Have you ever been to the University of Oxford, one of the top universities in the world? Last year, I participated in a summer exchange program at the University of Oxford. After the program, I learned many fascinating facts about the university. In this article, I will share five interesting facts about it!

• Christ Church: A filming place of Harry Potter

Are you a fan of Harry Potter? If so, be sure to visit Christ Church at the University of Oxford! Many scenes from Harry Potter were filmed at Christ Church College. For example, Professor McGonagall meets Harry, Ron, and Hermione in the entrance, which is known as the famous entrance scene. This scene was filmed near the staircase inside Christ Church. Inside the college, there is a dining hall called the Tudor Great Dining Hall, which actually served as the Hogwarts Dining Hall in the Harry Potter movies!

• Bridge of Sighs: A city landmark

What comes to mind when we talk about the University of Oxford? Some people might mention the Bridge of Sighs! This skyway connects one part of Hertford College to another and resembles the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, Italy. During my summer exchange program, I resided at Hertford College, which gave me the privilege of exploring the bridge. I was truly amazed by both its exterior and interior designs!

• University of Oxford Botanic Garden: A source of inspiration for Alice in the Wonderland

Have you read Alice in Wonderland written by Lewis Carroll? If you have, you will recognize that many of the locations in the book, especially the garden, are inspired by the Botanic Garden at the University of Oxford. As a result, the illustrations of places in the story resemble the views found in the Botanic Garden. The next time you visit the Botanic Garden, you might spot the tree illustrated in Alice in Wonderland!

• History of Science Museum: A museum which has Einstein’s Blackboard

Have you heard of Albert Einstein, who developed the theory of relativity? Albert was an alumnus of the University of Oxford, where he stayed at Christ Church from May 1931 to June 1933. During this time, he gave lectures at the university. In the History of Science Museum, Einstein’s blackboard serves as evidence of his lecture on May 16, 1931. The equations on the blackboard are known as the Friedmann-Einstein universe. If you are interested in physics, be sure to visit this museum!

• Oxford University Museum of Natural History: Cathedral of Science

What comes to mind when you look at this building? Some of you may think of a cathedral in the UK. Indeed, the Oxford University Museum of Natural History resembles the architecture of Victorian Neo-Gothic cathedrals, which is why it is often referred to as the “Cathedral of Science.” Inside the museum, you will find a wide array of natural history specimens. If you are interested in biology and natural history, you will definitely love this place!

If you are planning to travel in the UK, be sure to visit these places. You will definitely gain valuable insights into the uniqueness of the University of Oxford!