What No One Tells You: 6 Powerful Life Lessons from a Master’s Student at the University of Oxford

While studying for an MSc in Education Policy and Research, my year at the University of Oxford was a whirlwind of discovery, occasional panic, and some quirky realisations. From intellectual brilliance and ancient libraries to Brazilian dance classes (yes, that happened), the experience was a unique blend of the academic and the unexpected. I’d like to share the six most memorable lessons I learned while navigating this iconic institution.

1) The University of Oxford is a mini United Nations, but don’t let that freak you out

Picture this: you walk into your first class, and it’s a bit like a geography quiz on steroids. Students are from everywhere. We’re talking 160+ countries, making the room feel like the world’s most intense cultural buffet. As for me? I was the youngest student in my cohort and the only Indian. Most of my peers had already collected master’s degrees like Pokémon cards.

At first, it was intimidating (How do you compete with someone who already acquired a master’s degree or is currently pursuing one?). But here’s the trick: you don’t have to compete. I quickly realised that instead of outsmarting others, all I had to do was focus on my strengths. So, I decided to play to my strengths: arriving on time (a rare skill at Oxford), staying organised, and being the one who knows when meetings happen. 

While Oxford is an incredible melting pot of cultures, the reading lists didn’t reflect that diversity. It felt like the syllabus had been curated by old Western men with the directive, “You’ve got this, boys!” Their work has its merits, but I couldn’t help wondering, “Where’s the rest of the world?” Bringing these new perspectives into discussions not only added some spice to the conversations but also helped me avoid drowning in the same old academic broth. 

Here’s the lesson: Don’t just accept the syllabus as gospel. Go rogue, bring in fresh voices, and shake things up a bit—you’ll be adding more flavour to the academic stew.

2) Networking is overrated but still important

Okay, confession time: everyone will tell you that networking is the holy grail of Oxford life, but let’s be real—it’s overrated. Oxford is teeming with intellectual powerhouses, offering endless opportunities to engage with professors, visiting scholars, and future leaders. But here’s the truth: many of the people you’re expected to “network” with are just as socially awkward as you, and forcing conversations often feels, well, contrived.

That said, some of my best networking moments happened accidentally in the most casual settings. It wasn’t at the big, high-stakes academic events but over simple conversations at formal dinners. One minute, you’re discussing the soup, and the next, you realise the person across from you is running an experiment on Mars (like, actual Mars!) or working to solve the water crisis in Zambia. 

Here’s the lesson: Firstly, research who you might meet before attending formal events by checking the guest list or looking up the speakers. Prepare a few thoughtful questions related to their work. For example, if a researcher specialises in climate change, you could ask, “What do you see as the biggest challenge in implementing sustainable practices in developing countries?” This demonstrates preparation and can spark meaningful conversations. Secondly, steer casual conversations towards shared interests or experiences. Instead of immediately discussing career goals, ask, “What drew you to your field?” or “What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned in your research?” Doing so breaks the ice and fosters genuine connections that can lead to future opportunities.

3) Lead like you know what you’re doing (even if you don’t)

Somehow, I ended up as the class representative—organising events, liaising with faculty, and pretending I had my life together. One of my proudest achievements was initiating a lecture series featuring Indian professors. You’d think, “This is Oxford; surely this has been done before.” But everyone was genuinely surprised and appreciative! Even at a prestigious institution, there’s a thirst for new perspectives and voices. So, whether it was organising the lecture series or ensuring meetings happened as planned, I learned that leadership is about consistency and dependability.

Here’s the lesson: You don’t need to be the smartest person in the room to be a leader. You just have to be the one who knows where the room is located. Leadership at Oxford isn’t about being the loudest or most experienced; it’s often about simply showing up. Also, don’t self-reject or assume your ideas are too basic—you’d be surprised how much people value initiatives that bring something new.

4) The University of Oxford is a buffet, but à la carte is better

Arriving at Oxford feels like stepping into the world’s most extravagant intellectual buffet. Lectures, workshops, debates, clubs, and societies abound—each more enticing than the last. From discussions on quantum physics to Brazilian dance classes, it’s like having an all-access pass to an intellectual’s Disneyland. Naturally, you want to experience it all. But here’s the reality: you only have one year, and trying to sample everything will leave you academically (and probably emotionally) bloated.

I focused on connecting with Indian academics to build relationships and explore research opportunities back home. I also chose my electives strategically by selecting a course called “Internet, Education, and Society” to delve deeper into global trends in Edtech and AI. This wasn’t just a fascinating subject; it also aligned with my long-term goals. When it came to my dissertation, I committed fully. 

Here’s the lesson: Carefully choose your Oxford experiences to align with your goals. Immersing yourself in one topic is far more rewarding than spreading yourself too thin. Trust me, when everyone else is scrambling in Trinity term, you’ll be relieved you started early and concentrated on what mattered. Plus, immersing yourself in one topic is far more rewarding than spreading too thin. So, instead of diving into a scholarly buffet at Oxford, choosing à la carte will help you avoid a serious case of intellectual indigestion.

5) Follow a routine (Seriously, it’s a game changer) 

Nothing is more important than making time for the basics: eating your meals, going for a walk, and maybe even having a good cry while bingeing on comfort Indian food. I don’t want to preach, but having a solid routine sets you apart from most students—I’ve seen it firsthand! My friends would ask, “Why cook Indian food three times a day?” or “Why wake up at dawn for a walk?” The truth is, it wasn’t about aspiring to be a fitness guru; it was about managing my mood and getting through the day without feeling like a zombie.

Here’s the lesson: When you’re in a new country, braving frigid temperatures and missing your family, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Establishing a routine helped me prioritise my emotional and mental health. Walking cleared my head, and cooking my favourite meals gave me a taste of home—even if it meant my flat smelled like a curry house at all hours.

6) Your degree doesn’t have to align with your job

Here’s a truth bomb: Your degree doesn’t have to define your career path. Thank goodness! I studied Education Policy and Research, and now I work with researchers to fund their wild and brilliant ideas. 

Most degrees at Oxford are less about the specific subject and more about picking up those magical transferable skills—like critical thinking, analysis, and the ability to survive on coffee alone. Don’t get me wrong; many of my classmates are pursuing their PhDs, but exploring other options is perfectly alright if that’s not your path. You don’t need a meticulously crafted research proposal to validate your academic journey, even if Oxford often has that “publish or perish” vibe.

Here’s the lesson: If you’re sitting there with a degree and no grand plan, remember this: Your degree is a versatile tool, not a one-way ticket to the academic elite. So, embrace the many possibilities it offers. 

So, embrace the chaos and chart your path—it’s the best way to make a place like Oxford truly yours. If you want guidance on your master’s application, contact The Red Pen’s Postgraduate Admissions. I used their services, and their guidance was extremely valuable. You can also read their blogs. My favourites are The Ultimate Checklist to Craft a Stellar Master’s Application Five Months Before the Deadline and Scholarships for Master’s Abroad: What International Students Must Know