Student profile

Name: Hannah
Subject: Biochemistry
Hometown and region: Sedgefield, County Durham
Qualifications before university (A Levels, IB or equivalent): A* Chemistry A level; A* Biology A level; A History A level

When I’m not working, I enjoy…

Reading and art. It’s always fun to draw something for Brasenose’s art magazine Nosedive! It’s also so lovely to chat to my friends about what they are reading and swap book recommendations.

What’s the best part of studying at Brasenose?

As cheesy as it sounds the people are the best part of studying at Brasenose, everyone is so friendly and there’s always someone to stop and chat to whilst you’re procrastinating from your work.

Favourite spot in college?

My favourite spot in college is probably the college library it’s a great place to get work done especially if I’ve left it to the last minute! I find it really helpful to be around other people when I’m studying to help keep me motivated and focused.

What’s your favourite aspect of your course?

My favourite aspect of my course is probably its interdisciplinary nature. I really enjoyed A level Chemistry and Biology, and I feel that my course takes my favourite parts from both and expands on them. I also was able to do a bit of Maths and Physics in my first year which I probably wouldn’t have ran into otherwise.

What would you tell someone thinking about applying?

I’d tell those thinking about applying to go for it and remember that there are four other universities that they’ll apply to. Never be put off from applying because you’re afraid of being rejected even if that is the outcome you won’t know if you didn’t try and being rejected is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about. Oxford is by no means the end all and be all of intelligence.

A quality you think is important for someone looking to study at Oxford?

You’ll hear this loads but having a genuine interest in your subject is so important and a key thing that admissions look for. A desire to learn more about your subject outside the scope of your A level or equivalent classes is key whether this be through podcasts, books or YouTube videos.