Ch 28: Oxford Surprise #1

Today is another day of revision. A time to study what we were meant to learn over the past 8 weeks in Michaelmas Term (fall quarter in "American"). This was expected. An education is still an education. But there are many things that have surprised me (in a good way) since I've arrived. Without further ado:

Surprise #1: Bops

Oxford has a ton of parties. Not that American schools (they certainly do!) don't but I'm still impressed by the number of formal social society gatherings, holiday events, and "bops":

Oxford Language Lesson: Bop - a social gathering and/or party- most likely fueled by alcohol but "creatively" themed and certainly well organized.

The number and quality of our bops has far surpassed my expectations. There are 39 colleges in Oxford- that's 39 colleges with their own social calendars. Mix in 500 student societies, an odd mix of creative and smart students from all around the world (who like to dress up) and you have the ingredients of a very good time. Halloween for example lasted 10 days with dozens of bops across college campuses and within the pubs and taverns. Additionally, each college has a number of black tie events every term. You can always tend another bop should you have a friend at that college. A great MBA class and overall friendly student culture encourages making friends at other colleges (so "bopping" at another college is never a problem =)

Now if only there were more then 24 hours in a day...