Welcome to Univ’s Middle Common Room (MCR) also known as the Weir Common Room or WCR! All graduate students at University College are automatically a member of the WCR and members of the current 2022-23 WCR Committee have provided the information on this page to introduce you to who we are and what we do.
The WCR has a double meaning: it refers to the graduate body of students at University College and also to the physical space in the College where graduate students can relax and socialise. It is an engaging and diverse community of early-researchers consisting around 150 members across all year groups and subjects. Whether you are here for a one/two-year Masters programme or a DPhil programme we do hope you choose to get involved with college life!
The WCR has a committee of graduate students (you can find the details of the committee members below), whose role is to serve, advocate for and represent the interests of the graduate student body within the College and the University. The aforementioned services range from running fun social events, such as BOPs (informal parties) and quiz nights, to providing welfare support and promoting environmental awareness. The WCR committee changes every year, with elections held in Hilary Term.
No matter whether you are a current or prospective Univ graduate student, below you will find all the essential information related to the WCR. Get to know the committee members and the WCR building, or learn about our upcoming events and the welfare support available to students.
Meet the Committee Members 2022-23
Meet the WCR Committee for 2022-23. The WCR committee deals with the College and wider University community on behalf of graduates, runs events and functions, and strives to ensure the welfare of its members. In non-pandemic times the WCR organise social events including parties, theatre and orchestra trips, exchange dinners and quiz nights, which they have been doing virtually as much as possible!
President – Michael Hutchinson (He/him)
(2019, DPhil in Statistics and Machine Learning)
Originating from East Anglia and having made a way stop at the “other place” on his way here, Michael is now a third-year DPhil student in Statistics and Machine Learning here at Univ. Having previously been a social sec and vice-president, he quite had enough of committee life and is the WCR President for this year. Outside of academic life, he enjoys rowing, hockey, playing music and hanging out at whichever WCR event is currently happening. As President, it’s his job to make sure that the WCR runs smoothly, and provides a supportive and vibrant social scene for all our WCR members to engage in. If you have any comments, suggestions or concerns he would be very happy to hear them!
Contact: wcr.president@univ.ox.ac.uk
Vice-President/Treasurer – Naroa Ibarra-Aizpurua (She/her)
(2019, DPhil in Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics)
Naroa is a second year DPhil student in Neuroscience (DPAG). After completing the BSc in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of the Basque Country, she moved to Oxford to study the MSc in Neuroscience. Her love for Oxford and college formal dinners made her stay here for her DPhil (okay, the fact that her dream lab is here had something to do with it too). When not in the lab, Naroa enjoys doing yoga, reading, listening to ridiculous amounts of Taylor Swift (and many other artists), and drinking overpriced coffee and matcha lattes.
After being the WCR Secretary for one year, Naroa is back for more, this time as VP/Treasurer. With her role, she hopes to make good use of the WCR money, and she will do anything in her power to help WCR students and make your experience in Oxford and Univ the best possible!
Contact: wcr.treasurer@univ.ox.ac.uk or mcr.vpresident@univ.ox.ac.uk
Secretary – Ethan Petrou (He/him)
(2018, DPhil in Earth and Environmental Sciences)
Ethan is studying for a DPhil in Earth & Environmental Sciences. Originally from the southern countryside, he was an undergrad and Master’s student in University College London, before jumping ship to continue his studies at University College Oxford. Ethan spent two years working as a geotechnical engineer and has spent some time working offshore. When not in the lab, he enjoys singing in Univ chapel choir, reading and cooking with friends. Previously. As WCR Secretary, his role is to keep records of meetings at univ, responsible for the graduate student portion of the univ website and other internal digi-comms, and assisting the President and VP.
Contact: wcr.secretary@univ.ox.ac.uk
Welfare Officer – Emily Rowland (she/her)
(2020, DPhil in Clinical Medicine)
Emily is currently a second year DPhil student in structural biology/neuroscience, having previously completed her Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry/neuroscience at the Australian National University in Canberra (but she’ll forever be a South Aussie at heart!). When she manages to dodge the clutches of lab work, you’ll likely find Emily playing Aussie Rules footy in Uni Parks, attempting to row on the Isis, or curled up somewhere with a good fantasy novel.
As one of two Welfare Officers (along with the lovely Leonie), please feel free to contact Emily with any questions/concerns or just for a chat – just beware that you may find yourself recruited into her footy team in the process!
Contact: wcr.welfare@univ.ox.ac.uk
Welfare Officer – Leonie Defonteyne (she/her)
(2018, MSt in Classical Archaeology)
Leonie is currently studying for the MSt in Classical Archaeology, and hopes to pursue a DPhil next academic year. She did her undergrad at Univ as well, so knows the college inside out. Besides looking at ancient Greek pots in the Ashmolean Museum, she enjoys going for long runs and spending time with friends in cafés.
Leonie will be a welfare officer alongside Emily this year. She is passionate about mental health, and hopes to keep up Univ’s reputation as the friendliest college. Please do get in touch with her if you have any welfare-related questions or just fancy a chat! As a true Belgian, Leonie always has a large supply of chocolate (or vegan alternative) to share!
Contact: wcr.welfare@univ.ox.ac.uk
Social secretary – Adam Tappin (He/him)
(2018, Mst in Global and Imperial History)
Having previously completed his undergraduate at Univ, Adam decided to stay at Univ for a masters in Global and Imperial History and is currently researching neoliberalism in the postcolonial world. Adam was one of the WCR social secretaries in the previous year and is thrilled at the opportunity to continue for another term. He will be working with Nicole and potentially other members of the WCR as the social sec team this term and hopes to see everyone at some big WCR events in the near future!
Contact: wcr.entertainment@univ.ox.ac.uk
Social secretary – Nicole Szekeres-Tapp (She/her)
(2018, Msci in Biochemistry)
Nicole is a fourth-year biochemist, who this year is completing her masters research project in the Oncology Department. When she’s not in the lab, Nicole enjoys wine tastings and rowing with UCBC – two hobbies that can definitely conflict at times (NB the former tends to negatively affect the latter and not vice versa). As one of the new social secretaries she is excited to bring bops, formal exchanges, wine and cheese nights, garden parties and more to the social scene next term!
Contact: wcr.entertainment@univ.ox.ac.uk
Environment and hall officer – Jacob Ridley (He/him)
(2021, DPhil in English)
Jacob is a first-year DPhil student in English, with a BA and MSt from Magdalen. He was born and bred in Southampton but has now spent half the year in Oxford for over five years. He tried to move away by applying to University College London but by a cruel misunderstanding the universe sent him to University College Oxford instead. He’s on the committee of the Society of Bibliophiles (look them up) and enjoys history books, drinking, and playing squash and tennis. As your Environment and Hall Officer, Jacob is looking forward to doing something about the guest formals and helping to make Univ more sustainable. If you have any suggestions or concerns about this, he would love to hear from you!
Contact: wcr.environment@univ.ox.ac.uk
LGBTQ+ officer – Flora Waller (She/her)
(2021, MPhil in Greek and/or Roman History)
Flora grew up in West London and is in the first year of an MPhil in Greek and/or Roman History. After completing an undergraduate degree in Ancient and Modern History at St John’s, she jumped to both Univ and exclusively ancient history for her MPhil. When not buried in books, she enjoys hiking, and watching dubiously accurate period dramas.
Flora is passionate about creating a welcoming environment in the WCR and in Univ at large. Feel free to come and have a chat about anything LGBTQ+ related, or about life in general!
Contact: wcr.lgbtq@univ.ox.ac.uk
International Students officer – Carlos Gonzales Perez (He/him)
(2021, MPhil + DPhil in Economics)
Carlos is a first year MPhil + DPhil in Economics student, so yes, he will be around for a long time at Univ. Born and raised in Valladolid, Spain, Carlos holds a double major in Economics and International Studies from UC3M (in Madrid). During his undergrad, he spent some time abroad at the United States, China, and Italy. As an experienced international student, Carlos is looking forward to empowering the International Community here at Univ. Whenever he is not talking about Economics or Statistics, he likes talking about hiking, rugby, chess, or Atletico de Madrid. His inbox is open to anybody who has any concern regarding international matters, but in particular, if you are an International Student, he is really looking forward to hearing from you!
Contact: wcr.international@univ.ox.ac.uk
Disability and Accessibility Officer – Rebecca Colquhoun (She/they)
(2020, DPhil in Earth Sciences)
Rebecca Colquhoun is a second year DPhil student in Earth Sciences studying the physics of earthquakes. Rebecca did their undergrad in Earth Sciences at Worcester College until they saw the light (/followed the funding) and moved to Univ, where they are now the Students with Disabilities and Accessibility Officer for the WCR. They are passionate about improving equality and diversity in Oxford and in STEM, and as part of that sit on many committees in the wider university! They are always happy to chat about disability, EDI or general life, and you can contact them on:
Contact: wcr.disabilities@univ.ox.ac.uk
Women’s Officer – Lovisa Reiche (she/her)
(2019, MPhil in Economics)
Lovisa is in her second year studying for the MPhil in Economics. Before coming to Univ she has studied at the University of Aberdeen and the Chinese University of Hong Kong and worked at the European Central Bank. She is one of the Convenors of the Martlets Society in College as she is passionate about interdisciplinary exchange. As Women’s Officer Lovisa hopes to create a lively and supportive community at Univ. Please get in touch if you have any questions, concerns or just want a friendly chat.
Contact: wcr.women@univ.ox.ac.uk
Ethnic Minorities and Racial Equality Officer – Alizeh Paracha (She/her)
(2019, DPhil in History)
An international student from Karachi, Pakistan, Alizeh is a second-year DPhil student in History (South Asian Intellectual History). Prior to her DPhil, she completed an MSt in Global and Imperial History, also at Univ. This was a drastic change from her undergraduate experience at the University of California, Berkeley in the United States. As the Ethnic Minorities and Racial Equality Officer this year, she is responsible for promoting the interests and welfare of black, minority ethnic, and visible minority members of the WCR. She is also one of Junior Deans on main site. In her free time, she enjoys binge-watching TV shows, reading Fantasy fiction, and complaining about the weather.
Contact: wcr.equality@univ.ox.ac.uk
The Weir Common Room Building
The WCR, located behind the Old Library, has a comfortable lounge and a fully equipped kitchen and two gender-neutral bathrooms. The WCR makes up the large proportion of the Mitchell Building and the space is a regular meeting-point for the graduate community here at Univ. A whole suite of events are held in the WCR from drinks receptions, art socials, discussion groups and our graduate bops. When you first enter the building one is met with a small vestibule where all the pigeon holes, or “pidges”, are located. These brown, wooden shelves will host all mail correspondence sent to you during your stay in college accommodation.
Inside the large, spacious lounge several zones exist from multiple seating areas containing grey sofas with orange striped patterns to a large wooden dining table.
The lounge also hosts our table football and a table tennis table great for relaxing with other graduate students and are available for use to all members of the WCR.
Along with a variety of newspaper and magazine subscriptions, the WCR also hosts a large selection of books and DVDs that have been kindly donated to the common room by alumni and the previous Master. Music and TV facilities are present in the WCR and are a great accompaniment to any small-scale or large-scale event hosted in the common room.
The WCR also contains a fully equipped kitchen, available for use by any member of the graduate body. A coffee machine is also located in the kitchen, free of charge for our members to use.
Find out more about the Mitchell Building on our College Buildings page.
Freshers Information
Freshers information will be added here in due course. Please check back.
Social Events and Societies
Within the WCR, we know how important being able to meet and socialise with other members of the graduate community is. As a result, the WCR is involved with the organising and running of a wide range of events to bring people together and allow them to share experiences. Some of the events that have been run in the past include theatre trips, parties, quiz nights and exchange dinners between the MCRs of different colleges.
Some of the favourite events of the community are the bops, where everyone can come together to sing and dance the night away in a fun and safe environment. These large events occur once or twice a term and have been based on a wide variety of themes such as Prohibition, the 1990’s and “Heroes and Legends”. In addition to these events, there are a number of graduate societies within the college, one of them being the Martlets’ Society where graduates are able to present their work to the college community, as well as the college sports teams, such as our football team that has been undefeated for two seasons, that graduates are welcome to take part in.
As a result of the pandemic over the past year, the WCR has had to shift some of its events online. This has included virtual Sunday Socials, inter-household competitions and a virtual Glühwein making session over Christmas. We have had a lot of fun with these events and have been a great opportunity to socialise even when they had to be at home. With the easing of restrictions, the social team will be hoping to produce a balance of both virtual and in-person events and allow members to meet each other in as many ways as possible.
In order to see what events are currently being hosted by the WCR social team, you may view our social term card on the WCR website. Sign-up forms for some of the events will also be distributed via our mailing lists and through our social media accounts. We look forward to seeing you at the events!
Welfare Support
Hi! Welcome to Univ, and welcome to the WCR.
We hope that you’ll find it as friendly as we have, and to make sure that your time here is as enjoyable as possible, you can always come talk to us with any problem – no matter how small.
We’re your Welfare Officers for the year:
Welfare Officer – Leonie Defonteyne (she/her)
(2018, MSt in Classical Archaeology)
Hi, I’m Leonie! I’m currently doing the MSt in Classical Archaeology, and I’m hoping to pursue a DPhil next academic year. I did my undergrad at Univ as well, so I know the college inside out. Besides looking at ancient Greek pots in the Ashmolean Museum, I enjoy going for long runs (you might spot me in Christ Church Meadow), spending time with friends in cafés and watching period dramas.
Oxford can be an extremely stressful place to study, so mental health awareness should be an absolute top priority. In my role as Welfare Officer, I’m hoping to contribute to this, and I also want to keep up Univ’s reputation as the friendliest college. Please do get in touch with me if you have any welfare-related questions or just fancy a chat! As a true Belgian, I always have a large supply of chocolate (or vegan alternative) to share!
Contact me: wcr.welfare@univ.ox.ac.uk
Emily Rowland (2020, DPhil Clinical Medicine)
Welfare Officer – Emily Rowland (she/her)
(2020, DPhil in Clinical Medicine)
Hi, I’m Emily! I’m currently a second year DPhil student in structural biology/neuroscience, having finished my undergrad biochemistry/neuroscience degree at the Australian National University in Canberra (but I’ll forever be a South Aussie at heart!). When I’m dodging the clutches of lab work, you’ll likely find me playing Aussie Rules footy in Uni Parks, attemting to row on the Isis, or curled up somewhere with a good fantasy novel.
Welfare is often viewed as a system that you turn to when something goes wrong – that is an important part of it, but I’m hoping we can start to recognise it as a system that works best when engaged with both in and out of times of need. So please feel free to contact me with any questions/concerns or just for a chat! I love any excuse to come spend time in Univ main site, but I also spend most of my time up at the Old Road Campus, so am available for both main site dwellers or my fellow Headington Hill sufferers!
Contact me: wcr.welfare@univ.ox.ac.uk
Univ strives to be an accepting and inclusive environment, and we’re working hard to make sure of it. We have a range of activities and schemes so there’s something for everyone here – Welfare picnics, teas and yoga sessions over the next term. We’ll be focusing on Mental Health Week in May, and we’re planning on getting the WCR involved in the JCR’s Welfare Week. We’ve got lots of ideas for the next year (including many that build on the efforts of our predecessors!): WCR brunches in hall, women’s and LGBTQ+ circles to provide safe spaces for people to discuss issues relevant to them, “DisabiliTeas” to offer a forum for disabled students to meet and socialise, maybe even some stress relief events with our very own Lyra! We welcome any input into what you would like from the WCR Welfare squad!
There are several other WCR Committee Members who are responsible for various aspects of welfare:
Disability and Accessibility Officer – Rebecca Colquhoun (she/they)
(2020, DPhil in Earth Sciences)
I’m a first-year DPhil student in Earth Sciences. I’m interested in the physics of earthquakes. I did my undergrad in Earth Sciences at Worcester College during which I held a variety of positions within the student union’s Disabled Students Campaign. I’m now the Students with Disabilities and Accessibility Officer for the WCR. I’m passionate about improving equality and diversity in Oxford and in STEM, and as part of that sit on many committees in the wider university! I’m always happy to chat about disability, EDI or general life, and particularly feel free to get in touch if you’d like to talk about support available and how to access it (the system can be super confusing but I’m here to help!)
Contact me: wcr.disabilities@univ.ox.ac.uk
LGBTQ+ Officer – Flora Waller (she/her)
(2021, MPhil in Greek and/or Roman History)
I grew up in West London and am in the first year of an MPhil in Greek and/or Roman History. After completing an undergraduate degree in Ancient and Modern History at St John’s, I jumped to both Univ and exclusively ancient history for my MPhil. When not buried in books, I enjoy hiking and watching dubiously accurate period dramas.
I’m passionate about creating a welcoming environment in the WCR and in Univ at large. Feel free to come and have a chat about anything LGBTQ+ related, or anything else you’d like to!
Contact me:wcr.lgbtq@univ.ox.ac.uk
Women’s Officer – Lovisa Reiche (she/her)
(2019, MPhil in Economics)
I am in the second year studying for the MPhil in Economics. Before coming to Univ I have studied at the University of Aberdeen and the Chinese University of Hong Kong and worked for the European Central Bank. I am passionate about Macroeconomic Policy and Gender imbalances. As Women’s Officer I hope to create a lively and supportive community at Univ. I am also the person who you can contact if you need financial help with emergency contraception and supply all our sanitary goodies in the MCR! You’ll be hearing from me throughout the academic year with various resources should you need them – here I’ll just mention a few:
Pregnancy & abortion support bpas.org/clinics/bpas-oxford
Revenge porn helpline revengepornhelpline.org.uk
Oxford friend – local LGBTQ+ counseling service facebook.com/lgbtqhelpine
Rape crisis UK rapecrisis.org.uk
Please get in touch if you have any questions, concerns or just want a friendly chat – it will give me a welcome break from my studies.
Like most colleges, there are a range of places you can find help if you need it:
• As your welfare reps, we are always here for you, and if you don’t know where to go, we can help signpost you to the right place.
• We have a wonderful group of Junior Deans who are on hand to help you too.
• The college has a group of trained Peer Supporters, who are here to listen and support you in times of need.
• College’s Harassment Advisors are trained to handle incidents of harassment in a non-judgemental and supportive way.
• Our Welfare Fellow, Andrew Gregory, is readily available to all members of college.
More detailed information on the above and about the College’s welfare provisions can be found on the Welfare Support page.
If you have any welfare queries or concerns, you can always reach us individually by email, stop us around college if you see us, or you can reach out to the Welfare Email address wcr.welfare@univ.ox.ac.uk
WCR Social Media
Our Facebook group provides a one-stop shop for all current affairs occurring at Univ. Any member can post a question, query, event or statement here! Please join the group for regular day-to-day details pertaining to the graduate body. Note: This is a private group reserved for current members of the Univ WCR.
See: www.facebook.com/groups/433253188107301
Our Twitter provides a platform for the WCR to tweet out the thoughts of our common room. We love retweeting our members’ posts and promoting statements posted by Univ college and the wider Oxford community!
See: @UnivWCR
The Gradlet is a space to showcase the members of the graduate body on instagram. We post regular content in a Q&A style. Follow to learn more about the current graduate community at Univ and do reach out if you’d like to be featured if you are a current Univ WCR member.
See: @thegradlet
The univwcr instagram account is the social page for our common room. We promote the events that are currently occurring in the WCR. Get to know the events occurring at Univ and do send us a message if you’d like to be featured or would like to organise a social event together.
See: @univwcr
Our WCR website is a great first-point of searching for a broad-brush of information. Our social calendars can be found here. The website is currently under the process of being renovated!
See: univwcr.wordpress.com
News from the WCR
Univ is a very active community, both among its current students and its alumni, and publishes a wide variety of news and features online. These cover many aspects of College community life and are a great way to keep up to date with what is happening in Univ and also to gain an insight into what Univ alumni are up to.
All these can be found on Univ’s News and Features page; they can be filtered by year of publication and news “type” including College News, which covers undergraduate, graduate, staff and academic news.
A selection of news items about the WCR can be seen in the gallery below.
If you have any news to share or an idea for a feature, please email communications@univ.ox.ac.uk.
Anti-Racism and Inclusion
Univ actively opposes and deplores racist and other discriminatory behaviour and language and has made a commitment to be proactive in working to ensure that our principles of equality, diversity, inclusion, and tolerance are reflected in our practice.
You can help make Univ a more welcoming and inclusive community by sharing your experience. Reports of discriminatory behaviour personally experienced or witnessed are especially welcome as are any thoughts and suggestions for how to make Univ a more inclusive place.
The system for submitting the form ensures 100% anonymity, and no one, not even an IT officer, can determine your identity. All forms will be reviewed by an Equalities Officer at Univ charged with the task of helping to make Univ a better community for all.
The form, which will open in a new window, can be accessed here.