Mansfield student stories

Why did you choose to study at Mansfield and/or Oxford?

When I was first applying and looking at the different Oxford colleges, I preferred the idea of a smaller college environment. Mansfield then stood out amongst the smaller colleges due to its efforts to make people from all backgrounds feel welcome; it is the college with the highest proportion of state school students in Oxford. I thought it seemed like a really friendly place.

Why did you choose to study your subject?

English was always my favourite subject at school, and I wanted to do a subject I knew I would enjoy for my degree. As university work, especially in humanities subjects, is a lot more self-directed than school, I wanted a subject that I would be really interested in and therefore motivated to study.  Also, the English course at Oxford is very broad, ranging from early Medieval to the present day, and I liked the idea of discovering a lot of different periods of literature that I hadn’t had the chance to look at before.

Have you received any financial support from Mansfield? If so, what did you do with it? (e.g. did it support your living costs, buy new books, allow you to travel)

Unsurprisingly, English students often have to buy a lot of books! But there’s a lot you can do to keep the cost down; I buy most of the ones I need second-hand, and Mansfield has an undergraduate financial support fund that we can use to claim back expenses related to our degrees, such as book costs, or even internship or travel expenses. I use it often to claim back my book expenses, which saves me quite a lot.

How have you connected with other students and formed friendships whilst at Oxford?

As someone who doesn’t really drink and isn’t very outgoing, I was a little worried about making friends when I first came to university. However, as Mansfield is a smaller college, you get to know everyone very quickly, especially the other people studying your subject. Also, we have a big variety of societies and clubs even just within the college; we have plenty of sports teams, and I often go to our Film Society and our new Art Society! Outside of college, there are even more societies and sports teams, for almost everything you can think of. For example, I’m a member of the university’s Ice Skating Society, which is a lot of fun (I only fall over occasionally!), and I’ve made some really great friends there.

What piece of advice would you give a student considering applying to Oxford?

If you’re still debating applying to Oxford, I would say to definitely go for it! You have nothing to lose by applying, and the process isn’t as scary as it seems. You can learn a lot through the application alone, too; things like the personal statement and interview provide a lot of opportunities to think about what you like about the subject you’re intending to study, and where your strengths and weaknesses lie. Also, the interview format is quite similar to a tutorial, so you can get a good sense of whether you would like such an individual teaching environment. In terms of the application itself, focus on showing how passionate you are about your subject; they’re looking for enthusiasm and dedication, so use your application as evidence of that!

Why did you choose to study at Mansfield and/or Oxford?

I mainly chose Oxford because I knew it would be intense and challenging. I loved the idea of being in an environment with so many ideas spinning around and I knew that I wanted to rigorously explore the different things that I was interested in, but that weren’t part of any school curriculum.

I chose Mansfield because of its reputation for being friendly and progressive. I was really attracted to Mansfield’s history as a non-conformist college and I knew that if I was going to apply to Oxford, I would want to apply to somewhere that was a bit different to the other colleges. I did also look at more practical things like location and student accommodation. I liked that Mansfield was central without being on a main road, and that students would have accommodation for all three years.

Why did you choose to study your subject?

I was studying Maths, History, and English and I knew that there were bits of each that I liked, but that I didn’t want to do any of them at degree level. So, I started to think about other things in my life I was interested in. I had always been a current affairs obsessive and I knew I wanted a course that would ask lots of practical and theoretical questions. I landed on PPE in large part because the breadth appealed to lots of my different interests about the world. I also thought about my day-to-day routine, and I knew that I wanted to be able to write essays and develop my maths more, so PPE was the perfect fit.

How did you prepare for applying to Oxford?

I mainly prepared for Oxford by reading lots of books. I found the best place to start when looking for reading was to think about certain instincts and intuitions I had. I had lots of various inclinations as to how I thought society should operate, but I didn’t have many strong arguments to back them up, so I found these in books. After reading, I’d try to think about ways in which I could challenge the argument, or areas where I felt it could go further, and then I looked for books to do that. Having said this, I want to stress that I read a lot because I have always liked reading! Podcasts, films, lectures, and many other mediums do the same work!

Have you received any financial support from Mansfield?

All Mansfield students are able to access the Undergraduate Support Fund each term, and I’ve used it to buy some new headphones. In order to focus, I listen to music all day long as I work, so when my beloved headphones broke a few weeks before my 1st year exams I was worried about what I would do! Luckily, the support fund was there and I was able to quickly get a new pair and stay on track.

What challenges have you faced and how did you overcome them?

The biggest challenge I’ve found is staying focussed on my work during a long day. Oxford is a busy place so it’s pretty important to use time as well as you can. I find it difficult to keep reading for hours and hours in a day, so I make sure to take frequent breaks and plan in other things in the middle. This could be a random admin task, doing laundry, chatting to friends, or anything really. I just like to have my day broken up into manageable chunks. I get a lot more done if I see the day as four two-hour blocks, then as one eight-hour stint in a library. The most important thing to remember is that you know yourself best. You should work at times you want to work, and not follow other people.

Have you taken on any student leadership roles?

I was President of our Junior Common Room (JCR) in my second year, which is the undergraduate student body. I loved having the role! The issues that I met with people to discuss were super varied which means it is always interesting, and it can be very fulfilling to champion changes that you and others really want to see around College and the University. I also liked to have a practical role as it nicely complemented my degree which can often get quite abstract.

Where do you like to study in College?

I have had real transformation here. In 1st year, I really liked to work in our College café, the Crypt. I think I liked it because it was always busy and full of people. It felt more like school and home (I’m one of four) and I quite liked to have background noise and action. In 2nd year, I’ve been completely converted to the college library. I think I used to be intimidated by the silence of libraries, but with more time in them, I have gotten used to it and I love to work in a library nook that faces our quad.

What College-related activities are you involved in?

It feels very weird for me – an unreservedly non-sporty person – to say this but I was part of the college’s rowing club and the netball team. These sports are a great way to meet people in other years and they really build up Mansfield pride. We don’t take ourselves too seriously in any sport and they are open to anyone of any ability with any degree of commitment. They are mainly just a bit of fun, but they provide a great way to take a break from studying.

What is your favourite thing to do outside of your degree?

My favourite thing to do outside of my degree is definitely to spend time with my friends! Especially in later years, your degree work can get increasingly niche and there might be no one else in the college reading the same thing that you’re reading. This can feel kind of isolating, so I really appreciate time with friends. The Oxford experience is exhilarating and slightly strange for everyone here so it’s really nice to bond with your friends about some of the particular quirks that you’ve experienced that day.

How have you connected with other students and formed friendships whilst at Oxford?

This is very cliched but mainly just by being myself. All first years live on site at Mansfield, so you get to know your year group very well, very quickly. You live, eat, work, and socialise in the same space so it’s really easy to find people you get on with well. Also, as freshers, and specifically freshers at Oxford, you’re all going to be going through a super exciting, but stressful, and maybe slightly insane experience all together. That inevitably means that you can connect with people very quickly. There probably won’t be many other people in your life who can relate to the experience, and definitely not anyone who can relate as well as your peers. This makes it pretty easy to make close friendships!

What do you think of Mansfield’s food?

10/10. I won’t lie, there are sometimes some slightly odd combinations of food (the Mansfield classic is to be flexible with spaghetti and noodles) but it’s always super tasty. There’s four options every day so the choice means there’s always something (and usually many things!) that will take your fancy. I’m a vegetarian and I love that Mansfield’s vegetarian food rarely relies on meat substitutes.

What piece of advice would you give a student considering applying to Oxford?

Back yourself 100%! If you’re even considering applying, you’re clearly a clever person with a real passion for your subject. The tutors are really good at detecting that so pursue your interests in a natural way and that sense of curiosity and critical thinking will come through.

Is there anything you would tell prospective students about Mansfield?

It is the greatest college. No more questions. We have so much fun, we work hard, we’re super friendly, and we’re leading the way at Oxford across a range of political issues. I have never met someone at Mansfield who says they wished they were somewhere else.

What is your favourite thing about Mansfield?

It’s definitely the people. Whenever I go into hall for a meal, or the crypt to relax, or the library to work, I’m always waving and smiling and chatting to people. It really is a very happy place to be and that’s the most important thing.

What has been your favourite moment at Mansfield so far?

This is very difficult but I would probably say completing my first-year exams. I had felt extremely nervous about them in the build-up as I just had no idea how I would understand and remember all the first-year content. I’d felt pretty overwhelmed for lots of the year and was very worried about the exams. In the end, I was completely fine and got a lot of satisfaction from working hard and making it through all of the exams. It was then a lot of fun celebrating with my friends.

What have you learnt about yourself during your time at Mansfield?

It sounds kind of simple, but I would say I have learnt a lot more about the things I like in life. I’ve learnt a lot about the parts of my degree that I find most interesting, I’ve learnt a lot about the type of social activities I like, the type of routines in my life that I like, and much more. In general, university is a great time for establishing your independence and learning about yourself as you start your adult life.

Why did you choose to study at Mansfield and/or Oxford?

I choose to study at Mansfield for a number of reasons. I loved the location; Mansfield is close to the centre, a short walk from the department and it’s close to Examination Schools which where many of my lectures were, especially in first year! It’s also small, which means it’s close-knit – I like that I will always bump into someone I know when I’m walking around college.

Where do you like to study in College?

There are also a lot of study spaces at Mansfield; I like to study in the library if I want solo study time and I love to study in the Crypt (our college cafe) for more informal group study time or just catching up with friends. In the nicer weather, it’s nice to study outside on some of the outdoor tables or on the quad.

What challenges have you faced and how did you overcome them?

In terms of challenges that I’ve faced at Oxford, I’ve had a couple of tricky health problems but the support from College has been good through this time. I’ve had to rely on some of their financial support, which I’ve used to support my living costs and I’ve bought academic resources too. I’ve connected with other students at Mansfield through the tutorial system and through the events that our ‘Entz’ reps put on!

What piece of advice would you give a student considering applying to Oxford?

I would advise any student that considers applying Oxford to just give it a shot, you’ll never know if you don’t try!

Why did you choose to study at Mansfield and/or Oxford?

Mansfield college seemed to have a friendly vibe – on the website and when I visited on an open day. So my process of choosing a college was partially based on vibes – as it should be – but also I did narrow it down systematically. I started with all of the colleges which offer my course, and ruled out any that were too far away (in my opinion) from my department or the city centre, and then ruled out any that didn’t offer accommodation for all four years, and then looked at which ones had a library open 24/7 to students. Then I looked at individual websites because there were a few colleges left (most of the colleges offer Mathematics!) Choosing Oxford didn’t feel like a difficult decision for me – of course, Oxbridge have a massive reputation, so I knew I wanted to try applying. In terms of choosing Oxford over Cambridge, I went on anecdotal evidence (I heard stories about what the culture is like in Maths at Cambridge) but also hard facts, such as the fact that when I was applying, Cambridge maths freshers had 12 lectures a week rather than the 10 lectures a week that I had as an Oxford maths fresher – I valued my Saturday lie ins!

Why did you choose to study your subject?

I’d always enjoyed maths when I was at school – it stood out as my favourite subject – so it was a bit of a no-brainer for me. I do recommend people try and read about what a subject is like at uni, because degree level maths is quite different to maths at school – more abstract, with a lot more focus on proof than just calculation, but the core principles of problem solving and patterns are still there.

How did you prepare for applying to Oxford?

When preparing to apply to Oxford, I tried to get advice from multiple sources! Teachers, sibling/parents, friends, websites, prospectuses, etc. I read some books about maths aimed at the public, such as books by Ian Stewart, and I tried to practise problem solving questions whenever I could, to prepare for the MAT (Maths Admissions Test) and the interviews.

Have you received any financial support from Mansfield?

I received some money from Mansfield’s undergraduate fund for a new laptop battery when my laptop had a very short battery life but was otherwise working fine. This allowed me to take my laptop to the department and do work in between lectures and classes without always having to find a plug socket to charge it!

What challenges have you faced? How did you overcome them?

I found the sheer workload and also the level and style of the work completely overwhelming in my first term. I had to learn to overcome perfectionism and know when to stop working and go to bed! Also, collaborating with other people studying the same subject as you is a game-changer. Supporting friends, and letting them support you, is how to make it through a term at Oxford.

Have you taken on any student leadership roles?

In my third year, I was the inaugural president of the Mansfield College Music Society, which involved leading the committee in organising musical events such as concerts and recitals, and coordinating the organisation of rehearsals as well as recruiting new freshers to our ensembles.

I was also co-captain of Mansfield and Merton’s mixed college hockey team, so I recruited lots of students to play hockey and have fun, as well as communicating match times and organising social events and the annual alumni game.

Where do you like to study in College?

If you’re looking for a more chill vibe or you want to study with snacks and coffee, the Crypt is a great place to do that (but I do find that I’m less productive in there, since I will get distracted and start chatting to some friends). I’ve also enjoyed discovering different uni libraries outside of college – the Social Sciences library is a personal favourite (anyone can use it, not just social science students).

What College related activities are you involved in?

I sing in the College choir, and play clarinet in the college wind ensemble. I also play hockey on the mixed college hockey team. I have taken a turn DJing at a college BOP, and I have volunteered, and worked, at various outreach events as a College student ambassador.

What is your favourite thing to do outside of your degree?

Being part of the choir and wind ensemble – there is such a sense of community, and I’ve made so many friends at different stages of their journey (freshers, postgrads, visiting students from other countries, etc.). I also got the opportunity to sing a solo at the start of the college carol service last Christmas, to a room packed full of people, which was a really special moment for me.

I also have to mention leading the college hockey team – I took on the role as co-captain because I’m good at admin and leadership, not because I’m particularly good at hockey, but seeing a team of beginners mixed with more experienced players, which I brought together, work together to win a match feels great. A special moment, in particular, was when I received feedback that people kept coming to hockey because of ‘the supportive and affirming environment I created.’

How have you connected with other students and formed friendships whilst at Oxford?

It is easy to find friends when there are always other Mansfield maths people around who you have things in common with – I have just got chatting to many people, and then we always say hi when we see each other around. I have always been enthusiastic about attending social events, which makes it easy to get to know lots of people in a short space of time.

What piece of advice would you give a student considering applying to Oxford?

Do your research about what an Oxford degree is like to make sure you’re prepared. Spoiler alert: it is really hard work! But I still think that being at Oxford is a great experience – it is a cliché, but it is true that there are so many opportunities available to you here.

Is there anything you would tell prospective students about Mansfield?

It’s a great place to live, geographically – it’s on a relatively quiet road, not too many tourists, but also very close to the city centre and most departments (especially Physics and Materials Science!). Even if you have a bad sense of direction, it’s almost impossible to get lost at Mansfield – we only have one quad.

What is your favourite thing about Mansfield?

The cats! No, really it is the sense of inclusivity that brings people together – I have always felt, and still feel, that discrimination isn’t tolerated by the student body of Mansfield, and if I was in a bad situation, there would be multiple people who would show up to help me out. Mansfield has given me a partner, some best friends for life, and so many more friends that have touched my life in a positive way, even if I don’t keep in touch with them all.

What has been your favourite moment at Mansfield so far?

There have been so many! The moment when a photo of me and my friends went up on the ‘wall of women’ in Mansfield’s main building, which was put up a couple of years ago to celebrate 100 years of women being allowed to study at Oxford – I was so proud. Or, the moment when I sang the solo at the start of the Christmas carol service, surrounded by friends. My very first bop in freshers week, when I persuaded so many people to turn up early, even those who don’t like to dance, that the room was packed full. Finishing my third year exams, leaving exam schools in 35-degree heat to be greeted by my best friend with a flower garland. Every time I return to Mansfield after a long period of being away, when I step onto the quad and it feels like home.

What have you learnt about yourself during your time at Mansfield?

I have gained a lot of independence, and learned that I’m capable of more than I thought I was. I’ve had the chance to meet so many people and attend lots of fun events as well as organising my own. I have become much braver at trying new things, and stronger at believing I will overcome challenges (doing an Oxford degree while stuck in lockdown, not in Oxford, was the hardest time for me by far.

Why did you choose to study your subject?

I always liked problem solving and the more creative aspects of thinking involved in maths. In year 10 I attended some masterclasses with the Royal Institution led by different academics or experts each week on various branches and applications of mathematics. I was amazed by the sheer variety of what could be done with maths and how it is fundamental to every aspect of our universe- it truly pops up everywhere, in places and ways that are often unexpected- and I wanted to take it to degree level to learn more. If I’m completely honest I also liked the idea of being a woman in STEM.

How did you prepare for applying to Oxford?

I read some maths related books and attended talks and classes outside of lessons (both within and outside of school) to bulk out my personal statement. I did every single MAT past paper since 2007, and attended several of Oxford University’s MAT livestreams. I also took every opportunity I could find for mock interviews.

Did you take on any student leadership roles?

I was president of the Mirzakhani Society, Oxford University’s society for women and non-binary students who study or enjoy maths. We have weekly events including dinners, ice cream trips and Sip n Solve (which does exactly what it says on the tin) to support the welfare of the society’s members and to foster a community among marginalised genders in maths, as we are still unfortunately very much outnumbered!

Where do you like to study in College?

I am definitely most productive in the library- I prefer the smaller reading rooms, especially the law library and the PPE library. My favourite place to study is the Crypt Café because there’s always people around to talk to Unfortunately the Crypt is also where I am the least productive for exactly the same reason!

What College related activities are you involved in?

I was on the JCR bench’s Entz team. In non-Oxford speak this means that I helped organise events and entertainment for Mansfield’s undergraduate population. This includes bops (think school disco but for adults) and the legendary Champagne and Chocolates twice a term- sometimes including a silent disco!

What piece of advice would you give a student considering applying to Oxford?

Think very carefully about your course before applying- and choose primarily based on what you enjoy. You will be spending a LOT of time studying and you will not only have a better university experience, but also likely do better at your degree if you are genuinely passionate about what you are learning.

I’m Daniel, a History student from Mansfield College. I have really enjoyed my time here; Mansfield really is a friendly and inclusive environment.

My A-Levels were actually Maths, Further Maths, Physics, and History, so History may not seem the natural choice. However, what is important when choosing a degree at any university (but particularly Oxford), is that you study something you have a genuine passion for. History is the subject that spoke to me like that; the subject that I could see myself doing for three years straight. I generally have to write one or two essays a week, so liking your subject is very important! Luckily, we get a lot of choice in choosing what areas of history we want to study.

Outside my degree, I was involved in the student council at Mansfield (we call it the JCR). My job involved organising student accommodation, passing on concerns about food, and helping out around College. I liked this role (one of the Vice-Presidents) as it was quite flexible and allowed me to get involved with everything from BOPs (in-college parties), to buying supplies for Cakes & Compliments (when we write wholesome notes to each other and eat cake), to putting up artwork around College, and to negotiating next year’s rent.

Outside of College, I enjoy playing boardgames, meeting friends, and attending events put on by the various clubs and societies of the University. For example, The Isis magazine and LGBTQ society put on fun events throughout term, such as garden parties, picnics, candle painting, and bingo.

I have and am still really loving my time here at Mansfield. I never thought I would get in to Oxford, but I applied as a fantasy. You should too!

Why did you choose to study at Mansfield?

I chose Mansfield as it was right next to the Geography department so would be ideal to get to lectures. I liked the look of the accommodation, there were kitchens and the thought of being able to live in Cowley in 2nd year, but still in college accommodation, means there will be new areas of Oxford to explore. I’d heard that Mansfield has a reputation for good food too. Being from a state academy which very rarely, if ever, got people into Oxbridge (I am the only girl from my school who has ever got in), meant that a college with 94% of its students being state-educated was important to me and would help me feel like I have a place here.

How did you prepare for applying to Oxford?

For Geography I had to do the TSA entrance exam, so found some really good YouTube videos that worked through how to tackle the questions. I also practiced online questions on TSANinja, which is free! For interviews, I signed up to Zero Gravity, a free mentoring scheme, and received personal statement advice and lots of mock interviews from my mentor, a Cambridge Geography student. In fact, the first question he asked me in my mock interview, based on my personal statement, I happened to have an almost identical question for my first actual interview. I also took part in a Year 12 summer school with the University of Reading, and Oxford’s free state school Year 12 summer programme, UNIQ, which I would highly recommend.

Have you taken on any student leadership roles?

I was the Geography Society’s Events Officer, and Mansfield’s CU rep for one year. I was also one of the Mansfield’s Student Ambassadors, giving tours and Q&As of college for school students. I was also a Geography Department Ambassador and helped with open days, etc, for them, as well as being a Undergraduate Representative for my Geography year group. It’s quite a lot, but I find it manageable alongside my studies!

Where do you like to study in College?

I like the Theology Reading Room, it feels lovely and collaborative to work in. Working in the early morning in the Mansfield Main Library overlooking the quad is lovely too, watching the sun rise and people out and about.

What do you think of Mansfield’s food?

I like the food, formal halls are really good (I’d never had crab soup or croquettes before coming to Oxford). Hall does a good curry and Saturday brunches are good, and it’s nice eating in Hall with friends having a good catch up.

What is your favourite thing about Mansfield?

The people! Being such a small college, a lovely community can develop, and so I feel I have friends in all year groups and subjects and it’s really easy to get to know people and chat to them – Mansfield really is a community!

Why did you choose your subject to study?

I chose to study Physics because I have always been interested in understanding how things worked. As a child, I loved going to see the steam trains in my local area and going to transport museums. As a teenager, I wasn’t able to pinpoint an area that was the most interesting to me so I applied to courses like the Oxford one, where there are a range of topics covered in the first few years, so I could hopefully find which area I liked best. At sixth form, I really enjoyed Maths, so I considered studying Maths, but I liked seeing the direct application of the work I was doing so I went with Physics. Being here has made me realise I definitely made the correct choice!

Did you receive any financial support?

I was on Oxford’s Crankstart bursary programme. This means I got around £1200 a term on top of my maintenance loan, as well as receiving extra support with writing my CV and lots of Crankstart-specific internship opportunities and extra funding for those. Crankstart has really provided a safety net for me while at uni. It has meant I’ve been able to take part in activities with my friends (like going to Glitterball) which I would not have considered if I hadn’t had this extra money. I have also accessed college’s academic expenses fund to buy a tablet and noise cancelling headphones to help facilitate my studies.

Have you taken on any student leadership roles?

During my third and fourth years, I took on the role of President of the Schools Plus student committee. Being on a Physics degree, you never have a summer without exams, so it’s difficult to decide when to take part in activities as every year’s exams are important. The role allowed me to develop leadership skills, as well as giving me experience working for a charity, asking for donations, and recruiting new tutors. I am really glad I took part in this, and they were so supportive of me when I needed a couple of weeks off to sit my exams. It was a really manageable commitment and so rewarding to have opportunities to develop so many important skills.

What is your favourite thing to do outside of your degree?

Outside of my degree, I play college hockey. College level sports are a lot more casual then uni level, so as someone who hadn’t played hockey since Year 9 PE, I decided to join. The Mansfield Merton Hockey team are the most supportive people I’ve ever met. In my first game, I did something and someone on the team shouted “good pick El” and at the time I had no clue what that meant, but every time I did anything remotely good or even just tried the Ms were always there shouting support. A quote from one of the team was, “I’d rather lose with the Ms than win with anyone else” which sums up our team spirit. We do often win, that was just a particularly annoying defeat.

What have you learnt about yourself during your time at Mansfield?

During my time at Mansfield, I have built up lots of resilience. I haven’t found my degree easy, and there have definitely been times when I have felt that I wasn’t able to do things, but with the support of my friends, tutors, and members of staff in college, I have continued to push through and made it all the way to my final term! Multiple times over the past four years, my college tutor has told me that I am capable of doing this, and the only person who believes I’m not able to is me (as in me, El, not my college tutor!).

What is your favourite thing about Mansfield?

Whether it’s emailing my tutor and arranging a meeting the same afternoon, emailing the tutor for welfare and arranging a chat that same week, or knocking on the window of the disability coordinator’s office to ask a question, Mansfield has always been there to provide me with the support I needed to make it through my degree.

Why did you choose to study your subject?

I chose to do Maths partially because it was something I was good at in school, but also because I was really excited about learning Maths in a rigorous setting. Oxford has one of the best Maths departments in the world and I wanted to be a part of it. Maths also leads to a diverse range of career opportunities. So, that was also something positive when I considered studying Maths in uni.

Have you received any financial support from Mansfield?

I received the Reach Oxford Scholarship which is partially funded by Mansfield. This scholarship gives me full free tuition and covers my living expenses in Oxford. Besides the scholarship, I have received financial support to buy books and relevant electronic equipment for my degree. I was also able to obtain some funding to cover the costs for some sports equipment.

Where do you like to study in College?

I like varying my study environment throughout the day. I quite like studying in the Crypt (Mansfield’s own cafe/bar/social space). If I need a quieter space I often visit one of the reading rooms (Mansfield has three of them – PPE is my favourite). In the summer I sometimes do my work sitting on the grass on the Mansfield quad.

What do you think of Mansfield’s food?

I love Mansfield’s hall food!! Especially this academic year, the food in Mansfield hall has been amazing. I really enjoyed how they did themed Saturday dinner in the summer term. The vegetarian selection in Mansfield hall has always been the best.  But I don’t go there for all my meals, Mansfield also has good kitchens on-site which I use to cook my own food.

What is your favourite thing about Mansfield?

I think my favourite thing about Mansfield is the chill vibes of the College. Doing work for my degree has been intense and the only thing that has kept me sane is the support and welfare I’ve received from various places within the College. There’s almost always someone I can talk to in the common spaces when I feel like ranting about my degree. There’s almost always someone willing to play Mario Kart or Table Tennis with me when I feel like a break. And there are loads of events going on around the college like Welfare Teas, Origami sessions, Board Games nights, Open mic nights and many more.

Why did you choose to study at Oxford?

I submitted an open application to study Geography at Oxford, because I had no clue how the college system works!

I was adamantly against going to Oxford for many years because I assumed that I wouldn’t fit in and it would be super snobby and unfriendly. My geography teacher encouraged me to think about Oxford though, and I figured it would be worth a shot – I didn’t think I’d get in anyway.

After my interviews I realised that I wanted to come to Oxford because of the unique ways it challenges you. During lockdown I’d often been bored and wanted something that I knew would stretch me…I figured the place with the best Geography department in the world might do that!

Why did you choose to study Geography?

I chose to study Geography because I really enjoyed it at GCSE and A Level and, to be honest, I couldn’t imagine doing a degree in anything else. If you’re going to come to Oxford, you’ve got to LOVE the subject you’re doing and Geography is perfect for me – there’s so much variety, and I can explore topics that are important to me, like women’s rights, colonialism and development.

I only really decided to pursue Geography at uni after my first term of year 12 (the pre-COVID days!). We’d studied the Disease Dilemmas topics and I was outraged at how maternal mortality persists around the world. It made me want to change things.

How did you prepare for applying to Oxford?

I didn’t do much preparation for arriving at Oxford! I had a mock interview with my geography teacher which was really fun, and I realised that the process might not be as scary as I had feared. I read the book I’d included on my personal statement a few times, spoke to my parents (who’ve always been very supportive, in a non-pushy way!) and kept my fingers crossed.

Have you received any financial support from Mansfield?

I have applied several times for money through the undergraduate financial support fund, which has allowed me to get (criminally expensive) train tickets reimbursed. It just means that I don’t have to worry so much about the additional costs – e.g., I got to travel to London to go to the Houses of Parliament for a meeting which was really helpful for my dissertation.

What challenges have you faced? How did you overcome them?

I’ve faced a lot of challenges at Oxford, but have found that having super supportive friends can get you through most rough times. I’m also a Christian, and having my faith has played a huge role in helping me to settle in – and I’ve met loads of brilliant Christian friends here too!

Have you taken on any student leadership roles?

I became a Geography Ambassador at the end of 2021, and loved this role. We get paid by the department to go into our old school and give talks. It’s great to demystify Oxford a bit – particularly as someone who didn’t receive a lot of support in the application process and had a LOT of misconceptions going in.

What College related activities are you involved in?

I’m a member of the Mansfield-Merton Women’s Football team. I’d never played football, or had any interest in it whatsoever, before fresher’s week, when my brilliant friend Zahra asked (forced) me to come along to a trial session with her. It was definitely one of the best decisions I’ve made – everyone was kind, friendly and the on and off pitch banter provided a welcome distraction to the stresses of first year. Don’t get it twisted though – there’s no Arteta-style shouting in the changing rooms (although we’ve recently started an Instagram account which, in my opinion, is much better than Arsenal’s PR).

Since I started playing, I’ve been lucky enough to attend the Women’s Euros final in 2022 (one of the best days of my life) and, alongside my beloved Norwich City (up the canaries) I’ve started following Chelsea Women’s team too. I’ve made loads of friends as well, and it’s brought me closer to my Dad.

What piece of advice would you give a student considering applying to Oxford?

If you’re thinking about applying to Oxford, my number one piece of advice is: keep an open mind. I thought that everyone would come from a private school, own a chalet in the mountains and basically hate me, but that’s really not the case at all. You’ve got to find the group of people who will drag you through your degree, even when it seems impossible. This group will change over the 3 or 4 years you’re here, but if you’re friendly, and constantly offer to make people brews, you can’t go wrong. Mansfield is a beautiful and welcoming college – I’m so glad I landed here.

What is your favourite thing about Mansfield?

Mansfield in the summer term (Trinity) is my all-time fave thing. We eat tea on the quad, take our work outside, and once tried to have a kick around on it too in the dead of night (the windows cost a lot to replace, so don’t do that or you might get shouted at!).

What has been your favourite moment at Mansfield so far?

My favourite moment at Mansfield was the last week of term in Trinity 2022. The geographers and lots of other students had finished their exams and we just messed around for a whole week. It was gloriously sunny and like being holiday.

Why did you choose to study your subject?

I chose to study English because I have, since secondary education, enjoyed everything this subject has to offer: the reading, the writing, the analysis, and all the creativity in between. I knew this was the right choice for me because it wasn’t my first choice – I initially wrote and prepared for a Law application, but decided at the last minute that it did not feel true to me. I struggled to construct a Law personal statement but upon attempting to write one for English, I realised how natural it felt, how excited I was to share my interests and opinions with someone else. And I have been grateful for that realisation ever since 😊

How did you prepare for applying to Oxford?

The only way to prepare for the admission test is by doing timed practices! For English, the essay demands varied from anything I had to do at A-Level, even though the skills were all the same, so it was a matter of applying them to a different mark scheme. If you provide your teacher with the marking criteria and examiner reports, they may be able to help by marking it or just discussing your ideas. The latter also helped me prepare for my interview because having to verbalise my arguments for someone else was a new task. I also read widely outside of the A-Level curriculum, listened to relevant podcasts, and took an online course in a topic that interested me (global literature and translation) – this meant my personal statement was unique to my individual interests as opposed to a reflection of what everyone studies at A-Level!

Have you received any financial support from Mansfield?

Throughout my first year, I received £200 through College funding, which I spent on covering the extensive English reading list. This included primary texts that we were encouraged to annotate during tutorials/classes (which you cannot do with library books), as well as critical textbooks (on language development, Old English grammar, and so on). If you buy any books in preparation for your degree over the summer holiday, try to keep your receipt so you can get it reimbursed when the form comes out later in the term 😊

Have you taken on any student leadership roles?

I sat on the JCR (Junior Common Room; student council) bench as the Fresher’s Officer, which means I represented the needs of current and incoming first years. This involved organising stash (yes – the puffers!!), planning Freshers Week, and hosting events as part of my Welfare Bench responsibilities. I was also the LGBTQ+ Rep for It Happens Here (IHH; an anti-sexual violence Student Union campaign).

Where do you like to study in College?

The Crypt (our college café) is a personal favourite! It’s the perfect blend of independent study and chatting to friends on the side, and it’s also great for group work. And you can keep yourself nourished all at the same time because you can buy snacks, sandwiches, baked goods (cookies, chocolate twists, cake), drinks (smoothies, coffees, cans) for much cheaper than other cafes using your Bod card (university ID/access card). I have, however, also benefited from our library’s 24hr opening  –  the cosiness of the main library is particularly helpful in assuaging deadline stress.

How have you connected with other students and formed friendships whilst at Oxford?

Oxford is riddled with opportunities to socialise and connect with others. In College, this can happen in the Crypt, on the quad, over dinner, etc. In a more academic context, lectures are also good chances to meet people who do your subject at different colleges and share perspectives on the topics you are being taught. The social scene is also quite lively: regular night clubs (Plush Tuesgays, Bridge Thursday, Bullingdon theme nights), balls, formal-swapping, college bops/parties, and other events provide opportunities to form friendships at Oxford. Outside of your degree, there are also plenty of societies both within Mansfield and Uni-wide ones that you can join (or start), so you can also bond with people on that level.

What do you think of Mansfield’s food?

Mansfield was recently voted the best college for Vegetarian food, which I particularly appreciate!! There are usually two meat options and two veggie options (with one of those being Vegan; where this is not the case, the chef will happily prepare you a vegan meal upon request). The pasta bakes slap, and the catering staff are always lovely.

What piece of advice would you give a student considering applying to Oxford?

Do it! It’s so easy to be intimidated by Oxford as an institution, but my advice would be to remember that your potential is just as grand, and much more unique. Don’t let its reputation make you feel like you don’t belong here because Oxford is actually home to a diverse range of different communities (class, race, religion, sexuality, all of it!) and you will definitely end up finding your people here. If the thought of getting rejected is putting you off, applying to Oxford is worth it if only for the application process, which is very distinct from other universities. Doing an admission test and interviewing were great chances for me to explore my love for my subject and spend more time with it before starting my degree, but it’s also a chance to meet your tutors in advance if you do get accepted.

Is there anything you would tell prospective students about Mansfield?

Just super glad I found this family within Oxford. The vibes are so sublime, and I’ve really grown into myself throughout my time here – I’m convinced you can too!!

What is your favourite thing about Mansfield?

The community – you’ll likely hear this from everyone but only because it’s true! The general atmosphere around College is super positive and it’s a supportive environment to grow in (both personally and academically). Mansfield’s food, location, cats, societies, and non-conformism are also bonuses, but the life-long connections you’ll find in its students are supreme to everything else. The people here have genuinely made Oxford feel like home!

Why did you choose to study at Mansfield and/or Oxford?

Ever since I was vey young I’d always wanted to study at Oxford, but choosing a college was more tricky! Mansfield stuck out after researching colleges online for a few reasons – not limited to its beautiful, open design and excellent location! The real deal-breaker for me however was Mansfield’s amazing record of state-school admissions! Coming from a comprehensive school in South Wales, I felt I wanted to be in a college that prioritised the experiences of people like me!

Where do you like to study in College?

I love to get out of my room to study and changing libraries every few hours to break the day up! This is super easy when Mansfield has three reading rooms and a beautiful main library!

What do you think of Mansfield’s food?

Mansfield’s food has got to be some of the best at Oxford (from experience!). There’s always at least three choices for every meal, including really diverse vegetarian options, and breakfasts in the Crypt Café definitely get me out of bed in the morning!

What piece of advice would you give a student considering applying to Oxford?

READ INTO, AROUND AND ABOUT YOUR SUBJECT! If it’s something you’re passionate about, expose yourself to as much of it as you can, and in the weirdest ways you can think of! You don’t have to sit around reading all day if you don’t want to, work experience, online courses, blogging or going to see museums or sites of interest when you can, all will deepen your interest and bank of knowledge!

Why did you apply to Oxford?

The English course at Oxford really appealed to me. It’s very broad and covers a wide range of time period and types of literature. However, it also allows for a lot of specialisation and Oxford has a lot of resources for you to pursue your areas of interest.

How did you prepare for applying to Oxford?

I made sure to read books outside of the curriculum in areas I was especially interested in, such as feminist literature and poetry in translation. For each text I mentioned on my personal statement, I made sure I knew them quite well and precited speaking about them so I could demonstrate my understanding in an interview.

What challenges have you faced?

A big challenge I’ve faced is managing my time and staying on top of my workload. I’ve learnt that I have to resist the urge to procrastinate and make sure to do my assignments before they pile up and I have to do everything at the last minute.

Have you taken on any student leadership roles?

In first year, I joined the JCR (which is like our student parliament) as the Careers Rep. I’ve had a lot of fun in this role, organising careers events to help students of all years. The JCR is a really goof opportunity to get involved in College life, make friends, and also have something to put on your CV!

Where do you like to study in College?

Although I like studying in my room, I can get easily distracted. So other places I like to study include the Crypt, which is Mansfield’s café, and the Fellows’ Garden when the weather is nice.

What College-related activities are you involved in?

I joined the College’s women’s football team. It’s very chill and open to people of all abilities (I never played football before uni!). I also play in the Mansfield Wind Orchestra, which is always accepting new people.

What is your favourite thing to do outside of your degree?

My favourite thing to do outside of work is to crochet and draw ­– I’m a very creative person. I also enjoy taking walks through uni parks and get boba tea with my friends.

How have you connected with other students or formed friendships whilst at Oxford?

At Oxford, you become quite close with your classmates since the college system means the classes are small. I’ve also made a few friends from other colleges through lectures and societies. Mansfield is a small community so it’s easy to get to know people and you quickly make friends.

What piece of advice would you give a student considering applying to Oxford?

Make sure that you are passionate about what you’re applying for. Not only will it make the application process feel less like work, but the admissions team will be able to see your passion come through in your personal statement and interview.

What is your favourite thing about Mansfield?

I like Mansfield’s location because it’s off the main road and not as loud as other colleges. However, it’s still central and close enough to my lectures. I also love Mansfield’s small size. It creates a strong sense of community and everyone gets to know everyone.