While often overshadowed by its academic reputation and historic architecture, Oxford offers a vibrant social landscape that students like Molleti have discovered. “A lot of times we hear about Oxford and think about tough academics and historical buildings, but what surprised me was definitely how open everyone was,” she shared.
Molleti’s experience in Oxford extended beyond the classroom. She joined a netball social team for weekly games and participated in rowing sessions with the crew team. An unexpected highlight was witnessing a German TV show being filmed, where she even encountered actress Emma Watson.
“Finding little pockets of places that I loved was really fun,” Molleti remarked. “The place that really felt special to me was this room, super deep underground at a bookstore. Sometimes I would go with friends and just study there. It was huge, and we were just surrounded by books.”
Building connections with peers was a key aspect of her time abroad. A memorable event was a ‘friendsgiving’ dinner hosted by another American student, which Molleti described as a moment where she felt a genuine sense of community.
Back at UVA for the spring semester, Molleti reflects on the impactful lessons learned during her time overseas. “Something I’ve struggled with at UVA is really valuing my time. Having such an incredible experience abroad reframed how I see intentionally spending time with others,” she noted. “I have such limited time at UVA, why would I waste it?”
Her time in Oxford was filled with significant yet everyday moments. For instance, she discovered an affinity for British cuisine, particularly enjoying the traditional English breakfast.
The study abroad experience has also influenced Molleti’s career aspirations. “I would love a career where I am interacting with people from different countries and understanding their different perspectives, like being a policy advocate or working in diplomacy,” Molleti expressed. “I think studying abroad is just one of those opportunities for me to learn from others.”
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