English, languages, and exploring different cultures, so I knew I wanted to pursue a bachelor’s degree abroad. I was considering both Italy and the UK, but something about Oxford really stayed with me.
Choosing a programme wasn’t easy; I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do. But I knew I loved working with people, and after living in Italy for three months, I had developed a strong interest in travel, good food, and wine. Hospitality felt like the natural direction, and when I saw that Oxford Brookes offered a degree in International Hospitality and Hotel Management, with a management focus too, everything just clicked.
The university has been great. The teachers are incredibly knowledgeable, passionate, and supportive. It’s also been so rewarding to study alongside people who share similar interests, there’s a real sense of community in the classroom.
Making friends was really easy, especially during Freshers Week (which is similar to “fadderuke” in Norway). It’s a fun and social week for all new students to meet each other and go out. There were also group chats where you could connect with people who had similar interests or who came from the same country. That’s actually how I met most of my friends.
During our very first semester, some of us started a Scandinavian Society at the university. It began as a small group of Norwegians, Swedes, and Danes, but it quickly grew. Soon, even non-Scandinavian students began to join because they liked the vibe and the events we organised. It was really cool to see how something like that could create a genuine sense of belonging and bring people together. It definitely helped expand our friend group and made uni life feel even more like home.
In my first year, I lived in Cheney Student Village with five others I didn’t know beforehand. Since I started university a little later than most, my flatmates were a bit younger, but we had a great time and I’m still in contact with most of them. In second year, I moved into a house with my best friends from Freshers Week, and it was amazing. We did everything together, and I’d really recommend living with friends if you get the chance.
Oxford is a beautiful city with so much to offer. Even after two years, I still haven’t seen or done everything! There’s always something new to explore, whether it’s cozy cafés, cool pubs, historic spots, or gorgeous green spaces.
One thing to keep in mind is that student housing, both university accommodation and private rentals, can be quite pricey, especially with the NOK being weak. But it’s definitely manageable with some planning.
The move to the UK was smooth for me. I got help from my parents, and the university helped organise move-in dates and gave lots of support with settling in.
Looking back, moving abroad has helped me grow so much. I feel like I’ve really stepped into adulthood. Being exposed to new cultures, people, and perspectives has opened my mind and shaped who I am today. I’ve gained so much confidence and independence, and I’m so grateful for the experience.
My advice to future students:
Say yes to opportunities, even if they feel a bit scary at first. Go to events, join societies, and talk to people. Everyone is in the same boat and looking to make friends, especially in the beginning. Don’t stress if you’re unsure about your exact path when you start your studies; you’ll figure it out along the way.
- Julie