Kim Mai Nguyen

2nd year, Law

I was initially extremely apprehensive about the prospect of applying to Oxford and thought my chances of getting a place were slim. Coming from an area where not many young people progress to higher education and my parents having not gone to university themselves, I had the perception that I wasn’t the conventional ‘Oxford type’. Fortunately, I was persuaded by my teachers to apply and after going on an open day to Univ, I was struck by the friendliness of everyone I had met.

I chose to study Law because I wanted to study a subject which was thought-provoking and academically challenging whilst also wholly relevant in the real world. I felt that it would inform my understanding of how society functions whilst making best use of the skills I had gained from my chosen A Level subjects.

It is fair to say that Law is an extremely challenging subject and the one major difference in my transition from A Levels to university is the independent nature of the work. However, the tutorial system in Oxford, whereby you are taught in groups of two or three, really helps you to explore the core issues and consolidate your learning. The style of the tutorial may differ yet one thing they have in common is the feeling that you are gaining a true insight into the subject from those at the top of their field.

In the first two terms, we study Criminal, Roman and Constitutional Law which are examined in the second term. This means that you get to enjoy the sun in the summer term – much to the contempt of other subjects who have to revise! The tutors are all very approachable and the College is renowned for the quality of legal teaching. In addition to tutorials, there are classes for a wider group discussion and lectures at the Law Faculty, a ten minute walk from the college. Lawyers also have the privilege of a separate Law Library within college which provides the majority of resources that you’ll need during your degree but more importantly, it creates a real feeling of community amongst those studying Law.

Law, however, is not all hard work! We have the privilege of being an automatic member of the Eldon Society, one of the best subject societies in the College (and arguably the university!). I am on currently on the committee and on top of the many career events, we also organise lots of social events during the year such as drinks, a Christmas party and meals out. These are always great fun and something that everyone really looks forward to. There is also time to participate in lots of other activities and Univ offers a plethora of options, whatever your interests. If this isn’t the case, why not set up your own society? On a wider scale, the University also has a vast amount on offer to satisfy the obscurest of inclinations.

I really can’t recommend my time at Univ enough and can’t believe that I was nearly deterred from applying. This is especially so as I now know that the stories I had heard are far from true. The College offers some of the best bursaries in the country and this demonstrates that they are committed to encouraging students to apply whatever their background. The diversity within the College is what makes the experience so special and studying at Univ really does offer some truly unique opportunities.