The Living Situation

We are staying at Somerville College, which is a small campus that falls under the Oxford administrative umbrella. It was once a women's college, and it was the first Oxford University college to be non-denominational. The buildings are a mix of new and old construction that would not fit together without the help of some perplexing stairwells and hallways. It can be confusing at times, but Somerville is a very comfortable place to live.

My room is huge, and I have it all to myself. The only thing it's missing is a sink, but they have two half-way down the hall that I can use with little competition. The cleaning staff vacuum, take out the trash, and change the sheets regularly. I wish they would have the good manners to do my laundry for me too, but that's England for you.

Almost all our meals are provided at this fancy dining hall. The food is excellent for a cafeteria, and they always have cereal and baked potatoes to fall back on if the main courses get too crazy. The long tables are good for slowing the formation of cliques. The raised area at the very back is where professors and administrative staff eat food from their own special lunch line. Theirs is cafeteria experience of great dignity and priviledge.

The grounds are beautiful, and there's a particular patch of grass that's great for croquet.