Student profile

Name: Shannon
Subject: Economics and management
Hometown and region: Tavistock, Devon
Qualifications before university (A Levels, IB or equivalent): Psychology, Mathematics and Business Studies A Level

When I’m not working, I enjoy…

Exploring all the cute cafes of Oxford. Living so centrally for all 3 years is a very big bonus of Brasenose in terms of convenience to everything – lectures, shops, libraries. But this means there are so many lovely parts of Oxford which you may never come across. So I definitely try to make an effort to see the different areas, Jericho is lovely, North Parade has a very nice café!

What’s the best part of studying at Brasenose?

Not to sound cliché, but I could not choose the singular best part, but have narrowed it down to 3:
– The people at Brasenose are the best. The college very much lives up to the title “friendliest college”
– The library is so lovely. It is very light, has different sections, has a nice atmosphere. It definitely helped me choose to come to this college.
– Also, the social life within the college community. Some of the best include Prosecco and Pals, brunch at the weekend, lots of balls! And that is just a few!

Favourite spot in college?

Probably the benches in New Quad when it is sunny. You get arguably the best view of the Rad Cam in all of Oxford, the college looks very pretty in the sun (and rain), and you’re guaranteed to see someone you know who is passing through the quad, so can enjoy the very lovely views and chat with the very lovely people of Brasenose.

What’s your favourite aspect of your course?

My favourite part of Economics and Management is the diversity in subjects, for example during one of my second-year terms I chose to study Macroeconomics and Marketing. This meant each week I would have some mathematical and modelling problems, as you would expect in economics, but also readings for marketing, which are always very contemporary and relevant. Before coming to Oxford I thought I would prefer the more maths side of things, but now I really enjoy the management essays because it gives some creative freedom and allows you to explore quite broad topics whilst narrowing in on areas you are particularly interested in each week.

We also have access to the Saïd Business School as E&M students which means that we are a very sociable cohort, and mix between colleges a lot! Also, the lunch there is fabulous.

What would you tell someone thinking about applying?

Go for it! There is nothing to lose, and lots to gain – get to spend time thinking about your favourite subject and reading beyond your A Levels or other qualifications. When I began the application process, it definitely felt very daunting, but I think shifting the mindset to treating it as a learning opportunity is key. This allows your passion to shine through in the application process.

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

Curiosity. Being given 3 years to learn about your favourite subject, from some of the most established researchers in this field, surrounded by others who love your subject also is a very exciting opportunity, and I think curiosity allows you to get the most from this. Also, you get to effectively live with lots of other brilliant students who are all as passion about their own subjects, and so can learn from each other. This means that you will leave with lots of knowledge about your subject, but also about other areas, and other people, and this is very exciting for the future.