Masters & Gap Year Q&A
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ต.ค. 2024
- Take a look at my new website where I have started sharing my writing, both online and in print (including a facsimile of the nature journal I kept in Spring): rubygranger.com/
instagram: @_rubygranger
tiktok: @rubygranger8
Pumpkin Productivity (my stationery company): bit.ly/3wgsR85
Frequently Asked Questions:
😇 How old are you? 23
📝 What are you studying? I am set to start my MA in English Literature at Oxford this autumn.
📚What are your favourite books? • 200 book recommendatio...
📚 Do you have a book club? Yes! You can join it here for free: fable.co/club/...
📝 Have you written a book? My life goal is to be a published author and make a living from writing and I am using this year to gain experience, build up a portfolio and work on a book with my agent. I have just finished the final draft of that book, as you can see in this video. I did self-publish a book about bullying when I was seventeen which is available on Amazon (amzn.to/3mdJKLm), but I'm slightly embarrassed by it now!
🎃 Do you have merch? I don't have merch in the traditional sense (I can't imagine selling something with my face or name on haha!), but I do have a stationery company where I sell planners for students. These are all designed with students in mind and follow models which I've used when planning my studying. Our products are printed in pastel colours on recycled paper: bit.ly/3wgsR85
🍵 What's your favourite tea? That's a REALLY hard one, but I think I'd have to say the B&B Chocolate Digestive Tea: bird-and-blend-tea-co.sjv.io/youwilllovethisone (affiliate link)
Ruby, if it gets too much, don't feel pressure to upload consistently while at Oxford. We will all be here when you do get the chance. Do what feels right for you ❤
Thank you so much 🤍
Yes! Please don't stress yourself out. @@RubyGranger8
yes! I agree!!
I also agree
She spoke too soon about the weather at the start of the video 😂 I was so excited for autumn to start and now here in the UK we're having a heatwave 😭😭
I know!!! This video definitely aged badly haha!
Same in Ireland! Trying to feel summery again when I really just want to curl up with blankets and hot tea 😂
Melting in The Netherlands
Portugal switched with the UK weather because we've been having a lovely rainy, foggy, autumnal weather whilst you guys are having our sunny, hot days xD
I’m melting!
0:42 : Why did you decide to go to Oxford and not Cambridge?
1:38 : Where did you apply for your MA?
2:07 : What made you want to go back into academia?
2:44 : A chat about gap year.
3:57 : Regrets about gap year.
5:19 : Are you moving to Oxford?
5:26 : Which college are you going to be at?
5:51 : Are you worried about starting university again?
6:30 : How is your book going?
8:37: How was the process of applying to Oxford, was it draining?
9:41: How do you make your tea?
10:07 : When do you start?
10:10 : Has your degree been helpful in your journey for proving your creative writing skills, if so, in what way?
10:47 : Do you think that internet aesthetics do more harm than good?
13:20 : What autumnal things are you planning on doing during your first autumn in Oxford?
13:55 : What is the oldest book that you own?
14:35 : Could you go into more detail about how you learn Latin?
15:17 : Will you be vlogging Oxford?
Thank you for this!!! I’ll add these in as time stamps! Have a wonderful day xxx
@@RubyGranger8 Thank you for being so great and you too xx
✋🏻Suggestion for Ruby! Regarding your novel, I think that you should record yourself telling us about everything that is happening as you are writing your novel, so you get to settle your urge to tell us, but don't upload it, save it separate from all other videos, until the time is right. When the time is right, even if it's several years, we can go back in time with you. We will all see your roller coaster of thoughts and emotions while writing your novel, and you can re-live the experience. It can be a leading up to the promotion of the release of the book. Maybe a lucky subscriber can win a copy of it. 😃 Good luck!
I’m 52 and I’ve just finished my BA in Liberal Arts (focusing on Creative Writing and Philosophy), just about to start an MA in Creative Writing at a different uni. I’m glad you mentioned Imposter Syndrome. Definitely feeling that. If you wanted to talk more about that, I’d appreciate it!
Congratulations on completing your degree! Well done too!
Je vais écrire en français, ce serait plus simple pour utiliser le bon vocabulaire ! Merci de partager avec nous tes abandons, tes "regrets" et autres réflexions que tu peux avoir sur des sujets divers et variés ! J'ai hâte de voir la vie étudiante à Oxford !
Words can't express how much I love the content you put out. It's so refreshing to consume the content of an intellectual influencer.
It is so cool that you are going to study your masters at Oxford the same time as Emma Watson will be there at Oxford and study her masters as well! If you are lucky, you might even see her.
I was just going to say that! Emma is reading Creative Writing, they even might end up taking the same lectures.
I want to ask how/what Blakeney is doing. Because I’m nosy!😂
Hey Ruby, if you make a planner again, it would be awesome if it had inspirational quotes personally written by you. Maybe some ambient photographs of landscapes or meaningful objects to you. One of my favorite planners used to have quotes on each page, so I really like that concept.
I am 27 years and Tomorrow I will be flying to the Uk 🇬🇧 to study my masters in Robert Gordon university in Aberdeen!
I also took a gap year last year ! I think gap year is a great thing and I didn’t regret at all that decision.
I did an internship in Aberdeen recently. Loved it. Should definitely go to Stonehaven and walk alongs the cost past the dunnotar castle is beautiful
@@cass1523 this is my first time abroad and you saying these things give me courage thanks 🙏
@@hamzaguerbas5283everything is going to be alkright❤
i lived in aberdeen for a year and loved it :) be sure visit cruden bay! and definitely check out foodstory :D
@@lillischneider6667 thanks 🙏
I'm a Phd student researching Mary Oliver's poetry, and I absolutely love your videos - they're so cosy and motivating! I was just wondering, do you plan on doing a PhD yourself? Wishing you all the best for your MA, can't wait to see your uni videos to come. 😊
Hi Amy! First of all - Mary Oliver! Oh my word, she’s amazing! Which of her poems are your favourites because I’ll read them :)
And I would love to but I’m not sure yet so I’m going to decide this year! X
@@RubyGranger8 isn't she just! I recently watched your Massachusetts vlogs and got excited because I plan on going next year to visit Provincetown where Oliver lived. :) Some of my favourite poems by her are 'One or Two Things', 'When I am Among the Trees', and 'Wild Geese' - I also recommend her book length poem 'The Leaf and the Cloud' - she writes so beautifully. :) x
I love The Journey.
your passion about education and academia is really inspiring!❤
Love this. 6:05 you mentioned imposter syndrome. Whenever I get imposter syndrome I always remember a quote I read online, “imposters don’t get imposter syndrome” and that usually snaps me out of it, or at least helps a little. 😊
Oh I really like that! Thank you for sharing!
thank you Ruby, you are quite the philosopher, and what you said about language makes perfect sense. I’m really glad you won’t stop vlogging, there are so few bookish nerdy academic introverts out there who do such cozy wonderful videos ❤
Most Oxford libraries won't allow you to have tea in the actual book area, which is disappointing, though understandable with many valuable books around! But some of them have a cafe or tea room. There are also some nice cafes such as Common Ground which has co-working space.
Dark academia is absolutely helpful as a shorthand for various aesthetics, adding old content into your modern routine, and giving a lane for the commercial/access aspects. But it is troubling watching people try to adopt it as an identity without it coming out of their actual interests-such as people who don’t like reading asking which books they have to read to fit, or pretending to be a reader and academic when you’ve interest in neither.
This is exactly it!
Hi Ruby, I'm originally from Germany but have been living in the UK for the past 5 years (I am now in Manchester!). I'm starting a remote BSc degree in Computer Science this fall and am using your academic planner! I'm 29 years old and working full-time as a linguist while studying and it feels kind of daunting but watching your videos really encourages me. I love your enthusiasm for literature and learning. I studied English at uni in Germany when I was younger but never finished the degree. I'm now doing CS but I still love English Literature and hope that one day I'll be able to finish that degree or maybe study a Masters. Oxford is definitely on my bucket list as a travel destination (as lately I've been trying to explore more of the UK!), it looks absolutely lovely, I hope you'll enjoy your time there!
Interesting Q&A, You mentioned that you had to hand in a personal statement with your field of interest. Since I don't know much about the time period that your course covers I would love to know why you are interested in that period? Have a nice day xx
Taking off for a year, renting a cottage and doing nothing but reading....I have that same Thoreau-esque fantasy lol. I graduate in December, and while I wanted to take a year off and unwind, I've already started getting my paperwork ready for grad school. I'll have a month off for Winter Break if I'm accepted, so I will make the most of that time (mostly sleep, reading and writing lol)
Ruby, for latin, I really reccomend familia romana. It won’t be as effective for grammar as a textbook, but it will build reading fluency. I read it alongside my first year latin course at uni, and it really helped.
Thank you!
Nobodies ask her or she didn’t pick the Q…about her current part time teacher, does she enjoyed, might became teacher or lecturer in future? How’s the experience, what grade of students did she teach, activities etc…xx
the passion that ruby has for writing and books >>>
I’m starting my post-uni gap year this term (yes I still think of time in school terms even if I’m technically not studying anymore hahaha) with the hopes to be accepted into my masters course next year, and I just love hearing about Ruby’s experience in that exact stage of education/life ; it’s been really encouraging and has inspired me to keep learning even when I’m not “formally” learning, to pursue a postgrad I’m truly passionate about and can put my all into, and generally just to enjoy the little moments in life, as they’re often the most important
I still have one year of undergrad to go but I can't wait for my master, which is quite similar to yours! The literal translation would be "historical sciences" and at the end of it I would become a curator for archives, museums etc. I am studying languages now, but I don't have the patience to practice every day which a language requires, however I absorb anything historical with so much joy that I am bummed that I didn't also get my undergrad in history. But at least I can do my masters in it!
Aw that gift from Blakeney was so thoughtful! Also don't put pressure on yourself to upload too much 💌x
Isn’t it! She’s so lovely! And thank you Jodie ❤
I don't think only applying to one course at one university was reckless, in your case. You have your TH-cam channel and other social media outlets, as well as Pumpkin Productivity, that bring in money. And you don't seem to be in any rush to finish your education to start a career (because you already have a career). I actually think only applying to one course was smart, because, as you say, this is what you wanted and you didn't want to settle for something else. Had you been rejected, you could've had a re-think started looking into options for next year's application.
Love your videos! I have a suggestion for your channel, I don't know if you're interested in photography at all, but I'd recommend getting a camera that has manual exposure and learning a little bit about composition and exposure. Your videos are very aesthetic so I think you'd be really good at it! I know it's not the most practical set up for vlogging and might be too costly, but you can get a top notch second hand camera for around 200 pounds and don't have to use it all the time. Maybe your camera already has it I don't know. But oxford is so pretty it would be really cool to see in a cinematic way. Vintage lenses are super cheap and have such a pretty aesthetic too. Not everyone enjoys photography so totally get it if you're not interested in that, just a suggestion.
Super excited for you and OXFORD!! That clip you showed literally looks like Hogwarts Castle :) It's crazy I am now a senior in college undergrad and I have been watching you for years!
I loved you view on internet aesthetics. I am a person with multitudes. I like a lot of aesthetics and I really hate putting myself in one box. I would rather have the aesthetics defined by me than me defined by aesthetics if it makes sense.
I don't know why but i feel so peaceful watching your videos , it's like a cozy place for me or an escape from my overthinking 😢❤
I'm so pleased to hear that - and I really hope you're okay x
@@RubyGranger8 oh my god you replied to me !!! 🫶🏻💕 I love you ruby so much ❤️ you are really inspiring me to develop myself and to be better 😔✨❣️ wish you all the best and I hope you're doing well 🙏🏻💗
Since I'm one year younger than you and also took 4 years to finish my bachelors and happen to be taking a gap year now, I feel like I can always see a bit of a forecast for my life in your videos. I've been watching your videos ever since the last years of high school, and seeing your experiences on what I'm going to be doing is always comforting among all this change :)
Ruby I want to say how much I adore your style of videos, they always feel like I am on FaceTime with an old friend and it is lovely and comforting and gently inspiring. What I am trying to say is thank you for sharing yourself, your journey and your passion with us.
Oh gosh, what a lovely message! Thank you so much 🥺x
It's just a couple of days ago that I found your channel (for once: thank you so much algorithm) and since then I spend so much time with your videos, started using notion and fell in love with it and really got excited for learning, academia and education again. So thank you so much, Ruby. And all my heartfelt best wishes for your MA in Oxford. ❤
I am looking forward to watching your videos at Oxford because I will be interested to know the type of literature which you are studying along with the Latin language.
Hey u probs won't see this but just wanted to say I discovered your channel this month and I've been loving it! I've been having a lot of trouble with getting into reading again and just generally doing things like eating healthy, romanticising life and your vids have inspired me so much. Also, I love your general bookish fashion style lol :) hope you have a good day
Old books... My Dad gave me a book of Poems by Emily Dickinson: edited by Mabel Loomis Todd and TW Higginson, published in Boston in 1892 by Roberts Brothers, and printed at the Cambridge University press. Not sure how common it is/was, but I think of you when I see it on my shelf, and... Reading for a month. The best summer I ever had was reading Isaac Asimov robot stories when I was about 12, in the country, sitting in a chair under an old elm tree. Take care.
Just looked it up: I have a "non first edition" of the "second series" -- there are quite a few copies available, the going price seems to be around $900. Better stop throwing it around. ♥
I just saw that video and like I didn't finish the video yet but I know that every video you make is a masterpiece ❤
I completely agree with you regarding internet aesthetics! I would add that people might be tempted to spend more time making their life look like one aesthetic, rather than living their life? For example, a student might lost themselve in making their room or their notes look similar to an aesthetic instead of spending this time learning, stydying, exploring life. It's important to find a balance, and balance isn't something that internet promotes those days.
Sometimes You Speak so fast and I don't understand you, because I'm not a native English speaker. But I like your channel and I'll still watching it.
@@RaquelSantos-km1fn playback speed 0.75x, subtitles on
All the best with your Masters and writing, Ruby. You seen to be adept at balancing a lot of things - perhaps because you plan and know the value of self-care.
I am about to start my second year in person-centred counselling at University of Suffolk. Am excited and apprehensive... not looking forward to the deadlines and presentations (my retention and recall are not great). Anyway, here's to productivity! Kind regards, Craig.
Ruby will you ever publish your undergrad dissertation? Would love to read it
I bought an academic planner almost 2 weeks ago now. I was wondering what the shipping time looks like from the UK to Canada? Much love!
Jesus College really is beautiful, especially when the wisteria is in bloom! I sat my final exams for my masters there in June and was just amazed at how different it felt compared to my own college (New). I'm still living and working in Oxford this year so we might run into each other at some point!
On the topic of tea in libraries: get yourself a KeepCup (it's the only one that's endorsed by the Bodleian libraries, I personally love the actual glass Bodleian Library KeepCup that you can get in the gift shop) and that will allow you to take hot drinks into the most of the libraries. The only exception is Duke Humfreys, where even water is not allowed. It's a bit of a bummer considering it is hands down the most aesthetic library of all, but I basically spent most of the latter half of lockdown in there studying and it was very much worth it!
Other aesthetic libraries to visit: RadCam (obviously) and Taylor Institution Main Reading Room (the gallery seats have huge individual tables if you like the s p r e a d out like I do!)
Best of luck!! 📜🖋✨
Oh my gosh this comment has made me so excited Zoe :) thank you for the tip on the Keepcup! That's so funny that they have a specific required one (though also understandable!). Hopefully we cross paths! x
I absolutely love tea and rice but bringing them together sound somehow strange to me 😅 anyways, I hope your time at Oxford is as good as you want it to be and gives you way more positive things than you could have wished for
I'm curious, why does Oxford start so late / why is the term so much shorter?
Hi Ruby, not so much a studying question but would you ever consider taking a trip to west Sussex where the weald and Downland open air museum is? I feel this place you would love xx
Congrats! You and I took the same gap year (but I’m going onto my DVM) you were a big inspiration during my undergrad so I’m so glad you will be putting out more study/school content!
Walden by Henry David Thoreau is a wonderful book about nature and living with nature.
I read half in October and still haven’t finished it!! I loved what I read though!
Spoke to soon… it’s now a September heatwave and like 30*c
I was so excited to see that you got into Oxford. I discovered a couple of weeks ago that the college I'm transferring to has a summer at Oxford program. I'm working so hard to work towards that and hopefully make it in. I definitely agree with you on internet aesthetics. Although, I do find myself trying to fit into the box rather than create things of my own from the aesthetic sometimes. It's always a good reminder to check if I'm doing something aesthetic for myself or for others. My college has a whole course on the branch of philosophy that surrounds aesthetics that I'd love to take as it really interests me.
Hi, Ruby. Could you tell us more about the chores you do? I mean do you do any grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning ? or everything is well taking care of by the college, and you just need to focus on your study and socializing?
Loved this video! BTW, if you're going to sell more in print books, could you add a feature on your website where you can be notifiyed when the next drop is? Really want to buy one, but I always check too late!
May I ask where your cardigan is from please? beautiful fairisle pattern
The Old Byre, in Scotland 😉
Hey Ruby
I have a video suggestion. Can you make a video about all the voluntary work and extracurricular activities or the clubs and organizations that we can start for university? That would be very helpful❤
Hey ruby I know that you're probably busy with school already but when you have time can you do a mug (if that's what you brits call them lol) show and tell- they all seem so cool and interesting
Hey Ruby! Are you going to film a move to Oxford vlog?
This is quite a personal question but could you make a video on writing personal statements and reading out the personal statement you submitted for either your masters or undergraduate degree?
Hi Ruby,
I'm starting my MSc this week after 2 years out in the working world! definitely glad I took the time out too.
I also only applied to the 1 course I wanted as I didn't want to settle. It's very niche, autism research, and I knew I had the skills and experience to get in so didn't bother with any back ups!
Is your masters a 1 or 2 year course?
sending love from Scotland :)
Ruby tu es une femme incroyable et magique
Dans ma liste de rêve il y a celui de te rencontrer un jour si tu viens en France 🥰
Merci de nous partager ta vie merveilleuse
Hey Ruby :)
This video was very comforting to me. I am falling in love with someome at the moment and started a new job. Everything is very loud and chaotic and new. Your way of being reminded me to hold space for the academic, introverted, slow-living and nerdy parts of me :)
Thank you and I wisj you the best for your time at Oxford
✨So nice to have Oxford to look forward to Ruby. I think you should just upload once a week on the weekends and film a little here and there throughout the week. That way, you are able to focus on the academics during the school week. Cheers✨
Talking about parks to explore this autumn, I'd really recommend that you visit the Harcourt Arboretum. It's a little awkward to get to but it was so pretty last time I went in autumn. Don't forget to take your student ID too as it's free for Oxford students!
I’m not at uni or studying anymore but just wanted to say that I love your content and appreciate the effort you put into it :)
I loved this video. I really felt like we were old friends catching up or something, it was just really nice
Lovely video Ruby, just recently decided to withdrawal from doing Master year of my course and feel so much at ease. Good luck for your Master, looks like you will absolutely love it.
Youre so cute i feel like youre really living your dream
Funny you mention the flask of tea!! We weren't allowed to bring drinks into my college library, but I once snuck in a little flask whilst studying.... it didn't go well, I ended up spilling coffee all over the table! Had to frantically mop it up before the librarian discovered :D
i think one big issue with online aesthetics is that it fuels consumerism
I can’t wait for the Oxford’s videos 📚❤
You never know the limitations of the English Language until you start writing Love texts, several times a day, over a couple of years. Classification is a hard thing to discuss especially since it's a marketing tool. As a writer I feel free to add as many genres as I want when I am writing a story. I leave it up to the publisher to put it where it needs to go and for the reader to read the blurb on the back to figure out the genres. That is when my first book gets published. Best of luck with your Masters Ruby. Can't wait to follow you on your journey.
It would be a good idea for us to insert such quotes manually. And then send Ruby photos with our work, showing how much we reallg listen to her :)
@@ioanagrancea6091 I don't know if she has Twitter or not? I deleted mine long before I started following her. I'm in the midst of deactivating my last Social Media account atm so I have to leave my well wishes here. Everyone can always use a nice comment on a place like TH-cam!!!!!
Wifi thing.... i studied in such a college for 3 yrs where there was no phone no laptop no wifi nothing ....did bachelors
Q&A video!!! YAY!! So excited to watch this, Ruby! 🤭🫶
i CANNOT wait for your oxford vlogs
Ruby your channel is one of the most comforting places for me. Though our lives, life plans and such are different, you honestly encourage me to work harder for myself in any field. Thank you for sharing your life with us💖
Can't wait to know more about your book ❤
Standard unexplained and misleading Wittgenstein reference.
Go somewhere else and never come back
Is that you Liam?
happy autumn!! i can't wait for autumnal oxford content 🍂🍁
Where are those lovely bedsheets from?
Also, will there be a yearly planner this year too? I usually get that one 😊
Love watching your videos! I’m starting an MA in Creative Writing as well and I am nervous and excited, too! (Much more excited!)
Ah that’s so incredibly exciting! Good luck! X
Thankyou for your video today, Ruby. I certainly look forward to following you at Oxford. Wishing you every success.
Thank you so much! That’s so lovely of you x
U are so beautiful as a human thanks for existing Ruby😊
I always wanted to study creative writing at university, and hearing you talk about the books you're writing and hoping to publish makes me wish I'd just gone to uni to do it. I love how much you love writing and books! 💜
It’s never too late. I am doing my Masters at 39 😊
Hello, I asked this on a previous video, but it was from a long time ago - what pumpkin bread recipe did you use in you "Day in the Life of an Autumn Enthusiast"? It looked yummy, and you said it tasted great. (It was apparently from a TH-cam) TIA!
Ooh let me find it! www.wellplated.com/vegan-pumpkin-bread/#wprm-recipe-container-40173 it’s this one, but I use yoghurt instead of apple sauce :) x
@@RubyGranger8 Thank you so much!!
This was such a nice cosy video :) also, where is your jumper from? Xx
Came here to ask the same!
Make a vdo with marfa
I approve of your earl gray, I add a splash of vanilla extract though!
Ooh that’s a good idea!
Hi Ruby! I was wondering if you are knowledgeable about the literary works of Szymborska? I am currently about to start that topic in my high level English class in the IB. I was wondering if she is someone you would like to have tea with? If yes, then why? And if no, why not? . I hope you have time to answer this :-) you are probably very busy with your studies for Oxford! Hope you have a beautiful day
Do you have any videos on your writing processes/publishing? I wrote maybe 6 or 7 children's books over the summer and I wanna get them out there somehow, it'd be exciting to do while I'm still in school :)
Really appreciate you ruby, thank you for all the information. But could you make a seperate video on how to publish books, for new writers? ❤
I heard there is a case of sexual harassement at Oxford (if you know Kaelyn Grace Apple). I know it's a dream for many students to study there but girls, be careful about your environment and don't hesitate to ask for help or go to the authorities if anything happens to you.
You should read On Parchment by Bruce Holsinger if you're into the materiality of texts :) there's even a chapter on Shakespeare!
So excited about anything you are writing, be sure we all are and can't wait for you to publish anything ♥
@2:05 I think with a Master’s the courses are so specialised it’s okay to apply just to one course or uni. In the same way I only applied to one as well (one was all that was needed). 😊
Good luck with your Masters and I hope it’s everything you dreamed it to be!
You can bring tea !! 🎉 you just have to bring it in a bodlein keepcup😅
Ahh thank you for the tip! Do you have to get a specific one? That’s so funny!
I've only just started but I think the general consensus is that some libraries accept drinks in different flasks but not all. So I'd get a keepcup so you can have tea in all the libraries 😅
The way you talk about going back to “Academia” makes it sound like the name of a magical, enchanted kingdom, I love that!
Wow. You are really going to struggle entering the real word. The privilege here is just astounding.
She’s the real life Hermione Granger! ❤
I’m so impressed with what you have achieved and what your still achieving love you best in the world xxxx