History - Bethan Rodden

Bethan Rodden 694x1024Hometown & Region: East London

Degree: Ancient and Modern History

A levels: History, Classical Civilisation and Economics

When I’m not working I’m…

..Mainly involved with access schemes. I have been out to schools to give assemblies on university life and how to apply and give tours round Oxford. Outside of this, I love YouTube, MMA and am a bit of a film nerd!

What made you choose to study at Brasenose and/or Oxford?

I had no idea what college I wanted to apply to or what the differences were between them when I was deciding on my university applications so I came to an Open Day to have a look around. On the Open Day in September I visited several colleges that offered my course and chose Brasenose because everybody seemed really friendly and there seemed to be a real mix of people. I think when deciding, the best advice I can give is to go to university open days – they are all very different and you soon get a feel for which ones you like and can imagine yourself studying at.

Is life in Oxford different to what you expected it to be?

There are definitely a wider range of backgrounds than I had expected. There are international students from a huge variety of countries and people from lots of different regions of the UK.

What do you like most about studying in Brasenose?

The central location means I’ve never had to use public transport or walk for more than 5-10 minutes to get anywhere which has been really nice (and allowed lie-ins before lectures!). I also love the sense of community there is here. I can confidently say that I know everyone here – students of every year and subject, tutors who do not even teach me, the porters, the kitchen staff etc. It is a really friendly place to be!

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

I would say the most important thing is being passionate about your subject. When choosing a university I would advise choosing your course first then your university rather than the other way round. Choosing a subject you love makes it easier to motivate yourself to put the work in.

What are the perks of your degree?

Doing a joint honours degree meant that I got to go to double the subject dinners and drinks and society events, got to be a part of two different communities and also meet other Ancient and Modern Historians throughout the university!