Chemistry - Aedin Watts

Aedin Watts 680x1024Hometown & Region: Stretford, Manchester

Degree: Chemistry

A levels: Chemistry, Biology, Maths and English lit

Year of study: Fourth Year

When I’m not working I’m…

...Keeping busy. Fourth year chemists work in a lab 9-5, kind of like a job, so generally I have evenings and weekends free. I started rowing for college last year, which takes up a fair amount of time! I recently started going to Zumba classes. I tend to go out a couple of times a week.

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

I can't really explain why I chose Oxford over Cambridge, having not visited either before applying. I'd heard that Oxford was the bigger city and coming from Manchester that was important to me. To decide which college to apply to I crossed out the ones furthest out of town, the very small and very big ones and started to do some research on the rest. From the prospectus Brasenose seemed a fun, friendly place- turns out I made a good choice!

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

The thing I worried about most before arriving was that everyone would be very geeky and quiet, but that's not the case at all. I thought I'd be much more jealous of my friends at other unis but I've enjoyed Oxford so much.

What do you like most about studying in Brasenose?

Brasenose is so central, everything I need is within a 10 minute walk!

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

There isn't a 'typical oxford student'. I can't think of any personality traits that are consistent across everyone!

What are the perks of your degree?

Chemistry is a very structured degree with lots of face-to-face teaching time which really suits my way of learning.  It's also really varied, with both maths and wordy elements. Job prospects for chemistry graduates are really good.