Degree
Biochemistry
Hometown
Ipswich
What do you enjoy the most about LMH?
The gardens and location! I go for many, many walks in our lovely gardens and grounds, but also in the neighbouring University ‘Uni’ parks and nearby local roads. I also really like being a little way out of the city centre compared to many other colleges. Personally, I find this makes college and the surrounding area a really lovely retreat away from some of the busier touristy areas of Oxford, whilst also being a short walk or cycle away from everything you need (Tesco!). It takes me around 10 minutes to walk across the beautiful University parks to get to lectures in buildings in the science area, this is similar for many other courses. Most of the city centre can be walked to in less than 30mins, less by bike.
What has studying at Oxford been like so far?
Hard work but very worth it! Academically, it has definitely been a step up and challenging at times, but so fun and completely worth it! Outside of academics, I have had opportunities to see and try many new things, for me this has included rowing: not at all something that I had ever done or had had the opportunity to do before, but a quintessentially slightly weird Oxford thing (we have races where we try and somewhat crash into each other!)... definitely well worth having a go at least once!
What do you enjoy most about your course?
Biochemistry at Oxford is very broad in first year, which is certainly a challenge, but it is one I really enjoy. We have 5 papers encompassing some maths and statistics to molecular biochemistry and genetics, organic chemistry, and everything in between. Studying this breadth of content all in a biochemical context is really fascinating and one of the major things that attracted me to Oxford’s course.
I also really love practicals. These have been completely different from anything I had experienced at school/A-level. This year we have had the opportunity to use brand new teaching labs in the LaMB (Life and Mind Building) on a weekly basis. Practicals have tended to last several hours/ most of the day, with a write up to complete afterwards. They have included techniques such as centrifugation, pipetting and culturing bacteria.
What’s your best advice for a prospective applicant?
Back yourself and apply even if it's really scary and out of your comfort zone! Remember, not applying has a 0% acceptance rate; there really is not a lot to lose!