Entertainment
Emma Watson Rows on Thames as She Pursues Academic Goals

Oxford, England – Emma Watson, known for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series, is making headlines not just for her past acting but for her new academic pursuits. Since beginning her studies at Oxford University in 2023, Watson is reportedly working towards a master’s degree in creative writing and a DPhil.
Recently, she was seen competing as a coxswain on the New College women’s third team during the Oxford University Summer Eights rowing regatta along the Thames River. In a video shared on TikTok, a fellow competitor noted, “You have to be very confident if you’re a coxswain, you have to be very loud, and you have to be very smart.” The commentator added that Watson embodies all of these traits.
Watson’s time at Oxford has coincided with a break from Hollywood. In a recent interview, she expressed how turning 30 prompted her to step back from acting. “Going into my 30s, I was in this moment of real change and [thinking], ‘What is going on?’” she said. She credited a friend who explained that she was experiencing a “Saturn return,” a time of significant change.
The actress, who previously graduated from Brown University in 2014 with a degree in English literature, has focused on her education rather than the screen. “Because I’m in a career that moves very quickly, the decision to take time to do these things felt like a very big decision,” she explained, reflecting on her transition.
While Watson has largely stepped away from acting, she was recently spotted at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, marking her return to the event after 12 years. Her last appearance was in 2013 for the film The Bling Ring. “I’m so glad that I allowed things to be messy for a minute,” she remarked in a December 2023 interview.
Watson continues to embrace both her academic and athletic endeavors, revealing a new chapter in her life focused on self-discovery and personal growth.