Clinton's daughter 'to study at Oxford'

Chelsea could be following in her father's footsteps

In this story: Famous alumni 'Chelsea would love Oxford' Tuition fees and living expenses met RELATED STORIES, SITES

OXFORD, England (CNN) -- U.S. President Bill Clinton's daughter Chelsea is planning to follow in her father's academic footsteps by becoming a student at Oxford University, according to CNN's Larry King.

Writing in his USA Today column, the television interviewer said she told him she hoped to go to Oxford "in fall 2001," and was interested in a postgraduate course in "politics, government and history."

A spokeswoman for Oxford University said on Tuesday she did not know whether the president's only child had made an application, but added that if she did it would probably be as part of the Rhodes Scholarship scheme.

President Clinton spent two academic years at Oxford's University College as a Rhodes Scholar from 1968 to 1970 where he studied government.

However, he also admitted that during his time in the city he smoked marijuana, although he famously insisted that he "didn't inhale."

He returned to the city in 1994 to receive an honorary degree from Lord Jenkins of Hillhead, chancellor of the university.

Chelsea, 20, is currently studying history at Stanford University in California where she is due to graduate next spring.

If she applies and is selected for Oxford, she would not cause as much a stir as many would think, as the university's colleges are no stranger to the offspring of the rich and famous.

Lord Frederick Windsor, son of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, has recently been studying classics at Magdalen College, while Tom Parker-Bowles, son of Prince Charles's friend, Camilla Parker-Bowles, is a former student.

One thing a president's daughter would have to cope with is the hectic social life -- and she would be very much in demand, according to Emily Hardiment, a 23-year-old Wolfson College student.

"Oxford has an awful lot of societies. There are many drinks parties and dinner parties," said Emily, who is studying Russian.

Matthew Rodgers, also 23, a biology student at Magdalen College, said: "I am sure the male undergraduates particularly would welcome her."

At the famous Oxford Union debating society, where, as a student, Bill Clinton spoke on several occasions, news of his daughter's possible arrival in the city was described as "very exciting."

Richard Silcock, the Union president, said: "I think Chelsea Clinton would love Oxford. She would have a very enjoyable time in what is a diverse city."

Amy Harland, 21, a member of the union and a politics, philosophy and economics student at Trinity College, said: "It would be very exciting if she came here, although I don't think she would be very impressed by the Oxford nightlife -- it's very quiet."

Rumours of his daughter's possible move to Oxford come in the wake of speculation that Clinton, who leaves office in January next year, is planning to move to Britain -- speculation fuelled by Oxford University.

Responding to claims, earlier this year, that Clinton may return to the university to teach and was interested in moving to Glympton, near Oxford, the university said that it was looking forward to "the opportunity to build on our existing relationship with President Clinton."

Rhodes Scholarships were established in 1902 by British financier Cecil Rhodes who hoped that by bringing students from different countries to study at Oxford they might promote international unity, particularly among English-speaking nations.

The first Rhodes Scholars began their fellowships in 1903 and each year about 230 students attend Oxford -- 32 from the U.S. -- where they receive a grant covering tuition fees and living expenses for two years, with the possibility of renewal for a third year.

American candidates must be unmarried U.S. citizens with at least five years of residence in the U.S. and must be 18 to 24 years old on October 1 of the year of application.

Would-be Rhodes Scholars hoping to join the university in October 2001 will be elected in December 2000.

Chelsea Clinton joins campaign trail
June 26, 2000
Chelsea Clinton leaves the nest
September 19, 1997

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