Cultural Observances and Helpful Tips

To any CUA student thinking of applying to the OPUS Program, here are a few cultural differences between DC and Oxford that I've observed, as well as a few tips that may be helpful to you, should you ever study in Oxford:

1) Be open-minded. Just because you're in England, don't assume everyone speaks English. People travel here from all over the world to study at Oxford, and everyday I hear Spanish, Italian, French, Chinese and dozens of other languages, just passing people on the city streets. Oxford is a cultural melting pot, and it's fantastic. That being said...
2) Explore the local culture! Go to the museums, see a play, and order something unique from the menu. This isn't the place to order chicken fingers and fries (though for the picky eater, don't worry, there is a KFC, McDonalds and Starbucks in the city centre.) Don't be that American. Order the Yorkshire pudding, try the potted beef, and wash it all down with a pint of cider. Which leads me to...
3) Pubs. When you order, go to the bar first, place your order, then sit down. Yes, it is backwards from the US way of doing things, but sit at a table all night if you like, no one is going to come and take your order from you. And you will look very silly and culturally ignorant. Trust me...
4) Another way to look very silly - ladies, never, EVER, wear high heels and try to walk on cobblestones. Just don't do it. However...
5) Any other way you'd like to dress, go for it. Most people here are very posh, but I've observed every kind of style, from black tights paired with jean shorts to fedoras and bright red jumpers. People don't really seem to care or judge how you're dressed, and everyone seems to dress based on personal taste. (Just don't show up to your tutorial in a gorilla costume, but other than that, you really can't go wrong).
6) Don't tune out with your iPod! It's amazing - no one here is plugged in. Even on the bus, in the city or in the shops, there's not a single pair of earbuds in sight. People here are very friendly, and they actually talk to each other because they're genuinely interested in what other people have to say! Imagine that! So take the time to get to know other people, and listen to your surroundings (if only for the awesome accents).
7) But don't be loud. Americans are so incredibly loud (at least compared to the English). Maybe it's because we listen to our iPods so much that it has damaged our hearing, but the English speak at markedly lower decibal levels. Adjust your volume properly.
8) Don't be afriad to look like a tourist. You may be slightly judged, but go to the vistor's centers and pick up local guidebooks or pamphlets. They usually list all of the city happenings for the month, and you can learn about some really great (free) events!
9) Finally - beware of dogs. Seriously, there are probably more children on leashes here than there are dogs on leashes. Dogs can roam freely in the city streets because there aren't any laws requiring owners to curb their dogs. So just watch out for...you know