Natalie Hampton
Natalie Hampton (she/her) - Stanford in Oxford
Majors: Computer Science (MS) and Symbolic Systems (BS)
Minor: Education
College year while abroad: Autumn 2025-26
About the photo: At a formal dinner at Magdalen Collage.
Contact
Email: nahamptn@stanford.edu
Why did you choose to study in Oxford?
The summer before freshman year while on a trip in London, my sister and I visited Oxford, and I fell in love. When we walked by the Stanford House, situated between enchanting historic buildings and cozy cafes, I knew I had to study there. My freshman and sophomore years, as I discovered more about the program, I knew it was right for me. I was excited to join a tight-knit cohort fostered by living in the same house, push myself with the one-on-one tutorial system, and immerse in the Oxford culture.
How did studying away support your academic growth?
As a Symbolic Systems major and Computer Science co-term, most of my classes at Stanford are STEM and heavily PSET and exam based. Through weekly readings and essays, my Oxford tutorial in Human-Computer Interaction enhanced my technical knowledge with a nuanced and interdisciplinary approach that I have carried with me in my classes at Stanford. The one-on-one tutorial style pushed me to engage critically with readings, and has shaped how I now approach learning in my classes at Stanford. Now even in my STEM classes, I carry with me the deeply analytical human-interaction perspective, honed through deep discussions with my tutor.
What did you learn about yourself during your study away experience, especially through any challenges or major cultural adjustments?
I learned how to be okay with uncertainty. At Stanford, I love routine and knowing what to expect, but being abroad meant embracing the spontaneity and surprises. I said yes to last minute bus rides to London, trivia at pubs, late walks through the cobblestone streets. While a last-minute flight cancellation would normally ruin my trip, I learned that an overnight bus worked instead. Though sometimes the uncertainties were more difficult—like dealing with challenges getting one of my medications refilled—even that made me more independent and confident. I still love schedules and certainty, but studying abroad made me more adaptable and open to spontaneity.
Briefly describe a typical day and your favorite part of daily life in your program location.
After a quick breakfast at the Stanford House, I’d head to the library to do work. I’d meet with my twin sister—also studying at Oxford through an abroad program at Northwestern—and work on my next tutorial essay. I’d grab lunch at Brasenose, and find somewhere new in Oxford to explore—a new café, shop, or park to wander around. Before dinner, I’d run around the Christ Church meadow behind the Stanford House, and get ready for a formal dinner. On a regular weekday night at Oxford, we’d be in long dresses, enjoying our three-course meal with a glass of wine. Though no day at Oxford was the same, I loved them all.
If applicable, how did participating in an internship, volunteership or experiential-based project help you grow professionally? What specific skills did you gain?
N/A.
What was the most essential item you took with you on the program?
My portable charger! It got me through day trips to London, weekend trips across Europe, and even just days exploring Oxford. There is always so much to do while abroad, and having the portable charger let me go from adventure to adventure.
What advice would you give students who are considering studying away?
Going abroad is scary, but you should absolutely do it! Oxford was my best quarter at Stanford. I went in knowing almost no one in the cohort, and left with some of my best friends that I wouldn’t know without studying abroad. And while abroad, go all in. Hang out with your cohort, especially people you don’t know. Take day and weekend trips. Explore the city: Oxford and London have so much to offer. Join Oxford organizations and befriend Oxford students. The quarter will go by so fast, and you should make the most of every day.