Hi everyone! Welcome back to The Oxford Comma. For today’s column, I want to explore the old-time question that William Shakespeare’s Juliet once mused aloud: “What’s in a name?”
Before coming to Oxford, I definitely had the preconception of this institution being posh. From the sub fusc uniforms to the weekly three-course formal dinners, Oxford certainly likes to maintain an image of intellectualism. I mean, I recently went to watch the annual Torpids rowing competition on the Thames — such a pretentious sentence — and I couldn’t help thinking to myself that I’ve never experienced something so fancy in my life.
‘Fancy’ barely touches Oxford’s public perception. Earlier this year, Times Higher Education’s 2025 World University Ranking was released, with Oxford clinching the No. 1 spot for the ninth consecutive year. Tufts didn’t do too shabby either, coming in at No. 179. (Take that, No. 201–250 Northeastern!) At the end of the day, these rankings are merely numbers on a screen, important to no one except high school seniors and college alums. However, I think that it sparks an interesting conversation regarding prestige and reputation.
Don’t get me wrong, though: Oxford’s reputation as the top global university is certainly well-deserved. Now that I’m a little over halfway done with my program, I can safely confirm that the faculty here are extraordinarily learned and dedicated to their craft and that the students here work harder than anywhere else. Juliet says, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet,” but it doesn’t get much sweeter than Oxford.
The unfortunate downside of such an elite institution is that it can be quite elitist. The students here are absolutely lovely, but it is a little jarring to hear about their Eton educations or their trust funds. Consider the Oxford Union, which essentially functions like the Tufts University Social Collective: Membership for a three-year program (the typical duration for an undergraduate degree) comes in at a whopping £333 with additional annual fees, and membership merely gives you the ability to sign up for events. Union balls are usually hundreds of pounds — never mind the cost of extracurricular activities, like the very popular Oxbridge Varsity Trip or the cost of college-specific events. Just last year, Pembroke College — where I’m based — was charging £446 a pop for their ball. Considering the fact that Oxford’s total endowment is over £5 billion, you would think they wouldn’t need such hefty prices.
With all that said, I’m still extremely grateful to be here. True, the university can be elitist at times, but my literary heart cannot help but swell at the venerated libraries, and there is something truly special about gathering with your peers once a week for a proper meal. Call me pretentious all you like, but it is quite nice.
So, what is in a name? For me, I think it’s best not to get too hung up on a school’s reputation. At the end of the day, each institution has its pros and cons, and your education is dependent on how you choose to seize the opportunities in front of you. I’ve been loving Oxford, and I understand why it’s ranked highest, but Tufts will always be No. 1 in my heart. Go Jumbos!
xx
Grace
