Itinerary>>>
Oxford University
↓
Magdalen College and Merton College
↓
Bodleian Library
↓
Christ Church College
↓
Cambridge University
DAY 4
The study group arrived at Oxford University, with their first stop at All Souls College, founded in 1438 by Henry VI and Henry Chichele. Located on the north side of High Street, the group toured the college library, which houses approximately 185,000 collections, primarily in law and history. Through examining ancient artifacts and historical documents, team members gained deep insights into British academic and cultural development.
The group then visited Hertford Bridge, also known as the Bridge of Sighs, where they took commemorative photos.
After a brief rest, members toured Magdalen College and Merton College. Magdalen College, known as one of Oxford's wealthiest colleges, features comprehensive learning facilities. Merton College, one of Oxford's oldest colleges, is renowned for its long history and academic excellence. Students experienced the rich academic atmosphere. Following this, the group visited Europe's oldest library - the Bodleian Library, where its magnificent architecture and extensive collections captivated the team members.
Finally, the group visited Christ Church College. Tom Quad, Oxford's largest quadrangle, features a beautiful central fountain. The chapel's St. Catherine's Window depicts scenes from Alice in Wonderland. Walking through Oxford's ancient campus and experiencing elite education in classrooms deepened students' understanding of educational heritage.
DAY 5
The UK study group departed Oxford for Cambridge. Their first stop was the iconic Mathematical Bridge, a symbol of Cambridge University rich in historical and cultural significance. The group took a punt tour on the River Cam, appreciating Cambridge's unique natural scenery and academic atmosphere while visiting Queens' College and St Catharine's College. Their classical architectural styles and long academic traditions left deep impressions on team members.
As the study tour progressed, members explored Cambridge University. They wandered through King's College, sensing its time-honored solemnity; stood by the Bridge of Sighs, imagining historical stories; and explored New Court's academic legacy. At Gonville and Caius College, students were attracted by unique architectural styles and cultural heritage. At St John's College, team members saw the famous apple tree, making Newton's scientific legacy tangible rather than merely textual, deeply experiencing science's charm and greatness.
After the tours, members stayed at Cambridge's Martingale Hall hostel. During dinner, teachers Kong Xiangkun, Ma Xinrui, and Zhang Chunxi engaged in in-depth discussions with students about study abroad planning and future career development, objectively analyzing differences between domestic and international graduate education systems. The teachers encouraged students to establish clear goals during university years and actively plan for their futures.
Reflections
Experiencing Oxford and Cambridge, I tangibly felt the weight of history intertwined with academia. Along the River Cam, with its sparkling waters, the Mathematical Bridge's unique mortise-and-tenon structure embodies Newton's scientific wisdom. In the libraries, ancient texts exude timeless charm. Understanding college histories and experiencing British life showed me more future possibilities.
-- Gao Yichang
Walking through Southampton's campus, standing by Cambridge's gentle Cam waves, wandering through Oxford's cathedral-like buildings - these days of study tours left indelible impressions of world-top universities. Facing an all-English environment, daily social interactions sometimes proved challenging, highlighting the crucial importance of language skills!
Standing under Gothic architecture domes at Cambridge and Oxford, watching students of different ethnicities, the world's vastness became concrete. The weight of history, reverence for knowledge, and freshness of foreign experiences excited me tremendously. These experiences deeply showed me the breadth of future paths and choices, constantly reminding me to find my true goals, follow my heart's direction, study diligently, and prepare for future opportunities.
--Liu Hongzhi
Walking through the ancient Oxford and romantic Cambridge, the college buildings of Oxford and Cambridge Universities exude historical charm. Throughout the city, one can feel the fusion of academics and tradition everywhere. Along the way, our teachers provided detailed introductions about the collegiate culture, as well as the history and stories of various colleges, which was incredibly enlightening. The harmonious coexistence between these two universities and their cities left me with abundant insights.
--Liu Chunjia
Editor: Mo Wanxin, Ren Xiaotong
Layout: Qi Hanbo
Executive Editor: Zhao Donglei
Review: Wang Qiuying