Somerville College AlternAtive ProSPeCtuS

University of Oxford 2010
S o m e r v i l l e C o l l e g e
A l t e r n a t i v e P r o s p e c t u s

Thanks for picking up our Alternative Prospectus!
This is a guide, 100% compiled by students, full of all the things
we wanted to know about an college when we were applying.
From academics to accommodation, a glossary of esoteric Oxford
terms and student profiles, we hope it will help you get a
feel for what it is REALLY like to be a student at Somerville.
When applying to Oxford you apply to one of our 33 colleges,
and this choice can seem like an impossible task – they’re all of
different sizes, locations, ages and have distinct atmospheres.
But the thing to remember is you will be taught exactly the
same course wherever you go; syllabuses are centrally regulated,
everyone goes to the same lectures, sits the same exams, it’s
just the tutorials which happen at college level. In addition, 1/5
of all applicants don’t end up at their college of first choice, so
don’t get too caught up in the college decision.
Having said that, we’d obviously love for you to apply here!
Because Somerville is relatively young by Oxford standards,
founded in 1879, co-educational in 1994, and is lacking in gothic
spires, it often gets overlooked by applicants. But if you’re feeling
overwhelmed by the Oxford stereotype, or just want to be
somewhere a little more relaxed, then Somerville is the perfect
place for you to apply (see ‘Why Somerville?’ page). We don’t
need to tell you that we’re ‘The Friendliest College’ like most
colleges do in their Alternative Prospectuses, because you will
learn this for yourself when you come and meet students and
tutors on Open Days and at interviews. You can find more information
about making an invaluable trip up on an Open Day
on the ‘What Next’ page.
List of contributors
Masuma Ahuja
Lucy Arora
Jenni Butler
Ceri Cairnduff
Rilly Chen
Nick Cooper
James Corrigan
Jo Holland
Habiba Islam
Alex Lau
Iain Moss
Josie Messa
David Railton
Matt Rattley
Waheed Safi
Laura Schofield
Jane Taylor
Andrea White
Front & back cover
photos:
Grace Benton
Photos:
Members of Somerville JCR
Editors:
Masuma Ahuja
Laura Schofield
So all that remains is to wish you all the best with your application,
and enjoy reading what Somervillians have to say about
how much Somerville has to offer you,
Laura and Masuma
JCR 2010

contents
Reasons to apply....................................................................................................................................... 2
Student profiles.........................................................................................................................................3
Accomodation..........................................................................................................................4
Accomodation...........................................................................................................................5
Food and facilities.....................................................................................................................................6
Academics....................................................................................................................................7
JCR...........................................................................................................................................8
Charities...................................................................................................................................9
Entz & Freshers.......................................................................................................................................10
Sports.....................................................................................................................................11
Drama & Arts.........................................................................................................................................12
Music.......................................................................................................................................13
Welfare...................................................................................................................................14
Student profiles........................................................................................................................................15
What to do next........................................................................................................................................16
Glossary..................................................................................................................................17

Why somerville?
1. Equality
Somerville was originally a college for women, and never conformed to the other college’s 19 th century procedures
of religious tests for entry. Equality and openness are part of our history and not just paraphernalia for a
prospectus. Somerville is not at all elitist and you will not get overwhelmed by Oxford stereotypes here.
2. Size
With 350 undergraduates
and 100 graduates,
Somerville is one
of Oxford’s larger colleges.
This means you
won’t feel claustrophobic
living and studying
around the same people
all the time (a common
complaint from some
of the smaller colleges).
At the same time you’re
never lost in the crowd
since we have a wealth
of support for students:
personal tutors, college
parents (see *incest in
glossary), incredibly
helpful porters on call for anything 24 hours a day, a peer support team, welfare reps, college doctor, nurse,
and everyone gets an annual meeting with the Principal, which means that everyone in college knows what
you’re up to.
3. Location
So we’re not on the High Street, but our location 10 minutes from the centre of town is in fact incredibly advantageous.
There are no tourists snapping photos of you as you leave for lectures in the morning, and we’re
very close to: university parks (2 minutes), the science area (3 minutes), bars, cafes, restaurants, and shops in
Jericho and Little Clarendon Street (outside our back gate), the Bodleian library (10 minutes), and the train
station (10 minutes). And remember, all of these distances are halved with a bike!
4. Walking on the grass
Would you believe it, walking on the grass can lead to rustication (see glossary) in other colleges. We, however,
can utilise our luscious lawns for snowball fights, garden parties, sunbathing, working...
2
This last one seems a trivial point, but it symbolises Somerville as a whole: we are relaxed, liberal
and shun all the unjustifiable pomp and ceremony associated with Oxford, giving you the space to
be yourself, fulfil your potential and have a brilliant time doing it.

Waheed Safi
profiles
Studying at Oxford is a unique experience, and Somerville makes it even
more special. Somerville is one of the more laid back colleges – you can
walk on the grass, and we don’t wear gowns for dinner! It’s a friendly, liberal
environment, and knowing everyone in halls makes it feel like home.
The Engineering course itself is challenging, but rewarding. At the end of
your second year you can choose from five options of engineering, but until
then you get a really broad perspective of the subject. The workload
involves two sets of questions, which are set for the two tutes per week.
Each set of questions requires roughly five hours. So it’s pretty intensive,
but having applied time with your tutor really helps your academic progress.
You also have two lectures per day and a labs session every week.
Aside from all the work, there’s plenty of time to socialise, with clubs and pubs just down the road from Somerville.
I really enjoy the sports side of things too, and do football, rugby, tae kwando and cricket every week. I’m
also president of the Afghan Students’ Society, so I’ve made loads of friends in different groups.
Lucy Arora
My name is Lucy and I’m doing History at Somerville.
The course is really interesting, and there aren’t many
hours of contact, meaning that how you organise your
time is really down to you. It’s compulsory to do some
British and European history, but there is a lot of choice.
This year I have been learning Russian, so that I can
study original documents from the Revolution next year,
which should be really cool. The Somerville tutors definitely
make half of the course – one of them even sings
for all of his students (although, unfortunately, that only
happens once a year).
There is quite a lot of extra-curricular stuff going on in
the college and on a wider university scale; I tried a brief
stint with the Somerville women’s football team, which
was definitely worth it for the socials! I think sadly my tendency to run away from the football prevented me
from being a long-term member of the team though... Now I am the college Environment and Ethics officer,
meaning I am responsible for trying to improve our recycling facilities and running events like Sundae sessions
for Fairtrade Fortnight. Alongside that, I am involved in the central Environment and
Ethics committee of the Student Union, where I have had a chance to meet loads of inspiring
people from other colleges and take part in university-wide campaigns.
3

accomModation
.First Year
This is often the first room outside of home most
people can move into, which can be scary. Wherever
they live, by the end of the first year, most
students have grown attached to their rooms, the
paper thin walls, and the buildings they live in.
Generally, there are three large buildings where
freshers are housed:
Vaughan: This is the largest first-year
building, with 60 rooms. It’s the ugly one, across
from the library. But what it lacks in aesthetics,
it makes up for by being one of the most sociable
areas in college. The rooms are standard: desk,
chair, comfy chair, bed, sink, chest of drawers,
and closet. Because the building is so large, one
shower is shared between ten people, as is one
kitchen. However, because there are so many
people living in this building, someone is always
nearby and up for a tea break or a chat in the
hallway. Also, Vaughan has the Vaughan JCR -
popular for its TV and a good place to hang out
before heading out of college for a night out.
Penrose: A smaller building, this isn’t entirely
occupied by freshers. Having finalists as
neighbours might mean that you have to turn
down the volume on your stereo. But the rooms,
while they come with the same standard furniture,
are much larger. Bathrooms and kitchens
are also shared between fewer people, and the
kitchens are bigger and more useful for cooking
larger meals.
4
Darbishire: Far from the two other big
buildings housing freshers in college distances,
Darbishire is by the Lodge. The rooms vary in
size and are generally nicer than Vaughan rooms.
Bathrooms and kitchens, again are shared between
fewer people than in Vaughan. Because of
its (relative) distance from the rest of the freshers accomodation, the people living in
Darbishire generally grow close. In my year, there were often dinner parties held in the
hallways.

Second Year
Somervillians have generally had to live out in their second year. Most people choose to live in Jericho, the area
right behind college, where rent per person generally varies between £300-£450 per month. At the beginning of
Hilary, most freshers have to have picked a group
to live with and will be signing for houses. Sizes of
houses can vary from 2-person to 7-person houses,
and every house and group of people varies. Living
out has its advantages, people cook more, sometimes
have basements with TVs, and can host
house parties without fears of the Porters asking
them to keep it down. And so , while living out has
its challenges (like who does the dirty dishes), it is
a unique experience and most second-years tend to
enjoy it.
NB: In October 2011, 68 new en suite rooms will
become available and most second-years will be
able to live in college.
Third/Fourth Year
accomModation
Housing in third/fourth year is determined by a randomized
room ballot. Most people tend to pick to
live in Park, Wolfson, or Dorothy Hodgkin Quad
(DHQ).
Park: The rooms in Park are bigger than most
that people had as freshers, and many have a beautiful
view of the quad and window seats. Living
in halls with friends can sometimes be a welcome
change after a year of living in houses. Park is a
comfortable building, with an incredible kitchen, a
newly re-done JCR with leather couches and a TV,
and the computer room in the building. Also, Park
is internally connected to Wolfson and Holtby.
Wolfson: This is the distinct, modern building with the huge windows. The rooms in Wolfson are a nice
large size and every room has a huge window - both a good and bad thing. While the big windows make for an
incredible view, people can also look into your room at night if your blinds/curtains aren’t closed.
DHQ: DHQ has a unique living set-up. Living blocks are divided up into 2-person and 4-person
flats, and people can choose to live with their friends in flats. The rooms are generally very
large and flats all have a kitchen and a bathroom that flatmates will share. While DHQ is across
the quad from the Holtby-Park-Wolfson buildings, many people choose to live in DHQ for the
comfort of barely-shared conveniences and large rooms.
5

Facilities
Somerville offers both catering and non-catering facilities to all
its students at all times, and you don’t have to make a decision
either way when you apply.
Food is served in hall 3 times a day during the weekdays and
lunchtime at the weekend. At lunch and dinner there are at least
2 hot food options, vegetarian, jacket potato, salad, soup, sandwiches,
fruit, yoghurts and puddings. A full meal with a drink
and all the trimmings will cost on average £3. For breakfast you
can opt for the full English, or go continental with coffee and
cereal. Full English or brunch at the weekend comes in at a very
reasonable £1.50. On Tuesdays dinner is replaced with Formal,
which is always something to look forward to. They cost a little
more than normal dinner (£8.50) but it’s a sit-down meal, and
you get served three courses, and the food is amongst the best
in Oxford. What’s more, because we don’t have formals every
night like some of the other colleges, lots of people go and everyone
makes an effort to look good, and everyone congregates
in the bar afterwards, so it turns into a real event.
For the Tuesday nights and weekends when you are not eating
in hall, you’ll have to fend for yourself . The size of the kitchen
varies depending on which building you are in. Park, for instance, has a lovely big kitchen with two fridge freezers
and two ovens. Vaughan on the other hand has two kitchenettes on each floor, one with a fridge, a sink and a
microwave, one with a fridge, a sink and a hob and grill. Most of the other first year accommodation has kitchenettes
of a similar standard. They’re all perfectly adequate for pasta and sauce - and really, what more do you need?
For your pleasure and convenience, Somerville also has:
• Laundry rooms in every building with massive washing machines (and a dryer too)
• Gym complete with treadmills, weights and rowing machines
• Two music rooms and a grand piano in hall
• JCR common rooms with computers, TVs, games consoles and comfy sofas and chairs
• Computer rooms in Park and the library with reliable, cheap printing facilities
• Dark room and exhibition room
• College bar which is not only a place to get cheap drinks (£1.40 for a pint and £1.10 for a glass of wine), but
somewhere you can watch Sky TV, play pool, argue over what song you want the juke box to play...
• Lastly, there are multiple function rooms of varying size that you can book (for free!) for meetings, play
rehearsals or whatever else you’re up to!
6

Academics
I could tell you that the myths are all false, and academic life at Oxford isn’t nearly as much hard work
as people claim. I would, of course, be lying. However what is true is that an Oxford education can
be one of the most rewarding and fascinating times of your life, and Somerville provides the best of
atmospheres in which
to experience this. The
Somerville attitude to
work is the Somerville
attitude to everything:
we all love our courses,
and want to do well
(not least to be better
than all those other pesky
colleges), but above
all we want to enjoy
ourselves doing it!
Although the scientists
wish to claim they have
the most work, the arts/
sciences split is more
about how work is
structured. Science students
find themselves
in lectures till 1 most days, labs some afternoons and tutorial sheets to complete in the evenings. A
week for an arts student is far less structured- most lectures are deemed “skippable”, and with the exception
of the odd tutorial, academic life centres itself on private reading and writing essays (which
never, despite best intentions, get completed until at least five minutes before the deadline; five hours
after for some.) However, when you’re reading in one of Oxford’s beautiful libraries, especially the
Somerville Library, open 24 hours a day and one of the most well-stocked College libraries in town,
the days seem to while themselves away…
I briefly mentioned tutorials, which, if a little daunting, are one of the best parts of being at Oxford.
Most students have between one and three tutorials a week for about an hour at a time. They’re an
opportunity to discuss the topic you’ve studied that week with your tutor, and are generally quite
relaxed. (One of my tutors had a chaise lounge in his room; sofas or chairs are more common.) In the
end, if you’ve read a decent proportion of the reading list each week, you’ll be fine and you may even
enjoy it! Tutors are also really understanding, and will help you if you find yourself going astray (as
will your fellow students- Somerville solidarity goes a long way!)
So although each eight-week term is crammed full of academic work, it isn’t nearly as
bad as it seems. And when you’re sitting on the Somerville Quad in Trinity, drinking
Pimm’s in one hand, pretending to read in the other, it’ll all seem worth it!
7

JCR
Ahh... the JCR, what can
we say about this august
institution? Short for
Junior Common Room,
it is both the communal
areas of college for undergraduates,
but more
importantly it is essentially
our elected governing
body and mini-parliament
in Somerville.
It is essentially a Students’
Union on a very
small scale. There are a
number of elected representatives,
including
Welfare Officers, Admissions
Officer, Academic
Affairs Officer,
International Students
Officer, Lesbian Gay Bisexual
and Transgender
(LGBT) Officer and of
course the big dog itself,
the President.
Between us we do our best to deal with all the problems that you encounter, to set up fun events for everyone,
and just generally try to make your lives as easy, fun, and as smooth as possible during your time here.
We have a fairly decent budget which goes on sports teams, bops, newspapers, and many other things.
Last year, we managed to redecorate one of our common rooms and install a 42-inch television with the
money at our disposal. As well as that we’ve organised our own Arts Week, with a fashion show, an open
mic night, and a film showing, and Charities Week in college. So if you want to get involved with anything
in college, the JCR is the place to be!
As well as serious motions, we like to do some silly ones that are purely for fun. So if we want to make Neil
Buchanan or Dennis the Menace a honourary member of the JCR, we can vote on it! Should we make
every Friday Hawaiian shirt day? Does the college believe that George Harrison was the best Beatle?
Anyone can propose a motion, serious or otherwise, so it’s definitely fun and important to get involved!
8

Somerville is one of the most generous colleges when it
comes to charity money. There is a £9 a term JCR charity
contribution on our college bills (although you can opt out
of this if you want). This adds up to give us around about
£3,000 to dish out each term.
Unlike at some other colleges, there are no set causes that
our money always goes to; anyone can propose a charity at
the JCR meeting. It’s a fantastic way to get support for a
project you’re involved in or simply for a charity you think
does great work.
Throughout the year there are Somerville versions of entertaining
events run by OUSU’s charity committee, RAG
RAG (raise and give). These include Somerville’s got talent
in Michaelmas term and Mr and Miss Somerville in Hilary.
Additionally, in Hilary term, the charities officer also hosts
several events for Somerville’s Charities week.
The Somerville Ghana Library
Project
Every year, a group of Somerville students takes
on the task of running ‘The Somerville Ghana
Library Project’. Somerville student Hattie
Beg set up the charity in 2003, and since then
Somerville students have helped run a free public
library for hundreds of children and adults in
Cape Coast, Ghana. Each summer, a group of
enthusiastic Somervillians travel to Ghana to see
and help with the library.
charities
Being able to visit the project is an incredible experience.
We met the two librarians who we employ
and talked to the people who use the library,
as well as improving the library building and discussing how to improve the project. We also got to travel - we saw
the rainforest, crocodile reserves, and beautiful beaches. We were even lucky enough to be in Cape Coast for the
famous Fetu Afahye festival which is celebrated every year.
Being part of the project teaches you skills that you don’t learn in tutorials! Whilst in Oxford, we manage the
finances, organise some amazing fund raising events as well as keeping up to date with the library via email. It’s a
fantastic and impressive project to be involved in.
9

Entz & Freshers
Freshers
“Down it, Freshaaaaaa!” – upon hearing this war cry it would be
easy to fall under the illusion that you are at any other British university,
but there’s no doubt that this is a one-dimensional view
of Somerville Fresher life. Sure, Freshers’ week is filled with your
usual blurry stagger from bed to pub to club to bed, but the path of
an incipient alcoholic is definitely not a mandatory lifestyle choice.
However, once the craze of Freshers’ week is reduced to a handful
of embarrassing facebook pictures there will still be endless
opportunities to make friends in less high octane surroundings
through a myriad of clubs and societies.
Freshers’ fair, both on a university and a college level advertise
these clubs in a fun, free-dominos-pizza-vouchers way. You will
never join all of the societies you feverishly sign up to, but the fact
that the medieval re-enactment society does exist is heartening.
Bops
Bops (the slightly eccentric college organised parties of Oxford)
are the ultimate chance to realise your otherwise socially unacceptable
dress-up antics with a series of mad themes- tribal fetishes
anyone? And in Freshers’ week the rightly famed bop juice (with dubious components of suspicious colour)
is available by the bucket load. This combined with atrocious dancing are an essential bond builder
with your fellow students - you will make some of the best friends of your life.
Other Entz events:
Annual garden party (with ice cream vans, barbeque, strawberries
and cream, Pimms, bouncy castle, and sumo suits), and club
nights.
The Ball
Every three years Somerville gets together with Jesus college and
we have a huge summer ball. This year’s theme is Paparazzi... for
one night only, the sprawling grounds of Somerville College will
be transformed into a world of glittering hotspots. Saunter up
the red-carpet whilst sipping wine, win big in Monaco, hang out
in celebrity green rooms and party to some of the best live performances
and biggest names in music.
10

Oxford is a great place to get involved
in a whole range of sports, from the
sublime to the ridiculous, rowing to
extreme Frisbee, there’s bound to be
something you’re into. The great thing
is that with a collegiate structure, you
don’t have to be at Blue (1 st University
team) to get a game. At college level
the emphasis is very much on getting
involved and having fun, with only the
occasional team practice. Most sports
compete against other colleges in ‘cuppers’
matches, so there are always plenty
of games if you want them. Somerville
has teams in rowing, cricket, rugby,
male and female football, netball, mixed
hockey, pool, foosball, tennis.
And if there’s a sport you feel is underrepresented, then you can start up a team and receive some funding from the
JCR for kit and other sporty expenses.
Rowing
No doubt rowing is one of the most popular sports at Oxford:
and naturally Somerville is massively involved in this
with our own Boat Club.
The club is split into men’s and women’s teams, with a first
crew for each gender and then lower boats which are usually
made up of novices. We have a mixture of people who’ve
rowed before and people who don’t even realise how much
lycra is involved in rowing – but absolutely everyone can join
the club (lycra appreciation is preferable, although can be
developed).
Sports
It’s not all about early mornings in the rain (and that only
happens for half the year anyway), rowers are regularly found on crew dates with crews from other colleges, men’s
vs. women’s crew bar crawls, religiously watching of the film True Blue (you’ll know it line for line once you leave)
whilst eating pasta, and other random activities that keep up the fantastic team spirit held within the boat club.
And then there’s the races: the biggest being Christchurch Regatta in Michaelmas which is a novice-only race,
and the two bumps races: Torpids in Hilary and Summer Eights in Trinity term. If you take
“bumps” as literally as it sounds, that might give you an idea of what’s involved. Our women’s first
boat are in the top two divisions for Torpids and Eights, and our men’s first crew is consistently
rising up the ranks in Division III.
11

drama & Arts
Drama
Oxford has a reputation for
some of the best student theatre
in the world. This may make it
seem like it is difficult to get involved.
On the contrary, it is the
perfect opportunity to try something
new. Never before or
again will it be so easy to have a
go at producing a show, directing,
acting, filming marketing
etc. Funding is easy to come
by and pretty much anything
is possible. There are various
levels of student drama and the
University accommodates. You
can experience new roles, or
even use the drama here to get
noticed by agents. Somerville
has its very own Drama Society
to help out its students. It has
a large fund to invest in shows,
or even put on a Somerville show in the Quad. Similarly, Somerville has a reputation for producing some
great talent - whether they be producers, directors or actors. For Freshers who need that extra persuasion
to get involved or who just need a place to start, there is Cuppers. Cuppers is an inter-college competition
whereby each college puts on a production, or even more. The results is a huge week-long competition
where at least 40 shows are judged. At the end of the week there is a final to showcase the best 10 shows,
followed by Oxford’s very own Tony Awards.
Arts
Somerville Arts culminates in an annual Arts Week, which is either at the end of Hilary (second) term or
the beginning of Trinity (third) term. It’s run by the Arts Officer, and basically tries to fit something from
every art form into one week, and do it stylishly - no mean feat! This year’s Arts week ran, amongst other
things, a photography day, a world music night, a student film screening and a fashion show in the chapel.
As with pretty much everything Arts related, there are loads of opportunities to take part: it takes a whole
heap of micromanagement and production, and well as a small army of musicians, singers, actors, dancers
and models (...and comedians, and photographers). The Arts Officer also helps to publicise various arts
related events, exhibitions, shows and lecture series’ that go on throughout the city, and trust me, there’s
a lot.
12
Essentially, Somerville Arts takes what you want to do, and runs with it. There’s endless
possibilities, not only in college but at the various university-wide ensembles, orchestras
and drama productions and all it takes is a little initiative and drive. Enjoy!

music
Somerville has a thriving and successful musical
scene, with many students involved to some degree
in the musical life of the college. The Somerville Music
Society (SMS) is heavily involved with all aspects
of music within college, and puts on events, socials,
and concerts throughout the year, involving many
different performers and encompassing all genres.
SMS also coordinates opportunities for students to
receive music lessons from other members of college,
provided for free, and the experience is fun and rewarding
for all involved.
Somerville also has an excellent chapel choir who
sing evensong every Sunday and perform in concerts
throughout the year. This summer, the choir is touring
Milan for a week, which is sure to be a musical
treat for all involved. They are led by professional
musical director David Crown, one of the few college
choirs to be so, and enjoy singing a wide variety
of music, from sacred all the way through to gospel
and some more modern pieces. The choir is selected
by audition and is currently made up of around 30
members of college, with several choral awards offered
every year, and they are improving as an ensemble
all the time. They take on one large project
every term, ranging from Handel’s Messaiah
to Gluck’s Orfeo and lead evensong in a large cathedral
once a year.
Somerville has great facilities, with pianos available
for student use all over college, a dedicated
music room, fully equipped with piano and a new
drum kit, and other rooms which students can
use for music practice.
Altogether, Somerville is a great college for musicians
of all levels, and offer opportunities to improve,
perform, or just to enjoy!
13

Welfare
General Welfare, Peer Support
Here at Oxford we realise that the work hard, play hard lifestyle can definitely take its toll on you both mentally
and physically. That’s why we really think that the welfare of students is important here at Somerville. We have
two main schemes:
1. Welfare officers: We’re always contactable
for any welfare problems or even just for a friendly face and
a chat. We are on hand to pidge any necessary items for
all kinds of emergencies and organise welfare promoting
activities such as free yoga. We are happy to listen to any
problem and accompany you to university run support
groups
2. Peer supporters: These are students who
are trained by the counselling service. They are also available
to provide support
It’s all about giving you space to chill out and have a good
time but also be here for you when you need it most.
International Students
Somerville, being an exceptionally friendly college, is a
good place to start life as an international - it’s easy to feel
welcome and integrated. People are helpful and friendly,
which makes the adjustment easier. And there are a fair
few internationals in every year at Somerville (in addition
to university-wide societies for people from certain countries),
so you’ll rarely feel alone in any culture shock or confusion. In addition to that, there is an international
officer on the JCR, so should you run into any problems, there will be help.
Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transexual
Somerville is one of the most liberal, tolerant and friendly colleges in Oxford, with the result that everyone, whether
gay, straight, bisexual or unsure can happily be whoever they are. You’ll find lots of opportunities to meet other
LGBT students, both in college and the University at large, with social events put on every term. Every year an
undergraduate is elected the LGBT officer, and puts on these events and is around generally for chats, coffee and
biscuits. For some, the idea of coming out is daunting and scary, but there is no pressure to do so as soon as you
arrive. Above all, it’s about being happy in college – and the LGBT scene at Somerville helps you to do this.
Women
14
There’s a special room dedicated to Somerville college girls which is a great place to hang out
and relax, maybe have a read of some of the trashy magazines.There is also a good range of rape
alarms, condoms and pregnancy tests that can be delivered free of charge and completely confidentially.

profiles
Josie Messa
Hi, I’m Josie, a second year mathematician, and I’m also Somerville’s women’s boat
club captain. Obviously a good few hours of my day are taken up with working – either
going to lectures, sitting in tutorials or avoiding working in the library by religiously
checking facebook/my emails. I usually have around three problem sheets a week to
complete, how they long they take depends on the topic – sometimes I can do one question
in 20 minutes, sometimes it takes a few hours to do some reading and play around
with different solutions.
I don’t just do maths in the library though, I’ve been involved in some maths out reach
work run by Marcus du Sautoy – specifically in helping him develop some interactive
elements for a new book he was writing, which was like jamming but with maths.
I wake up at horrific times in the morning to go down to the river to yell at rowers, and then usually finish off
my days by going on crew dates, hanging out in my friends’ kitchens having bizarre conversations until the early
hours, going to concerts, going to the union, going clubbing…
Matt Rattley
I’m Matt, and I’m a chemist! I’m chosen my subject because there’s something very
rewarding about understanding how all the materials and chemicals around you
work – chemistry is such a vital part of modern society, and it’s incredibly diverse. A
typical week is normally pretty full with labs and lectures (often in the mornings…),
plus preparation for tutorials can take a while – it’s not too bad though, especially if
you’re organised…
I’m also a bassoonist and play a lot of music up here – Oxford’s great for that kinda
thing – and I’m also training to be a Peer Supporter, which is really rewarding.
Somerville’s a great college to be at – it’s so laid back and welcoming! There’s not the
same almost-psychotic need to be better than everyone else that some of the other colleges
suffer, and the people here are definitely more fun. There’s a great community
too, we’re pretty small so everyone knows everyone else.
Masuma Ahuja
Hi, I’m Masuma, and I’m an international student from the United States reading PPE.
My course is pretty cool because I have a lot more options and choices than most people.
We can drop (if we want) one of the three subjects in our second year, and with Politics
and Philosophy, there aren’t really any defined structural requirements and you can pretty
much pick and choose what you want to do. Since PPE is so wide, everyone ends up with
a different kind of degree, with emphasis on whatever they care about or are interested in.
We have a couple of lectures a week, but most of your learning (and procrastination) happens
in the library.
Other than PPE, I’m an editor of a student magazine, am being peer support
trained, am a member of the JCR committee, and I like to kickbox
from time to time. My free time (which I manage to make lots of) is spent
with friends watching tv, cooking while having girly chats, and napping.
15

What next?
You’ve decided that Somerville and Oxford are the place for you , but there’s still lots to do! Follow these steps to ensure
you’re making the most informed and well prepared application. NB All dates are for 2010.
Research
The course you’re interested in: check out what you’ll be learning, whether it involves a year abroad, if you’ll be assessed
solely on exams or on the basis of a dissertation. Check out the university website: www.ox.ac.uk
‣ Is it something you can see yourself absolutely loving for 3 or more years?
‣ What are the entry requirements, can you satisfy them?
‣ Is it offered at the college you’re interested in?
Open days
They’re the best way to decide whether the place is right for you. On 30 th June, 1 st July and 17 September academic
departments open themselves up for tours, taster lecture and informal chats with tutors, and colleges operate an open
door policy all day also with student run tours, and talks on admissions requirements and the college.
UCAS form
Applications are not separate (as in Cambridge), Oxford receives the same personal statement, reference and grades
as you send your other university choices. Application deadline: 15 th October deadline. Choral and organ scholarship
applications must be in by 1 st September. Tip for your personal statement:
- At least 2/3 needs to be on your subject: why you want to study it, wider reading, special areas of interest.
The remaining third can be about your extra curricular activities but it is imperative that you relate these
experiences to skills that relate to studying your subject. Don’t just list achievements.
Written tests
Oxford requires the completion of Admissions tests for certain subjects. The deadlines are:
- 1 st November: LNAT (Law*)
- 3rd November: BMAT (Medicine*), ELAT (English*), HAT (History), Aptitude test for Mathematics
and Computer Science (Maths and Computer Science – obviously...), Thinking Skills Assessment (Economics
and Management, Experimental Psychology, PPE and Psychology and Philosophy)
*These tests are sat where you take your driving theory test, the others are taken at school.
Written work
Deadlines: 10 th November (check subject requirements), 14 th November for Art portfolios.
Interviews
The interview period is roughly 5th-17th December, and this is split into an Arts week and Science week. You’ll be here
for at most 3-4 days and will have at least 2 interviews at the college you’re staying at, and all scientists are interviewed
at another college too. At Somerville, we try to make the interview period as stress-free as possible. We walk you to all
your interviews, and provide entertainment in the evenings, get stuff out for you to do during all your free time, and are
around all the time for a chat if you’re bored.
Some things to remember:
- Interviews are all about thinking laterally. You’re going to be asked questions you don’t know the answers to, so just try
your best to explain how you’re thinking the problem through even if you can’t answer it straight away.
16
- Tutors are looking at your academic potential and suitability to study here and NOTHING
else!
- Be prepared to be flexible, so if you’re proved wrong on a point, adopt the criticism into your
argument and respond constructively to it

Glossary
Battels - Bills paid to college for accommodation and
other college services.
Bops - College parties. If you like to dress up, consume
dubious “Bop Juice” and dance all through the
night, then you’ll enjoy a bop.
Cambridge - Essentially a swear word here. Call it
“The Other Place”
The Co-op- Far be it from us to advertise one shop
above others, but this is both the nearest and is open
the latest. It will save your life on a weekly basis.
Deans - In charge of discipline and welfare of students.
Entz - The guys in charge of entertainment and bops
Hilary - A boy’s name, a girl’s name and also the
name of our second term (Winter/spring term)
Incest - Surprisingly frequent. You will have College
parents, who are second years who look after you.
This also leads to college brothers and sisters and
uncles, aunts and grandparents. Essentially anyone
in college may be distantly related to you. Hence incest.
Jamal’s - The Indian restaurant up the road. Few
questions are asked, BYOB and enjoy it.
JCR - Short for Junior Common Room. Both the name
of a couple of rooms where undergrads can hang out,
and Somerville’s own student union organisation.
Jericho - The area behind college in North Oxford.
Fairly affluent- you may well live out here in second
year
Lodge - AKA Porters’ Lodge. This is the front gate
where letters and guests arrive and are looked after
by our Porters.
Library - An enchanted building where days shrink to
mere minutes. Most leave having visibly aged.
Michaelmas - The name of our autumn term.
Mods - Exams taken at the end of first year to ensure
you carry on. (See also: Prelims)
OUSU - Oxford University Student Union. These guys
look after all the students, and organise Fresher’s
fair, RAG week and a bunch of other fun activities
Pidge - Short for pigeonhole, or mailbox. Oxford
stubbornly refuses to use emails for everything and
still uses pigeon post to send notes from time to time.
Porter - The guys who are basically in charge of college.
They cover security, and the general day to
day running of college. Somerville’s are notoriously
lovely.
Pogo - The college cat. Feature on the corner of every
page, he’s well loved, and finds his way on top of
all the cosy heaters in college.
Prelims - (See: Mods)
Principal - The biggest of the big cheeses. If the college
was a country, she would totally be the Queen.
You’ll meet her once or twice a year.
Quads - The quadrangle patch of grass in the center
of college. You can walk on it, and will spend lots of
lazy summer afternoons procrastinating here.
Rustication - being sent to the countryside for a lovely
picnic. More commonly used for being removed from
college for being naughty. (see also: Sent Down)
Scouts - The cleaning staff who will take out your
rubbish and periodically clean your room. Some
have been known to make beds and help tidy up, if
you ask nicely.
Sent Down - To be removed from college permanently.
Not a good thing.
Subfusc - The exact meaning is unknown. Some
claim it is Latin for “of a dark/dusky colour”, others
claim it is Greek for “looking ridiculous”, and
others claim it is Mongolian for “tourists are pointing
at me”. Essentially the suit, gown and cap worn
for highly formal occasions including matriculation
and exams.
Thatcher, Margaret - Our most famous alumnus.
We have ambiguous feelings about her.
Trinity - The third and sunniest term at Oxford. Also
the name of a college.
Tute - Short for tutorial or tutor. Essentially where
and with whom most of your learning is done.
Union, the - the University’s debating society that
hosts regular debates and celebrity speakers as well
as balls.
Vaughan - The concrete disaster/delight (delete
as applicable) where most first years live.
You will probably end up loving it..
Walking on the Grass - A crime in
other colleges for which you can be
fined, but in Somerville this is not
only legal, it is actively encouraged. 17

Somerville College - www.some.ox.ac.uk
University of Oxford - www.ox.ac.uk
Somerville Admissions - O1865 270619
Email - student.admin@some.ox.ac.uk
laura.schofield@some.ox.ac.uk