That does all sound miserable. I'm sorry to hear about your grandmother. And I completely understand your thoughts regarding nursing homes. Rob's grandmother died a few days ago, and while it is obviously very sad, particularly for Rob's dad, I can't help feeling like it's for the best - she'd been in a home for the last few years, declining in health, and it just seemed like such a miserable existence. (Not that all nursing homes are, of course - and maybe it wasn't for her, and I was just imposing my own feelings about what I would be like in the same situation.)

Your teacher sounds appalling - how infuriating. How on earth can she not have read the course requirements? That's awful.

Enjoy Oxford, and I hope things feel less grim.