Student profile

Name: Jiya
Subject: Biology
Hometown and region: Lewisham, Southeast London
Qualifications before university (A Levels, IB or equivalent): A levels (Biology, Chemistry and History)

When I’m not working, I enjoy…

A run in the beautiful green spaces of Oxford. Nothing beats a run along the canal for some fresh air, potentially stopping to adore the ducklings and cygnets!

I also love to paint and draw in my free time, sometimes for Brasenose’s arts magazine, NoseDive, sometimes just for fun with friends or sometimes at an Art Society event.

Any documentary is also high on my list for potential procrastination methods. I have many weird facts stored in my brain for a yet to be determined purpose.

When the weather is warm and even sometimes in the cold depths of Hilary, I venture for a wild swim. This time not getting too close to the ducklings and cygnets!! It’s one of my favourite things to do with friends, enjoying cookies and tea on the walk back to warm up.

What’s the best part of studying at Brasenose?

I know everyone at Brasenose says this, but honestly, how friendly everyone is. Whether I’m walking through college and stop for a chat, text someone for an impromptu meet up or see someone I know at a society event on the other side of town. It’s such a wholesome and loving community. As an introvert from London, the friendliness took some getting used to. But I am so glad I have!

Aside from the social aspect, Brasenose’s location is amazing. Right on the doorstep of the Rad Cam (or is the Rad Cam on our doorstep?). Prime spot for gorgeous pics, quick library trips and late night sweet-treat runs.

Favourite spot in college?

When it’s cold outside, my favourite spot is the library. Aside from being beautiful inside, I love seeing my friends around. Especially when I am cramming for an essay and need positive energy to bolster me through.

But Brasenose is best in the sunshine. Prime spot in summer has got to be a bench on New Quad. Perfectly positioned in the sun and with a view of the Rad Cam.

What’s your favourite aspect of your course?

My favourite thing about the biology course are the lecturers and tutors. I don’t know if this is just biologists, but they are so passionate about their research. Not only do I get to talk to these crazy smart people, but I get to have fun talking to them?? Whilst at times the course is challenging, tutorials remind me why I chose biology and why I want to continue doing so in my career.

Aside from this, the biology course has really cool fieldwork opportunities for aspiring ecologists. Since I read ‘Kensuke’s Kingdom’ by Michael Morpurgo, I have been obsessed with orangutans. Last year I got to see one in the wild whilst on a fieldtrip to Borneo. Every time I think about it, I get giddy!!

Oh, and an extra bonus is we sometimes have lectures in the Oxford Natural History Museum which is real “pinch me” moment because it is beautiful. Love a quick wander around the exhibits in between lectures.

What would you tell someone thinking about applying?

I would say go for it. You have nothing to lose and lots to gain. Even the interview is a unique experience. It doesn’t have to be a stressful experience so just enjoy it.

(I would also say apply to Brasenose because you have nothing to lose and tremendous amounts to gain).

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

I don’t think there is an archetypical Oxford student. A lot of students think they need to be a certain way to fit in here and thrive here. Living and studying at Oxford has really shown me how different everyone is from their hobbies, styles of working, experience levels and general outlook on life.

Although, I do think that when you get down to it everyone is a bit nerdy. No matter how cool someone seems they love a bit of coding or podcast-listening or book-reading. I feel like once a day I learn a strange fact from a friend about something they read about or heard in a lecture. They are genuinely excited about that new fact and the prospect of telling you said fact!

Maybe Oxford makes you nerdier because it’s full of so much old and new knowledge. The chicken or the egg, I don’t really know…