Life as an Oxford Earth Scientist
As a city Oxford has a lot to offer: large enough to cater for most types of entertainment, but everything is within walking distance and you are only ever a stone's throw away from the countryside. Although renowned for its dreaming spires, Oxford is a colourful city, with a face distinct from the University and academia.
The most important difference between Oxford and nearly all other Universities is the colleges. They may seem an added complication in the application procedure but, in a University with many thousands of students, they provide valuable support, especially when you first arrive. Colleges give you opportunities to meet people outside your subject, and provision of a wide range of facilities from libraries and computers to inexpensive bars, all on a personal scale. With undergraduate intake of around one hundred a year you quickly get to know people. As a member of this society, you elect a committee to sort out college entertainment and welfare issues. There is usually a packed social calendar, so the eight-week term flies by.
There is also plenty to do outside college: an immense range of University clubs and societies cater for all tastes, and of course there are the pubs, parks, clubs (of variable reputation!) and other venues unconnected with the University. All the colleges are within walking distance of the town centre, and most are right in it, so you are never cut off.
The Earth Sciences department in Oxford is small and sociable, with an intake of around 30 undergraduates per year, so you easily get to know students both in your year and others, as well as the academic staff. Field trips are always stimulating - whatever the weather. The research community, students, postdocs and others, is large and active and there are numerous seminars and research talks, so you will be in touch with the latest developments in the science. The University Geological Society, run by the undergraduates, is a vital focus, providing weekend trips to such places as Wales and the Lake District, and attracting distinguished speakers from around the country.
Postgraduates are also members of colleges and enjoy the benefits they offer, in particular a community of students that ranges widely over nationalities and subjects. You might choose to join a graduate college, which caters solely for graduate needs, or you may prefer an undergraduate college which, while providing facilities for graduates, allows you to keep in contact with undergraduate life.
Many students, both graduate and undergraduate, regard the Department of Earth Sciences as their "second college". There are numerous opportunities for interaction with between undergraduates, research students, researchers, and academic staff. A friendly atmosphere and pleasant surroundings make the Department an ideal environment for teaching, learning, and research.