Visiting one of England’s top universities, and spending the day looking round, meeting the students, and feeling like Hermione Granger whilst eating your lunch. It’s not something that many 15 year old state school students get to experience. But on February the 28th, nine other students and I got to do exactly this.
University may seem like a world away, but with unemployment levels in young people rising all the time, and university fees increasing, it seems that it’s never too early to think ahead.
After an early start, an eventful coach journey and an interesting experience of oxford one way system, we arrived at Oriel collage oxford. The surroundings of the collage were beautiful; old fashioned stone buildings, tight cobbled streets, and brightly painted houses seemed to make up the majority of the city. Bikes seemed to be the only form of transport, with students using the greener option to cycle between classes and colleges. It was all a world away from the tightly packed, often congested suburbs of Twickenham.
Arriving at Oriel College, we were greeted with much appreciated tea and biscuits, before starting the day’s activities. Looking at the college’s prospectus, we were able to get an idea of what courses were offered, and what these could provide us in later life. The range of options was massive, and Oriel seemed to offer everything from computer science, to fine art. A level options were also playing on every ones minds, with the waldegrave sixth form opening at the end of the next academic year, and students wondering which options they should choose.
It was interesting to see how a level courses affected courses at the universities, and maths and science seemed to be recommended for a big proportion of the courses on offer; subjects such as phycology, which I didn't think would require maths a maths a level, highly recommended that you took one at a level if you wanted to take that course.
Sitting in the dining hall to eat lunch did feel like something out of harry potter with its long benches, and wood panelling. The portrait of the queen, which is the largest in Britain, also added a touch of sophistication, and I ate my pasta bake knowing that I was on royal ground. The queen is in fact planning a trip back to oxford in March, so we may have to persuade our school if we can go back then too.
Walking round the botanical gardens was also a highlight of the day, considering that the sun had decided to shine for five minutes, and it wasn't pouring down with rain. The gardens were similar to Kew gardens, in that the plants kept in them were all there for a reason; they all had medical or economic benefits, and some had been there for hundreds of years, much like the archives at Kew The day at oxford was a really worthwhile experience, considering the importance of university for people of our age, and the changes in the education system that are being made. The day really gave me an idea of what university life would be like, and whether it would be suitable for me. The university do open days, where entrance only costs a few pounds, and I would highly recommend that anyone my age, whether or not you’re interested going to have a look around, because of the amount you can learn from even a short trip. And at the end of the day, even if it’s not your cup of tea, you still get to feel like harry potter for the day.
By Kate Merry
