Student news

Travelling from the hilltops of the Peak District down to Oxford is a journey I’ve made a hundred times before, having worked in a recording studio in the Oxfordshire village of Eynsham. But this time felt different. As the car glided onto the panorama of the M40, adrenalin rushed to my toes. This was a journey that was never supposed to happen. This was my first day as a student at the University of Oxford.

Let’s rewind a little…

The journey so far

How have you found your time at Oxford so far?

Oxford is a large and complex organisation, and I am still navigating it all, but it is also a place where you can find opportunity to develop new approaches and build new partnerships; I am excited and keen to draw on this huge potential for change. 

What do you think are some of the biggest challenges facing students’ welfare and wellbeing and how is the University responding?

I grew up in Lambeth, South London, surrounded by an array of cultures — it was a patchwork of stories and experiences. As a child, my family would always tell me about the beautiful history of my motherland, Somalia. These words nurtured my interest in what I now know as, oral history. This process of passing down these stories and folktales across generations should be celebrated and amplified, and this is where the ACS shines.

The journey so far

I am a second year studying Experimental Psychology at Wadham College. My time at Oxford so far has definitely been a rollercoaster. It was a massive jump from sixth form, and I don't think I was ready for the level of independence, not only in studying but also trying to navigate socialising and, rather embarrassingly, I didn't even know how to use the washing machine when I got here(!). Outside of my studies I like to crochet and weightlift.

Tell us about the society and your role!

The Oxford University Dramatic Society is one of the largest student drama societies in the country. We have over 3,000 recent members, and thanks to the Cameron Mackintosh Drama Fund (supported by the Mackintosh Foundation), we have almost unparalleled funding opportunities to put on productions at a higher-education level. I am very fortunate to be the President of the Society for 2022- 3. This role involves managing a committee of around 15 people to help ensure that the multiple productions which happen each year run smoothly.

Tell us about the society and your role!

The Oxford University Dramatic Society is one of the largest student drama societies in the country. We have over 3,000 recent members, and thanks to the Cameron Mackintosh Drama Fund (supported by the Mackintosh Foundation), we have almost unparalleled funding opportunities to put on productions at a higher-education level. I am very fortunate to be the President of the Society for 2022- 3. This role involves managing a committee of around 15 people to help ensure that the multiple productions which happen each year run smoothly.

The journey so far

As a young woman of Jamaican and Guyanese heritage, I grew up with the narrative ‘twice as good to be as good’ instilled in me from young. I knew that this didn’t necessarily mean that I was void of being able to achieve goals but I gained an early recognition that it was going to take a certain level of determination and perseverance in order to attain them.

The journey so far

My time at Oxford so far has been surprisingly good, considering I started in 2020. Initially, rules during the pandemic meant that socialising at the start of university was weird, but I was fortunate enough to be able to make good friends, despite catching Covid in my second week, which was not much fun. Getting through this time was definitely aided by the great friends I had around me and support from my church in Oxford.

My Oxford experience

Closure dates on arrival weekends

Work will take place on the below dates and times and the station will be closed entirely with no train services running to or from Oxford Station on these days. Services on other days of the week will not be affected.

Choosing Oxford