Student profile

Name: Bella
Subject: Modern languages
Hometown and region: Bolsover, North Derbyshire
Qualifications before university (A Levels, IB or equivalent): A Levels in German, History and English Literature

When I’m not working, I enjoy…

Mostly, I go for walks with friends, or we all go out to get food together and have a chat. Quizzes DTB (at the college bar) are another fun way to catch up with everyone at Brasenose. I’m also involved in student theatre and go to the occasional film screening or pottery society event. On a rainy day, it’s always good to have a wander around Oxford’s museums – there’s always something new to think about after a visit there.

What’s the best part of studying at Brasenose?

Brasenose genuinely is a college full of lovely and friendly people. Even people who you aren’t the closest with are so welcoming and little positive interactions with staff and other students throughout the day make Brasenose a great place to live. The Welfare team in particular work hard to make the college a place where everyone feels supported.

Favourite spot in college?

Our library is gorgeous. It’s really motivating to be in a nice environment like that whilst you work. On sunny days, sitting on the benches around the quads is also lovely. Brasenose is such a pretty college that it can be quite hard to pick a favourite spot.

What’s your favourite aspect of your course?

I really enjoy the literature element of my course. Studying books in a foreign language can feel quite daunting but I think it becomes exciting to think and read about them in more depth which makes tutorials, where your tutor helps you to think deeper or from a new perspective, really interesting. I do an ab initio (from scratch) language which can feel quite intense at times but it’s also really rewarding when you feel a brand-new topic starting to click.

What would you tell someone thinking about applying?

Try to find out as much about the course as you can before applying. Modern languages at Oxford are quite literature-heavy which might not be for everyone so definitely have a look at the course details and see if they match up with what you think you would be interested in. If possible, I think it’s also worthwhile to come to general open days or taster days for your subject, just to get a sense of being in Oxford. There are also lots of really good outreach and access programmes which I would recommend having a look at. Most of all, I would say not to let any stereotypes about the kind of people who go to Oxford stop you from applying. If you like the course, it’s worth applying just to see what happens – don’t let anyone make you feel like going to Oxford is something that you aren’t capable of.

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

Being curious. I think that anyone who is really interested in their subject and would be excited to talk to experts about it would be a good fit. Being a hard worker is a quality that is also important, but I think that a lot of that can be driven by genuine curiosity and enthusiasm for your subject.