Hometown & Region: Watford, Hertfordshire
Degree: Geography
A levels: Geography, Economics, Maths, Dance (AS), Physics (AS)
Year of study: Third Year
When I’m not working I’m…
...Playing football for Brasenose, travelling the country ballroom dancing for the university, helping out with some local environmental charities at the Oxford Hub, hitting up Oxford’s finest nightclubs as both a DJ and a punter, punting.
What made you choose to study at Brasenose and/or Oxford?
I chose Oxford as it is a city as well as a university, and there is so much to do here. As well as the city, the course was a key factor for me - the geography courses at different unis vary massively, and I really like the Oxford one compared to other places.
I chose Brasenose as it is cheap and central, and you don't have to move out during an undergraduate degree.
Is life in Oxford different to what you expected it to be?
I was really worried about coming to Oxford as I came from a state comprehensive school and I thought it would be full of people who didn't have the same interests as me, but the moment I arrived I felt welcome, and the fact that we all came from different backgrounds made no impact on the friendships I have. There are more student societies at Oxford than at any other uni in this country, so you are always going to find some people who share your interests.
The work is tough, which I did expect, but it is manageable, which was a fear. My tutors have always helped me out when I need it, which makes the heavier workload easier to tackle. The friendly relationship with my tutors is something that I didn't expect, but now really value.
What do you like most about studying in Brasenose?
The best thing about studying at Brasenose is that the community feel of the college gives you a strong base which you know you can rely on your whole time at Oxford. The college is certainly the friendliest in Oxford, and it makes a big difference to your wellbeing. The travel grants and bursaries are also really good, making an interesting and varied university experience possible for everyone, regardless of background.
A quality you think is important for someone looking to study at Oxford?
I really love my subject, and I could imagine this place being a lot more difficult for someone who doesn't really like their degree. A passion for your subject will keep you motivated and keep you wanting to learn. It doesn't matter what degree you do, this passion is probably worth more than the degree itself!
What are the perks of your degree?
Geographers are fortunate in that we get to go on fieldtrips, my favourite being to Copenhagen. It was an absolute laugh to hang out in Denmark for a week with 40 other geographers. We hit it hard. But it was cold. You win some, you lose some. I also love the fact you have 1 on 1 tutorials with a person who is the world expert on something. To be able to learn from the people who write the textbooks and are the ones on the TV when they interview an ‘expert’ is quite cool. Also, geographers are jokes. By far the most fun group of people ever. Brasenose is also a fun group. Essentially, I would sum up my time here as ‘fun’ (which is probably not what I thought it would be like before I came here).