Arriving at College on the first day of Freshers' week has the potential to be a daunting and nerve wracking experience. However, this was to be the first of many experiences which opened my eyes to the friendly and welcoming atmosphere of Brasenose. Having already had contact with my College mum (Brasenose students all get at least two "College Parents", who are second year students assigned to each fresher to offer help, advice and a friendly face), she was there to greet me at the door and help with the task of lugging all my over-packed suitcases to what seemed like the furthest away room in College. Throughout the week the student helpers were consistently active in making sure everything ran smoothly and there were a vast array of activities put on ranging from ice skating to cocktail parties.
The fun of Freshers' had to end at some point and soon we were all working hard producing essays and attending lectures and tutorials. One of the best things about Brasenose is that its location means that nothing is too far away, so the alarm clock doesn't have to be set as early! We are lucky to have facilities like the Bodleian Library and Radcliffe Camera on our doorstep, along with our very own Library within the College.
There were still many events put on throughout the term including welfare teas, BOPs and sporting events where we could show our allegiance to Brasenose. The family system is an integral part of Brasenose which allows us to bond with the older years, especially those doing our subjects. Family dinners in the Hall were the perfect opportunity to get to know our college parents and siblings, along with introducing our new 'spouses' to the family.
We ended the term getting in the Christmas spirit early, with Oxmas celebrations starting on 25th November. We enjoyed a Christmas Party at the cafe Freud, organised by our “Entz” reps, which included a performance by the jazz band the Donut Kings followed by music from our resident DJ. The term ended with the annual pantomime which adapted the traditional Nativity using stories from College life, its staff and students.
It was 8th week before we knew it, meaning that the majority of students were soon packing up their rooms to return home for Christmas. However, around 40 of us stayed for an extra week to help with the interview process for the next generation of students. Although I have only been at Brasenose for a term, I am already confident that the next three years will be an amazing experience with lots of memories to look back on. I can't wait to return in January to carry on with this journey.
By Lydia Hickman (First Year Experimental Psychology Student)