Oluwatoniloba (Toni) Godson, (2021, Law)

Toni is in her first year studying law at Univ. In her profile, she discusses her reasons for applying to Univ, becoming more independent and the importance of being passionate about your subject.

Why did you choose to apply to Univ/for Law?
I chose to apply to Univ after attending a History, Politics and Law Study Day run by the college in February 2020, which had been recommended to me by Target Oxbridge. Not only were the talks really interesting and thought-provoking, we got to meet some current and former students (including the criminal barrister Alexandra Wilson!) who were so lovely and welcoming. The College was definitely somewhere I could really see myself studying and thriving.

I chose to apply to study Law because I am very interested in advocacy, human rights and international relations, and really felt that studying Law would best equip me with the skills to advocate for the rights of marginalised groups, in the UK and worldwide.

How do you think you have changed since walking through Univ’s doors for the first time?
I think I have changed quite a lot from the wide-eyed fresher that first entered Univ properly as a student on 3rd October 2021. Not only has studying such an academically rigorous course made me acquire invaluable skills like responding to tight deadlines and being able to analyse and critique dense amounts of information in a succinct way, I’ve also learnt how to live on my own. As coming to Univ was my first time living away from home, I had to get used to doing my own cooking, laundry and shopping – all of which makes you become an independent adult very quickly!

What’s your favourite part of Univ?
My favourite part of Univ is the lovely people I get to interact with on a daily basis, as well as how pretty the building is. Almost everything on site has an interesting bit of history attached – the iconic Shelley memorial is by far my favourite!

Has anything surprised you about Oxford/Univ/your course?
What surprised me about Oxford was how much tradition and history; the whole matriculation ceremony was particularly intriguing for me. Also, what surprised me about my course was just how much work it was, it was certainly a significant jump from A-level.

Do you have any advice for prospective students?
My advice would definitely be to be prepared for a shock, and to expect your chosen course to be a significant jump in workload and difficulty from A-level. In order to make the experience that bit easier, I would advise choosing to study a subject that you really love because that is what will motivate you when the work feels tough. Also, make sure you have a support network around you to help you deal with the mental highs and lows (e.g., family and friends), don’t be afraid to seek help if you need it. Lastly, make sure you take time away from your studies to relax and unwind.

What do you do outside your studies?
I’m a CU rep for Univ and am heavily involved in running Bible Studies and other events. Also, when I’m not studying, I also spend time with friends hanging out in Westgate, attending events or visiting with friends some of the really nice parks in Oxford.

Describe Univ in three words.
Welcoming, friendly, academically rigorous.

Published: 27 June 2022

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