Student profile

Name: Hannah
Subject: Biology
Hometown and region: Hayling Island, Hampshire
Qualifications before university (A Levels, IB or equivalent): A Level English, Biology, Chemistry

When I’m not working, I enjoy…

Being in Oxford of course! No seriously I love being in such a busy and diverse city coming from a small town on the south coast where nothing much happens, getting to go to University in such a beautiful city and spend time some of my closest friend is amazing. I also enjoy crocheting and doing craft when I get a free moment as well as playing wheelchair rugby and basketball. Before coming to Oxford, I was really involved in music and so have continued that here at BNC being involved in the Chapel Choir as a choral scholar and I’ve also recently got involved with the OU Ceilidh band.

What do you think is the most important aspect when picking a college?

I think picking a college can be really overwhelming especially on open days when you’re visiting and all the colleges sort of blur into one. For me, the most important aspect was the ‘vibe’ which I admit is quite a hard thing to pin down. This sort of applies to any university but I wanted to live and study in a place that I could see myself living in and Brasenose fulfilled that for me. As well as looking like what I’d imagined an Oxford college to be, when I visited Brasenose, greeted by our lovely porters and open day helpers, I felt immediately at ease and could see myself enjoying my time here which has definitely been true.

What’s the best part of studying at Brasenose?

Hard question because there are so many good things but I think the location is definitely a positive. I was told when I arrived that anything longer than a 5 minute in Oxford feels like it’s very far away and that couldn’t more true!! Being in the centre of town means that everything from lectures and labs to the shops and the clubs aren’t far away. The people are also so lovely – because Brasenose is a relatively small college everyone gets to know each other really quickly especially as a fresher when you are all living in college. There are lots of opportunity to get to know to people in all years whether that’s through being a part of the JCR committee or getting involved with the events run by students during term time . BNC college families also tend to be very close which makes freshers week slightly less scary when you have some familiar faces in the older years.

Favourite spot in college?

Probably the dining hall. It’s where I got to know my best friends and I feel like is what Oxford is all about, eating surrounded portraits (some famous) and feeling like you could be in a movie. We also have all our formals in hall so it has been the location of some great evenings and is always a place of chatter and importantly good food. A close second is the library, classic Oxford student answer, but it always feels cosy and has served me well in essay cramming or just some high-level quality procrastination when deadlines are looming.

What’s your favourite aspect of your course?

My favourite aspect of biology is how broad the course is. When I was picking what degree I wanted to do, I was scared about limiting my options too soon and then regretting my decisions but here there’s a lot of scope especially in 1st Year to explore all aspects of Biology before you start to narrow down. Aside from the biological teaching, the course also equips you with lots of other skills that you can implement outside of the degree such as debating, computer programming and presentation skills My other favourite aspect is the lectures, I must admit not the actual content (whilst always interesting it can get slightly draining after a long day) but the lecturers, one in particular would wear a different t shirt for each lecture linking to what he was going to speak about – I don’t think I have ever been more excited to go to lecture just to find out what the design of the top would be.

What would you tell someone thinking about applying?

I would say just do it! Unlike some people who have had their heart set on it since a young age, Oxbridge had never been on my radar until the end of Year 12 as I didn’t think I’d get in or that I would enjoy being surrounded by the stereotypical slightly stuck up Oxford student who were nothing like me (I can confirm that preconception was totally wrong especially at BNC everyone is so lovely and totally down to earth). My mind goes to phrase you miss every chance you don’t take so if you’re even considering it its worth putting in an application you don’t know what could happen or where it will take you (cringy but true!). Ultimately, the admissions process is to give you a taste of studying here so if you’re already enjoying that so far you’ll probably thrive here.

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

I think there are two important qualities: humility and curiosity. Humility is key because studying at Oxford is often about learning from being wrong and being okay with that! The tutorial system teaches you how to work with and refine your ideas, be open to change, and absorb new information. Everyone I’ve met here is humble in their intelligence, and I think that not only makes for a lovely person but also fosters flexible thinking and collaborative work. The second quality is curiosity. One of the most daunting parts of applying to Oxford is the interview process, and I think that puts a lot of people off. But if you’re curious and eager to learn about your subject, the interview will be a lot more enjoyable, and studying at Oxford will be incredibly rewarding. The tutors and lecturers are so passionate about their subjects, and if you come with a genuine desire to learn, you’ll get so much out of your time here.