Hometown & Region: Camberley, Surrey
Degree: Mathematics
A levels: Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Chemistry
When I’m not working I’m…
Getting involved! Last term I performed in Drama Cuppers, a university-wide competition just for fresher’s in which each college writes and then performs their own play. Next term I will be performing in Much Ado About Nothing during Brasenose Arts Week, a weeklong arts festival that the college hosts in Trinity. Initially, I gave rowing a go and rowed in one of the novice boats for Christ Church Regatta – the early mornings weren’t for me, although I’d recommend everyone give it a go! I also find time to go out clubbing twice a week just to relax and enjoy myself.
What made you choose to study at Brasenose and/or Oxford?
I chose Oxford because it’s the best place in the world for my course! The chance to get taught by world-leading academics in your subject through the intimate tutorial system was too good an opportunity for me not to apply. I chose Brasenose mainly because of the atmosphere when I came here on the Open Day; I just liked the ‘feel’ of the college. It seemed a very friendly and welcoming place to spend 4 years of my life! Also, the central location and the guarantee of accommodation for your entire course was a bonus.
Is life in Oxford different to what you expected it to be?
Probably more work and more fun than I expected! Initially, it was a bit of a shock the amount of time that you need to spend working towards your degree. However, you fit into a pattern quite quickly and soon you realise that it’s easily manageable alongside anything else you want to get involved in. People also go out a lot more than I expected – the image of Oxford students locked away in the library is a complete myth and most people take advantage of the large amount of opportunities on offer. There are so many different societies and events to get involved in, catering for all different interests – this gives you plenty of opportunity to enjoy yourself.
What do you like most about studying in Brasenose?
Definitely the people. It’s such a great community in which everyone knows everyone and there’s always someone to talk to. Within weeks of you starting you get to know the majority of the people in your year and make some great friends who become central to your life in college. People are always willing to get involved – whether it be in JCR meetings or helping out with tours of the college, which contributes to a really friendly and enjoyable atmosphere.
A quality you think is important for someone looking to study at Oxford?
Passion for your subject. You spend a substantial amount of your time in Oxford on your degree so if you genuinely enjoy it then it makes life a lot easier! The highly personalised tutorial system allows you to study your subject in depth and so you will definitely get a lot more out of this if you have a real interest in what you’re learning about.
What are the perks of your degree?
The maths department building is definitely one of the perks of doing my degree. It’s the newest department building in the university (it opened this year) and is a great place to go to lectures or to study away from college without any distractions. Its café is also one of the best-kept secrets in Oxford! The degree itself is very rewarding – it can be challenging at times and it definitely stretches you academically but in the end it is immensely satisfying when you’ve finished a problem sheet that you’ve been stuck on for days or when you’ve made a break-through on a tough question in an exam. It really is a great experience.