Meet our students

From 10am to 5pm there will be a friendly group of current Univ undergraduates to welcome you, tell you about student life, share their experiences of applying to Oxford, and answer your questions. The undergraduates will be taking visitors on tours of the College at regular intervals throughout the day – there’s no need to book, just turn up and let us know you’d like to have a tour. Get a peek inside a range of our student accommodation; see the dining hall, library, common room and more.

Meet our Tutors

As well as meeting our students, we aim to offer the opportunity for visitors to meet a subject representative alongside other prospective applicants. It’s the perfect opportunity to ask questions and find out more details about the course in an informal setting. There is no need to book a place for these sessions, but tutors will be available at different times throughout the middle of the day period (12.15-2.15pm). Further details of subject meetings will be available nearer the time.

Talks and workshops

There will be a series of talks and workshops on offer to prospective applicants, parents and teachers during the afternoon. Interested visitors should come to the College “Welcome Desk” to be taken to the appropriate rooms. The talks ran in 2019 were:

• 2.30- 3.15pm – “Making a Competitive Application, and Q&A”, with Dr Andrew Bell, Univ’s Senior Tutor
• 2.30-3.15pm – “Teachers talk”, with Bruce Forman, Univ’s Admissions Manager
• 3.15-4.00pm – “Exploring Beyond the School Syllabus” – with Nelli Chamings-Manley, Univ’s Schools Liaison and Access Officer. This workshop gave prospective applicants a wide range of ideas for how they could stretch themselves beyond the school curriculum in preparation for a university application

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Check out our FAQs below for further information or contact The Schools Liaison and Access Officer, Nelli Chamings-Manley T: 01865 286565 E:  access@univ.ox.ac.uk

We would also encourage all prospective students to sign up to Univ’s social media channels. Both Facebook and Twitter provide regular information about College and the wider Oxford student experience, a range of videos on all aspects of life at Univ can be found on our YouTube channel and we also post regularly to Instagram.

Please do also explore the rest of our website which includes information on our History and College Buildings, Course at Univ, a list of our Academics and a great deal more about both learning and living at Univ.

For our Open Days in 2019, our Student Helpers were:

Riley – 2nd Year PPE

My name is Riley, I’m just going into second year studying Philosophy, Politics and Economics. I love studying Political Theory, especially Rousseau. During my time at Univ so far, I have tried my best at playing football now and again (it’s the taking part that counts), and I have also co-founded a football podcast series, which has been rejected by 100% of the radio stations we have applied to appear on (again, it’s the taking part that counts).

 

Memoona – 2nd year Experimental Psychology

Hi! My name is Memoona, and I’m about to go into my second year studying Experimental Psychology at Univ! I’m originally from Karachi, Pakistan, but I grew up in South West England. I chose psychology because of my interest in working with children who have special educational needs! In my spare time, I enjoy punting on the river, creative writing, and anything musical. I’d love to tell you about my experience at Univ, so do come and say hi and ask me any questions at all!

 

Bridget – 2nd year Biomed

Hi, my name is Bridget and I’m soon to be a second year student here studying biomedical sciences, with an interest in neuroscience. In the year I’ve been here I’ve learned and experienced a lot, not only about my subject but about the college and living in oxford, so feel free to ask me any questions. I have also danced at balls, tried rugby and rowing and am on the university cheerleading team so can also answer questions you have about sports and societies.

 

Daniel – 4th year Physics

Hi! I’m Daniel. I’m going into my final year studying physics here at Univ. I’m particularly interested in the more theoretical aspects of the course, and will hopefully continue studying physics at the postgraduate level! In my free time, I enjoy squash games in the court we have in college, drinking tea at tea soc and playing borderline obsessive amounts of Mario Kart.

 

Connie – 2nd year PPE

Hi everyone, my name is Connie and I am about to go into my second year of PPE here at Univ. This stands for Philosophy, Politics and Economics and I have enjoyed studying all 3 of those areas this past year even though my main interests are politics and economics. Outside of my degree, I love going to extra talks and seminars to do with my subject, there is always something on here – whether it be organised by a particular tutor, department or college. I also enjoy playing college sports, mainly rugby and football, as well as some casual sports outside of college. This is not only to keep me fit but also for the social side – I was Univ WRFC social sec in HT19 and I am currently my 5 a side team’s social sec.

Alex – 4th year Law with French Law

I am Alex Holmberg, born in Finland and living in the Netherlands, and I am fourth-year Law with French Law student. Last year, as part of this degree, I studied French Private Law in Paris which was marvellous. My favourite subjects are Jurisprudence, Roman Law, Taxation, and Trusts. In my spare time I like to hang out in Oxford’s many parks, play football for Univ, and simply listen to music. Also, I live for coffee dates with friends.

 

Rob – 4th year Physics

Hi! I’m Rob, and I’m going into my final year studying physics here at Univ!
Outside of my degree, I enjoy reading, playing the piano, knitting, and cycling. (Though of course, physics is my main hobby!)
Come and say hello if you’d like a tour and/or a chat about the physics course, and hear why I think Univ is the best Oxford College for physics!

 

Alysa – 3rd year Mathematics

Hi! I’m Alysa – I’m a 3rd year studying maths at Univ. I’m also in the college choir, I used to do Karate and I have participated in some programmes through the Careers Service so please ask any questions about maths/ extracurricular opportunities at Oxford (and I will try my best to answer them !) Hope you have a lovely day

 

Ethan – 2nd year History

Hi I’m Ethan and I’ve just finished my first year here at univ studying history. Univ and Oxford is a great place to study history or study whatever subject your passionate about. I’m also very much much involeved in college life being a member of the rugby, football and rounders teams and hope to show you today why studying and living at univ is a fantastic experience for all.

 

Heba – 3rd year Law

Hello! My name is Heba and I am soon to be a third year studying Law. Last year I was the JCR President, which means I oversee all of the Undergraduates of the college and I do things like organise Welcome Week for the freshers when they first arrive. I also love exploring the different libraries in Oxford as we have some beautiful architecture here.

 

Ruqayah – 3rd year Law

Hi! My name is Ruqayah and I’m a Law undergraduate at Univ. I received an offer from Univ via our Opportunity Scheme. In my spare time, I involve myself in the JCR (I’m our Women’s Rep) and also run a student-led magazine I started at Univ called ‘Roots and their Branches’. Each issue of the magazine has an eclectic range of work from Univites and we work to publish two issues a year!

 

Katie L – 2nd year Experimental Psychology

Hi and welcome to Univ! I’m Katie, a second-year student studying Experimental Psychology and I’m from North Yorkshire. At uni I’m involved in lots of extracurriculars; one of these is being a Univ ambassador which involves helping at events like this one! I love sports, so I’m captain of the Univ hockey team, play college football, and even find time to ice skate at the weekend. I also volunteer with Project SOUP and attend Univ Board Games Society.

 

Holly – 2nd year Engineering Science

Hi, I’m Holly! I’m going into second year at Univ on the engineering course. We still study all the branches of engineering at this point but I’m really enjoying the broad range of my course so please ask me if you have any questions. Outside of work, I sing in the college choir and am also on the University dance team which covers everything from tap to Hip-Hop. I’ve been lucky enough to compete across the country as well as put on a full dance show in Oxford and go on tour to Spain with the choir.

 

Alisa – History

Hi, I’m Alisa and I’ve just completed my three year History degree! My favourite period of history is the Cold War, a period I loved writing about in my thesis concerning Polish jazz in the Communist era. Alongside writing too many essays, I have served as Women’s Vice Captain for our Boat Club, and over the last year I have loved singing in a soul/funk band called the Peer Revue, with whom I’ve performed at many balls and events.

 

Glyn – 2nd year PPE

Hey there, I’m Glyn! I’m going into second year doing PPE here at Univ. Since coming to university, I have particularly enjoyed studying Philosophy and Political Theory for the first time. Coming from a small village (Llangeitho) in rural west Wales, Oxford was a massive culture shift, but the community in college has made me feel right at home. Alongside my degree, I’ve enjoyed getting involved with the Univ Players drama group and the uni-wide LGBTQ+ Society.

 

Ffion – 3rd year History and Politics

Hello! My name is Ffion and I’m soon to be a 3rd Year undergraduate studying History and Politics here at Univ. Coming to University for me (as it is for most of us) was a big step – I’m the first of my family to get a university education, and I am so lucky that I chose Univ to be my home! Being a student here is nothing short of amazing and whilst like all places I’m kept busy with work there are so many things to do – in my spare time I row and play rugby for college as well as represent Univ as our Access and Equalities Officer on the JCR Committee!

 

Sam – 2nd year History

Hi, I’m Sam, I’m soon to be a second year Historian with a preference for Medieval and Early Modern periods. Other interests include rowing, cricket, student journalism, JazzSoc, Wine Society, and travelling (over summer I’m doing anthropological work in Nepal).

 

 

Luke  – 2nd year Classics

Hi! I’m Luke, I’m 19, and I’ve just finished my first year reading Classics. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly why I chose to study two dead languages, but I’d say it probably started with my interest in ancient art and sculpture, and spiralled outwards from there into a desire to learn what life was like for people in ancient Rome or Greece – real people, not just the rich and famous ones. Outside of academics, I’ve been trying – emphasis on “trying” – to stay fit, as well as writing and performing stand-up comedy whenever possible.

 

George – 2nd year Engineering Science

My name is George and I’m soon to be a second year Engineering student. I haev a specific interest in Aerospace and Electronical Engineering. Alongside my degree at University College I play for the college Hockey team every Sunday and more casually I am a part of the college board games society which meets every week. I also enjoy swimming and running on a less organised basis.

 

Joshua  – PPE

Hi, I’m Josh. I am from East London and have just completed my final year studying Philosophy, Politics and Economics. I am particularly interested in industrial economics and the philosophy of religion. Fun facts: I once represented Oxford at Quidditch (it’s a real sport) and I’m a big Arsenal fan.

 

Rosie B – 3rd year Engineering Science

Hi, I’m Rosie! I’m an engineering student about to start my second year at Univ #Oxford. Hopefully you’re looking forward to coming to this #OxOpenDay. I’ll be at Univ helping out on the day so if you see me around, please feel free to ask me any questions. I remember going to the Open Day just before I applied and trying to find the colleges I wanted to visit with extensive help from Google Maps. So if you feel overwhelmed or, like me, are a bit directionally challenged please ask and we’ll be more than happy to point you in the right direction!

 

Lewis – 2nd year Biochemistry

Hi, I’m Lewis, I’ve just finished my first year as a Biochemistry undergraduate at Univ and what a great year it has been. In one word my time in Oxford so far has been busy! There have been so many opportunities to get involved, with events set up by Univ’s amazing JCR (Junior Common Room) and as a student ambassador too. I’m also a coach and the president of the Oxford Gymnastics Club which is very rewarding.

 

Isabel – 2nd year PPE

Hiya, I’m Izzy a soon to be second year PPEist here at Univ. I’ve loved my time here so far – it’s crazy busy but so much fun. Somehow alongside my degree I’ve been able to fit in playing for the university lacrosse term, running the video section of Cherwell (one of the student newspapers here in Oxford) and way too many college sports. I’m really happy to answer literally any questions you have though about Univ or Oxford in general.

 

Andrey – 3rd year Medicine

Studying Medicine at Univ has been incredible! I haven’t been to a dull tutorial so far, and I’m really enjoying the practical aspect of my degree, especially the dissection room. Both Univ and Oxford have a great deal to offer beside learning: I regularly play volleyball, a sport hadn’t tried before coming here, as well as getting involved in Univ’s JCR (student committee) as a Welfare Officer. Most importantly, I’ve made lots of amazing friends here!

 

Suzanne – 2nd year Law

My name’s Suzy and I’m soon to be a second year lawyer at Univ. So far, I’ve really enjoyed my experience at Oxford in all aspects. Academically, Oxford’s tutorial system has given me an opportunity to really deeply understand and appreciate my subject. But the Oxford experience isn’t just about academics – there’s so much to get involved in: sports, drama, writing etc. I’ve really enjoyed going to the Union for debates and talks by influential people.

Rosie G – 4th year Law with Law Studies in Europe

My name is Rosie Good, and I’m a Law with Law Studies in Europe student. I just finished my year studying German Law at the University of Bonn and will be starting my final year at Univ in October. Alongside my degree, I have previously been involved in the College Boat Club and the University College Players, co-producing the annual Garden play in Trinity 2018.

 

Kate C – 2nd year Chemistry

Hi, I’m Kate and I’m about to start my second year studying chemistry at Univ. Like any science student, I spend quite a lot of time in lectures, tutorials and labs (my favourite part of the course!), but I also have loads of time to pursue my other interests. College-level football and rugby have been great things to get involved in; I’ve been able to play sport in a relaxed environment and meet people I otherwise wouldn’t have spoken to.

Sarah – 2nd year Chemistry

Hi – my name’s Sarah and I’m about to go into my second year here. Reading for a degree in Chemistry, we are lucky that Univ has a number of chemistry tutors. I love the challenge of tutorials, but also the enjoyment of working with the 9 other chemists in my year. Away from my studies, I am a Choral Scholar here at Univ and play violin in OUPhil. I took up rowing in my first term, and at Torpids we won Blades! I am also a member of the Blues Swimming Squad too.

Harry – 2nd year Mathematics

Hi, I’m Harry and I’m going into second year studying Maths. In the evenings I enjoy playing a range of different board games with various numbers of people in our JCR. I am a keen pianist and I regularly perform in concerts at the Master’s Lodgings. I also enjoy quizzes and I often tune in to watch Only Connect with a group of others to play along with.

Katie K – 4th year Classics IIA

My name is Katie, and I’m a final year Classicist! I’m in Course IIA, which means I study Latin and I started learning it at Oxford. Outside of the library I spend most of my time in theatre, student journalism, and managing a minor caffeine addiction.

 

If you are thinking of applying to Oxford then we encourage you to come to one of our Open Days. You might want to check first whether University College offers the course you want to study by exploring our Courses at Univ pages.

Most students attending will be in Year 12 or 13 (aged 16-18), but younger students are very welcome too! You will have the opportunity to chat to current Univ students, be shown around the College, meet subject tutors and hear a talk from the Schools Liaison and Access Officer. All of these activities offer a chance to get a real insight into life at University College and to discuss any questions or worries you may have about the admissions process.

You don’t need to book to visit Univ. Prospective candidates and their families are most welcome to visit the College informally between 10.00am and 5.00pm on any of our Open Days, and should simply report to the welcome desk when they arrive. There is no need to register, and tours of the College will be available on a regular basis. However, other Colleges and Departments may require booking for some activities, so it is advisable to check with individual Colleges and Departments that you are keen to visit.

As well as exploring Univ, prospective applicants are encouraged to visit the relevant departments. Univ is conveniently located right next door to the University Examination Schools – this space is used to host a variety of Open Day talks provided by the central university admissions and enquiries team.

A very full programme of events is put on across the university. There is not a single route around the University’s events, rather visitors can plan a day bespoke to their interests and needs. We strongly advise visitors to plan their route around the Open Day in advance to ensure they make the most of all that is on offer. General information about what is being offered across the wider University (as well as details of what needs booking) is available at ox.ac.uk

You are very welcome to visit the College, and can drop in any day between 9.00am and 5.00pm to look around independently; just tell the porters that you are a prospective student and ask them for a copy of our prospectus and alternative prospectus. Note you can also access these resources electronically here. Please note that it is not possible to arrange individual meetings with subject tutors.

Please see our Directions page for full information on travelling to Oxford and finding Univ. We are also listed on the University and Colleges Halls interactive Map.

We usually are able to offer a limited number of rooms on the night prior to each open day. These are offered on a B&B basis for school groups (no individuals), coming from 2.5 hours away from Oxford or more, if accompanied by a teacher.

Please contact the Schools Liaison and Access Officer to express an interest in accommodation for 30th June, 1st July and 13th September 2020 E: access@univ.ox.ac.uk