Hometown & Region: Birmingham, Midlands
Degree: Economics and Management
A levels: Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Economics, Physics
Year of study: Third Year
When I’m not working I’m…
- Watching films (at the cinema/film society/in college)
- Playing sport (cricket in the summer, squash in the winter, room cricket all year round)
- Running
- Hanging out with friends
- Going to pubs
- Checking Cricinfo
What made you choose to study at Brasenose and/or Oxford?
For both of these, the course was hugely important, and then the Open Day helped to make my decision. Economics was what I was interested in at school, and Oxford is one of the top places to do it in the country. This reputation, as well as all the great things I had heard about the university (friends who had been there, teachers), drew me towards Oxford and made me think I’d like to challenge myself in such an environment.
The Open Day confirmed that I would also enjoy living in Oxford as a student. It’s an important consideration, as your choice of university won’t just determine where you study, but also where you live. The University is right in the middle of the city, and there’s so much more to do aside from just study – a thriving city made me think (correctly) that the social environment was great.
I chose Brasenose because I loved it at the Open Day, and it was also really good for my course, in that it takes lots of students each year. There’s such a friendly environment, and there seemed like there was always something to do. Combined with a central location, it seemed the ideal place to apply.
Is life in Oxford different to what you expected it to be?
I think it was lucky that I didn’t come to Oxford with any specific expectations; I just wanted to experience what it would be like to be a student at such a prestigious university. Life here is incredibly intense, but in a good way – you’re always busy with either work or socialising, and I can’t imagine anything else now. There’s always something that you can do, but with such a wide range of options, from sports to pubs to clubs, there’s no chance of getting bored. Even with so much going on, everyone has a chance to find what they really like though – for me it’s films; there are two smaller independent cinemas here showing a wider range of films in a completely different surrounding to the big multiplexes, and the film society is great. The work is certainly hectic, and this takes time to get used to, but everyone needs a way to relax, and life in Oxford certainly accommodates for this.
What do you like most about studying in Brasenose?
The college atmosphere, and always being surrounded by friendly faces! Brasenose is such a wonderful place to be, and it’s because of the people here. You get to know everyone in your year really quickly, because you’re practically living with them, but you also get to know the other year groups through common room events, sports, and being in the same college. Someone will always be there for you, whether you’re feeling a bit upset, or you just want to go grab a drink. Living alongside your friends in such a lovely environment greatly enhances the university experience.
A quality you think is important for someone looking to study at Oxford?
Enthusiasm! Firstly for the subject you’re studying, as this will be the best way to make the most of the teaching that Oxford offers. It’ll also mean you don’t find all the work that gets set to be too stressful, and you’ll even relish it. A general enthusiasm will also help you outside of study – you’ll find what you enjoy and maybe even find new things to try – make the most of university whilst you can!
What are the perks of your degree?
Economics and Management offers a wide range of topics to study, due to the dual nature of the degree. The first year course is fixed, but after that, you get to choose 5 out of 8 modules, so you get to tailor the degree according to what you enjoy. If you enjoy the mathematical side of Economics, there will be options to cater for this, or if you prefer the essay writing topics mainly found in Management, these are also available. You have a lot of choice, and a lot of the work requires independent study, which I really enjoy as I get to work on my own schedule. This is a big change from school, and one that I have gotten used to and now look forward to.