Matriculation Saturday at Oxford

Today was by far the most quintessential Oxford day thus far (and maybe ever.) Today was matriculation, meaning that the 'freshers' were officially admitted to the university by way of a couple hundred white bow ties and a Latin blessing. I thought a photographic diary would serve the day best.

We were required to gather in the hall by 8am, all dressed in what is known as 'sub fusc,' Oxford's formal dress.



These are mostly graduate men in Magdalen.



Here Catherine and Sian are walking with our college into the courtyard of the Sheldonian Theatre, the formal hall where we also graduate. It's quite posh inside.



Following the ceremony, we retreated to Magdalen for a champagne brunch on the New Building Lawn. However, we are strictly forbidden to actually walk on the lawn, so we brunched on the New Building footpath.



Dave wore blue socks.



After the brunch and before the traditional trip to The Turf, a group of 15 graduate students climbed the Magdalen tower. It opened up the most fantastic views of Oxford. By around 11am, the morning fog and mist was burning off, creating a really magical scene. Here I am, in my sub fusc glory. The gown is really the most awkward piece of my wardrobe, but we do actually wear them quite often (to formal dinners, chapel and fancy meetings.)