Tell us about you!
Where are you studying abroad?
Oxford, UK
How did you choose your study abroad location?
I wanted to be somewhere that felt different from home but didn’t have a significant language barrier so that I would feel safe and comfortable with my allergies. I was also excited about the opportunity to have a rigorous academic experience and to be integrated with a university. My mom went to Oxford, so I thought it would be special to have a taste of it!
Had you been out of the country before studying abroad?
Yes!
Did you plan anything ahead of time?
I met with the administrators of my program and requested accommodations (single room and access to the staff kitchen, so I could prepare my meals with less chance of cross-contamination). I also made sure I had updated EpiPens and enough Zyrtec to last me the whole semester!
What airline did you fly? How did you handle accommodations and airplane food?
I flew on United Airlines. I requested vegan meals and brought my own snacks (GoMacro bars, MadeGood granola minis). Every meal came with a Blake’s chocolate granola bar!
Where did you live and how were meals handled?
I stayed in a dorm and purchased food at the grocery store to cook in the staff kitchen. I also went to the Keble College dining hall a few times (for formal dinners and other meals)—when booking my spot, there was a spot to list all food allergies and dietary restrictions, and the staff had them printed when I arrived in the dining hall.
What are your 3 favorite places to eat at in Oxford?
Handlebar Cafe and Kitchen
One of my favorite restaurants in Oxford so far! The menu is well-labeled and when I asked about nuts other than almonds (which were listed), the staff went to the back to check — they came back and let me know that the bread they use is processed in a facility that also has hazelnuts. I was so impressed with their care and attention!
Coconut Tree Oxford
I had such an amazing experience here with my friends! When I made the reservation, I was able to note that I had food allergies, and they had an allergy menu at the table ready for me. The menu itself is very well-labeled, and the allergy menu is even better! The staff also came out and circled everything I could eat and explained all the dishes, and when the food came (family-style), they put dishes I could eat in white bowls and dishes I couldn’t eat in black bowls. I definitely recommend and can’t wait to go back! They also have a student discount and lots of special offers throughout the week.
Za’atar Bake
One of my favorite meals in Oxford—everything was so tasty! The menu is well-labeled (vegan, vegetarian, contains sesame, contains nuts, etc.).
If there’s a food your study abroad location is known for that you were able to have safely, what was it and where did you try it?
I was able to safely enjoy Fish and Chips at No Catch and a traditional English Breakfast in my dining hall!
Any special sweet finds like bakeries or ice cream shops?
Margo’s in Amsterdam, Saint-Jean in Amsterdam, Backstube in Oslo/Tromsø, and Bubblewrap Dessert Shop Chinatown in London.
What other places have you visited?
Amsterdam, Netherlands; Tromsø and Oslo, Norway; Brighton, U.K.; London, U.K.; Stratford-upon-Avon, U.K. I loved eating at Flower Burger and Vegan Sushi Bar in Amsterdam; and Dishoom, Mildred’s, La Fauxmagerie, and Imad’s Syrian Kitchen in London.
Besides the food, were there any fun experiences or favorite things you did?
I visited Oxford Outdoor Market, went to formal dinners and a ball, and took a trip to Blenheim Palace (40 mins away by bus in Oxfordshire)!
