Degree
Mbiol Biology, with an integrated Masters.
Hometown
Winchester.
What do you enjoy the most about LMH?
LMH shaped my Oxford experience to be unforgettable, mostly due to its diversity and welcoming community compared to other colleges. Although many complain about its distance from city centre, this has been a blessing in disguise as it means everyone in college is more integrated across years and become more like a family than just students living together. Finally, the gardens - especially during Trinity term- are truly magical and allow for a range of activities such as volleyball and spikeball.
What has studying at Oxford been like so far?
Studying at Oxford is definitely difficult as expected, but the learning is worth the struggle as you get to be taught by and work with renowned professors from your field. Especially for Biology, having exams at the start of Trinity term means that you can then enjoy the rest of your term! Without sugar-coating, the level of workload is very different from other universities but its easier because of your friends are all in the same position and you can study together.
What do you enjoy most about your course?
I came into Oxford hating plants, but finished with a Masters in Plant Biology which I think is credited to the broad structure of my course that starts with overviews into all parts of Biology and opened my eyes into different topics I would enjoy. From then, being able to specialise into my own niche and interests from 2nd year was enjoyable and allowed me to focus on the modules that I knew I wanted to pursue. The biology department also runs seminars weekly which were nice to go to and gain extra knowledge from. Also in 1st year, we have a field trip with the whole year, which allowed us to integrate and become friends with our cohort in other colleges that other subjects don’t really get a chance to do.
What’s your best advice for a prospective applicant?
As a disadvantaged student from a state-school background, I was hesitant to choose Oxford even after my offer, out of fear that I would not “fit in” or be socially outcast. My first advice would be to take the risk regardless of your worries, as there are diverse groups of people for anyone to belong to. There are stereotypes of a “typical” Oxford student which are not realistic anymore, and as long as you are passionate and excited to learn, you will do just fine!