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Having writer's block so exploring another train of thought. A recent conversation had me talking about the inequalities in #kampungOxford, where I had to reassure someone that which college you're in doesn't matter; that we curate our own Oxford experience. Thread.
There is no denying the prestige that comes with being an #Oxbridge student. But similar to my past experience of having been to the best all-girls boarding school in Malaysia at age 13, this is where you realize that your intelligence and self worth had to face up to: money.
The inequality between the haves and the have nots are stark. Yes, you are all 'chosen' to be educated at the best place, well - the best university in the world in Oxford's case - but your Oxford experience, your clique, your network - are influenced by how much money you have.
Having done a Master's programme - there is also the division of age. Younger folks spend more time at Plush, for example, while we 'oldies' mull our philosophical thoughts away at the Wine Cafe. But the stark contrast are with those fully on scholarship; and those with money.
Having worked before studying for a postgrad is a double edged sword. For me, I had to think of paying for mortgage, a personal loan (I had some finances issues), life insurance, and commitments in Malaysia while living on scholarship money in Oxford.
There is also the issue of adjusting to having-just-enough for the month, rather than having a bit to spare at the end of the month while working (I was in academia all my working life, so we don't get paid much!). I decided to take a year off work at what was career wise
an opportune time - I just served my service bond for the PhD, I was young-ish (mid-career level), and I wanted to shift gears career wise from academic to something else. But money wise - not so much. I was still recovering from having spent all I had on the downpayment
for the apartment, mortgage + furniture. I also made the financially foolish but NOT regretted decision of travelling to Lisbon & Andalusia the year prior to my Oxford year. So when it came to facing finances in Oxford, it was, I admit, hard.
But here's how I survived: I hand wash my kebayas and sarongs, putting only weekly commitments to the communal washing machine + dryer for all other clothing. I bought winter wear/crockery/pots and pans at Oxfam and other thrift stores. And I mealprep!
Seriously folks - mealprepping was my saviour. My average groceries are £30 a week for a 4 days meal (breakfast lunch and dinner). During financially-stretched times I've done £10 for a 6-meals mealprep (harissa roast chicken + veges of onion, capsicum, broccoli, + couscous).
Food was cheap at the farmers market and Tesco (God, I miss £1 yoghurt!). And the student-survival-mode of going for talks when there is food is also a good tactic :D Being part of an active Leadership Programme also helped, where we get treated to meals every now and then.
I also worked freelance during semester breaks/downtime (not much when you're doing the MPP!) - monies which allowed me to buy a ticket to Hamilton, visit Liverpool and Edinburgh for some sightseeing in the UK, and pop down to London for V&A/other museums exhibits.
The hardest financial decision was to not buy as many books as I did when working, but Amazon Prime + Kindle + libraries in Oxford more than made up for that. :) Having said that, the rent in Oxford was/is insane. Good thing we can walk everywhere.
And I wouldn't have survived my UK year without the kindness of Malaysians in London - my auntie-network who "adopted" me and gave me homecooked Malaysian meals; Malaysians visiting London/Oxford who insisted to buy me dinner.
I guess, all I am saying is - if you already have an opportunity to study in Oxford, then do all you can to be there. Other things/issues will work out. There will be help offered to you when you need it. Remember to pay it forward whenever we can. <3
