Untitled - Somerville College

Welcome to Somerville! You’re all now part of anamazing college which prides itself on its openmindedand liberal tradition, on its relaxed andfriendly nature and on being a place where a senseof college togetherness and support underscoresall aspects of university life. Somerville is a placewhere I am certain each of you will be happy.Welcome also to the Somerville JCR! The JCR stands for the Junior CommonRoom. It’s Somerville’s body of undergraduate students of which youare all now a part. Within the JCR there are a number of student-electedofficers such as the treasurer, the sports officer and the charities officerwho work on specific issues relevant to college life and who will be introducedto you during Freshers’ Week. As a whole, the JCR aims to protectyour interests and put your concerns and ideas into action.So where, exactly, do you fit into all of this? All you have to do is comealong to the fortnightly JCR meetings in the Bar. There you’ll be able tomeet students from different years, take part in discussions about collegelife and then vote on issues ranging from improvements to the bar, towhether the Boat Club (rowing) should be given more money from theJCR budget to whether we’d be able to get a college pet. There’ll be an‘Introduction to the JCR’ meeting early on in term, especially for Freshers,so come along and get a feel for what we’re all about.On a personal note, hi, I’m Marsha. I’m a 2 nd year Physics and Philosophystudent from Australia who is this year’s JCR president. I am the personrepresenting your views to members of college such as the principal andthe domestic bursar as well as to the greater University. I will be workingvery hard with the other JCR officers to ensure that we have as enjoyableand productive a year as possible. I’m really looking forward to meetingeach of you this year so please do grab me for a chat when you see mearound and about college, or, if you can’t find me, then send me an emailif there’s anything at all that I can help out with!marsha.sudar@some.ox.ac.ukBeginning university is very exciting and potentially daunting. Ultimately,your time at Somerville will be what you make of it. The JCR and I are hereto help to make this time as memorable as possible, so please do get involved.Enjoy your Freshers’ Week!

Hi, I’m Dan and as the JCR Vice-President/Treasurer I’m theone who’s in charge of finances. I also work really closely withthe President both in dealing with various college officers andin shaping JCR policy. If have any concerns or issues regardingany aspect of the JCR feel free to come and mention it to me.daniel.purcell@some.ox.ac.ukHi, I’m Toby and I’m your JCR Secretary. My name will appearin your college email inbox frequently. That’s because it’s myjob to send out notices about what’s going on in and aroundSomerville and Oxford. If you’re looking for info, but not surewho to go to, I’m a good person to ask. Feel free to email me(toby.mann@some.ox.ac.uk), if I don’t know the answer I’ll probablyknow the person who does.Hey, we’re Alis and Ruby and we are your Freshers’ Repsfor this year. It’s our job to organise an amazing Freshers’Week for you, and we’ve got lots of stuff planned—fromclub nights to water fights, as well as introductions to variousaspects of the college. We hope to make sure you havea comfortable transition into Somerville and university life,with plenty of support on hand! We’ll be around all year ifyou need anything! Our emails arealis.lewis@some.ox.ac.uk or ruby.riley@some.ox.ac.uk.Make sure you get in touch!Hi, we’re Claire and Michael and we’re your Welfare Reps. Together ouraim is to help everyone enjoy their time at Somerville. We’ll beputting on events for everyone (you need not feel like you arestruggling before you can make the most of what welfareoffer!) Also, ask us for free condoms or if you need a pregnancytest etc. Don’t be shy - anything and everything we talkabout is confidential. If something is bothering you, whateverthe issue, or you just need someone to listen. We will makeourselves available to be there, and tell you about wider supportthat the university has to offer, where necessary. I hopethat every student at Somerville feels they are well supported,if you have any ideas about more ways support you thenplease let us know. claire.richards@some.ox.ac.uk ormichael.davies@some.ox.ac.uk

Hi all, I'm your Academic Affairs Officer. I deal with anyconcerns or ideas you have about studying your studies.Any problems with your timetable or tutors, worriedhow to get from reading list to essay, or just wantto know the difference between a tutorial and a class(answer: seemingly just the number of students),please get in touch - particularly if you're feeling overwhelmedby all the information you'll get in Freshers'week! I'm also the person to contact about anything to do with the collegelibrary. Send me an email any time. zoe.fannon@some.ox.ac.ukHi there! I’m Becca and I’m your Domestic Officer. I sortout important things such as food in Hall, the bar, JCRsand of course college accommodation. These issues reallyimpact your day to day lives at Somerville and there’salways room for improvement. If you have any ideas,questions or concerns let me know - I’d love to hear fromyou. rebecca.watkins@some.ox.ac.uk Allocation of roomsfor 2nd year can initially seem a bit scary but I’m alwayson hand to make sure it runs as smoothly as possible.Hiya, I’m Mengxi (aka Cecilia), your International Students’Officer. It is my pleasure and duty to make Somervillehome to those of you coming from overseas. Social eventswill be in order, and do feel free to tell me of any eventsyou would like to have(mengxi.wang@some.ox.ac.uk) . I’malways here to answer your questions about life abroad(including tips to backpacking around the world!) – it canbe challenging, but definitely fun!Hello I’m Mengni. I’m your Ethnic Minorities Officerand it’s my duty to represent interests for studentswith an ethnic minority background in the JCR. Somervilleis a really friendly college but if you’ve got anythingthat you’d like to complain about or you justthink needs changing, please always feel free to talk tome! Email me at mengni.qian@some.ox.ac.uk

Hi, my name is Matthew and I’m your LGBTQ Rep. Myrole is to provide support those who would like to talkconfidentially about issues relating to sexuality and LGBTas well as organising inter collegiate events and promotingLGBTQ society events. Join their mailing listhttp://www.oulgbtsoc.org.uk/about/mailing_list.php andcontact me (matthew.robinson@some.ox.ac.uk) or byfacebook so that I have a list of people interested in what is happening.Hello, I’m Rosie and I’m your Disabilities Officer. I’m here toensure that students with any disability have access toequal opportunities. I know that coping with a long termillness can at times seem challenging. Thus, I want to startan informal group for peer support and an opportunity todiscuss positive coping strategies. Please drop me an emailif you’d like to join! I will also act as a point of call for anyonewith a disability, but also those affected by it. I hope tomake settling into life at Somerville as quick and easy aspossible. Questions or suggestions? Email rosemary.pearce@some.ox.ac.ukHi, I’m Flo and in my role as Equal Opportunities andAdmissions officer I’m largely responsible for coordinatingthe interview process, organising open days andhelping with the student ambassador scheme. If youwant to help out at interviews or are interested in access,please get in touch. To be honest, even if you justfancy a chat I’d be more than happy to oblige - justemail me at florence.avery@some.ox.ac.ukOur mission: fun. Our weapon: booze. Our names: Jane, Julia,Jamie, Stephen. We are: the ‘Entz’ team.Bringing you exotic treats from across the world, wild animalsand bouncing balls, we’re here to ensure your time here atSomerville is the most fun you’ve ever known. We organiseeverything from nights out to nights in. Bops are our forte,club nights our speciality, ticket vending our purpose.We’ll guide you through freshers’ week, showingyou the ropes and telling you the dope. We’ll puton the most splendid bops ever known to humankind,with themed cocktails, gaudy dress codes, and pumpingmusic. We’ll provide more drink than you knew existed, as wellas churning out all the club night tickets your hearts could desire.All events are in the term card issued at the beginning ofeach term. Don’t miss it – this is a must-read. There will befeasting, there will be fighting, there will be… fortnightly jellywrestlingcontests. And drinking. See you on the other side.

Jess, JCR Chair - chairs meetings and interprets theconstitution. Jess also brings food to tempt you toJCR meetings so if you have any suggestions email:jessica.king@some.ox.ac.ukLorna, Elections & OUSU Officer - contact pointwith the student union and runs JCR elections.Anything you want to ask or raise at OUSUcouncil? Ask lorna.sutton@some.ox.ac.ukBecca, Arts Officer - responsible for all things arty.She’ll try and keep you up to date with what is goingon in the Oxford arts scene. There’s something foreveryone with dance, drama, music, photography,art and more. rebecca.daley@some.ox.ac.ukOliver, Sports Rep - if you’re wondering about anythingto do with sport, he’s the one to talk to. He’ll also bekeeping everyone updated with how the college teamsare getting on. oliver.starkey@some.ox.ac.ukKatie, Charities Officer - oversees JCR charity donationsand puts on events to raise money for charity andpromotes uni-wide events run by RAG (Raise and Give).katie.paul@some.ox.ac.ukIsabel, Environment & Ethic Officer, AKA thequeen of recycling, energy saving and generallybeing ethically friendly. If there’s an environmentalissue you think the college should know about,let her know. isabel.sinagola@some.ox.ac.ukTom, Keeper of the College Wallabies - as theprevious JCR president, Tom is given this honorary position.As ‘college wallabies’ are largely a rare breed (thelast and only sighting thought to have been in 1974 by adrunk fresher returning from a night out), Tom’s mainrole is to aid and advise Marsha, the current president.For any wallaby or non-wallaby related questions, feelfree to make contact. thomas.allsup@some.ox.ac.ukDue to space restraints, some of the JCR committee membershaven’t really been given much scope to describe their roles.If you want to find out more about what they do, go to:http://blogs.some.ox.ac.uk/jcr/committee/

The Siren is your college magazine. Each edition ison a different theme, and we aim to cover a broadrange of subjects and styles from humorous andserious articles to poetry, art, photos and horoscopes.Check us out at: http://blogs.some.ox.ac.uk/jcr/the-siren/. Come and writefor us on or off the termly theme by contactingrachel.hutchings or emily.iredale@some.ox.ac.uk xFreshers!Having spent many lonely hours revising, I supect joining a subjectrelated society is perhaps not top of your list of things to do atUniversity. But Somerville Science and Maths Society (S&M Society?!)is here to change all that. We’ve secured world class speakers(Nobel Prize winner, Cambridge department head, Baroness etcetc) in only its first term of existence the society plans to continueto offer a chance for science and arts students alike to explorescience outside of the general univeristy curriculum through showcasing cutting edge speakers. All are welcome at our well publicisedtalks and if you would like to become more involved we willbe offering oppurtunities early in Michealmas. We hope to see youall there! Tom Mortimer, President.Fancy making some art and visiting exhibitions throughout theterm? You are warmly invited to join Somerville Art Society (SAS)!Oxford can take its self too seriously and is full of stresses: wehope that Somerville Art Society can be the antidote to that. Youdon't need to have done anything artistic before (although welove to see people with artistic passion already), thissociety is all about group participation, trying newthings and creative experimentation. From installations,practice life drawing, make films, and even someperformance art, we hope that you will join in and wereally look forward to meeting you all! Sarika Sharma,SAS President - sarika.sharma@some.ox.ac.uk

The study of history, a subject only as varied as all societies past, isthriving at Somerville, a college with a fascinating history of its ownand some very eminent history tutors. History society brings history tothe wider college by running interesting speaker events each term andhistory quizzes. Come along to enjoy some stimulating historical discussionover plenty free wine and cheese!Sarika Sharma sarika.sharma@some.ox.ac.ukOlivia Arigho-Stiles olivia.arighostiles@some.ox.ac.ukThe Somerville Wo/Men's Institute is where you can learn the skills youwant. Gender neutral, you can petition for and offer up skills, that youhave, or want to have. From learning how to make (honestly) the mostdelicious profiteroles, meringues or chutneys you've ever eaten to showingothers how to darn their split trousers, knit and play poker, we wantto know how. Please come along any time! Contact the sofa (co-chairs):emily.iredale@some.ox.ac.uk or isabel.saunders@some.ox.ac.uk forfurther details and to get involved.Somerville Music Society (SMS) is an organisation devoted to theperformance and enjoyment of music. We cater for a wide varietyof tastes, and would love to hear from you whatever you musicalbackground is (or even if you don’t have one.) There’ll be a freshers’concert a few weeks into term, where anyone and everyone iswelcome to come and play – so do come and have a go! There areregular recitals on Friday lunchtimes in the chapel, open micnights in the bar and an album club, and we’re hoping to organisegroups to go and see concerts, especially those put on by OxfordUniversity orchestras. So please, whether you’re passionate aboutmusic, or just keen to explore new horizons, do get involved, andfeel free to ask me any questions: robert.smith@some.ox.ac.ukFor more evidence of what goes on at Somerville. Feel free totake a look at our 2012 alternate prospectus, a video whichcan be found at: http://blogs.some.ox.ac.uk/jcr/prospectus/

Rowing is fun, a great way tostay in shape and, at times,extremely exhilarating. SomervilleBoat Club is a friendly clubthat enables all college members(men or women) to row atany level and is a good way tomeet other people in the college.As well as being fun, rowing can act as a great way to relax and getaway from work. While you're here at Oxford you'll spend a good proportionof your time working, be it in the library, in the lab or by yourselfin your room. Rowing is a great way to get away from all that. Towardsthe end of your first term there will be a really fun set of racesfor freshers called Christ Church regatta. We've done well in the pastand there's absolutely no reason why we can't beat all of the othercolleges and win it this coming November. Later in the year comes Torpidsand Eights. Both events take place over the course of 4 days andare about as exciting as sport can get, definitely worth experiencing. Aswell as messing about on the river, there will also be crew dates andboat club dinners which are a lot of fun. `If you have any questions,please email thomas.loveluck@some.ox.ac.uk (men’s captain) orlaura.jennings@some.ox.ac.uk (women’s captain).Somerville Badminton’s player base has been rapidly growing with verysuccessful results both in cuppers and in the league. Next year aim todevelop our men’s and mixed teams further and start a women’s team.We welcome players of all skill levels and our weekly practices are fun,informal and friendly, so if you want to be part of our growing team,look out for us in Fresher’s week! fabian.ying@some.ox.ac.ukTennis is great fun and Somerville has everything you need to have aknockabout with some friends (tennis courts, tennis rackets andtennis balls). As well as playing a bit of informal tennis, there will bea number of intercollegiate matches in the summer term. For moreinformation email thomas.loveluck@some.ox.ac.uk.

Basketball is a summer sport in Oxford, with the Cuppers tournamenttaking place in Trinity term. Last year Somerville’s women’steam came second in the tournament, narrowly beaten (by onebasket!) by St. Hilda’s. Basketball is a really accessible sport – youdon’t need any special gear, or any experience, and it’s just onetraining session and match per week. We’re hoping to have strongmen’s and women’s teams next year, so please do get involved!We’ll be around at fresher’s fair, or you can email us with any questions:zoe.fannon@some.ox.ac.uk & tess.little@some.ox.ac.ukMen’s football at Somerville caters for all standards, with 2 teams, whoplay a match every week. It’s a good way of meeting new people andthere is an excellent social life. Football is one of few sports which isplayed every single term, whether it’s the JCR leagues in the first twoterms, or the 5-a-side and futsal competitions in the 3rd term.Last season the 1st team were promoted out of the bottom division of theJCR league, so we’ll be looking to push on from our success with new additionsto the team. It would be great to see you at the Freshers’ trials butuntil then, if you have any questions, just send us an email. (Blane)michael.scott@some.ox.ac.uk or toby.mann@some.ox.ac.ukCOME AND PLAY NETBALL! You know you want to really. Guys are welcometoo! We’ve got two really good squads, one in Division 2 and theother in Division 5 so we cater for all abilities, whether you’ve playednetball before, or not at all! We’ve got gorgeous kit, as you can see inthe picture beneath (check out those shorts) and as a netball teamwe’ve got a lovely sense of cohesion. Please come and join us! We playmatches once a week and train on Sunday mornings. If you’re interested,we can also introduce you to the more mischievous side of crewdating,which can be nothing if notentertaining. Email us for any information:marsha.sudar@some.ox.ac.ukand lucy.clarke@some.ox.ac.uk.

After a very successful season, Somerville Ladies Football is keen to getthe ball rolling for next year! Freshers of all standards are welcome tojoin us for our weekly training and matches. Training sessions arepretty chilled-out, but we're serious about winning our games. Apartfrom being the greatest sport in the world, football at Somerville isalso sociable and just FUN. Email:lena.naassana@some.ox.ac.uk andolivia.arighostiles@some.ox.ac.ukSomerville cricket welcomes all types and levels of players. However, theteam in many ways represents the rump of what I’d call good society inthe college. We are persons of activity, leisure, and of adventure: whetherone is chatting on the boundary, ensconced at the crease or tucking in tothe teatime restoratives, the atmosphere is one of geniality and hope. Theworries of work are cast down and left behind in the libraries. The noiseand squalor of the Vaughan JCR becomes a distant memory as we travel tothe plush pastures of the Somerville sports grounds.We are in the top division and possess both good and excitable players.We aim to do well but do not mind if you drop catches. A drink in pub iscommon practice after a game, and we shall have some socials too. Cricketis a superb sport.Corpusville RFC is officially an amalgamation of two colleges, CorpusChristi and Somerville. Unofficially, Corpus Christi doesn’t actuallylike rugby and in recent memory the team has been all Somerville.Last year was a huge success with double promotion to the dizzyheights of 3rd division.College rugby at Oxford is fun, with a match every Thursday afternoonand two seasons per year.The rugby team is one of the most relaxed and inclusive, hosting thebest socials, the most raucous crew dates and casual post-matchpints. With many of last year’s team graduating, Corpusville is inneed of players. If you are at all interested in turning out for theteam, whether you’ve played before or not, then get in contact,either by emailing me or at the Somerville Freshers Fair.See you next term, Will. william.travis@some.ox.ac.uk

Featured in the picture behind, Darbishirehas large, carpeted rooms and decentsound proofing—although beware that alot of what is said in your room can beheard in the corridor. It has a good ratio ofshowers/toilets/kitchens to rooms, although they are all on the maincorridors, so if you’re on traffic quad corridor it can seem quite anannoying walk. There will be other people living in Darbishire as ithouses several guest rooms and a few tutors’ offices. It’s very convenientfor hall (you don’t even have to go outside) and the porters’ lodge.Penrose is situated at the opposite end of college from Darbishire. andwhile it is a pain to go to the porters’ lodge, there is great access to theback gate—and thus the co-op. You’ll also find this is the most convenientgate to use on the way back from nights out, although not after2am when it’s locked. The rooms are generally large with woodenfloors and mostly have sinks. The kitchensare also large, and there is a similarlygood ratio of toilets, showers andkitchens to rooms. There are finalistsand tutors who also live or have officesin Penrose.Vaughan is the social hub when it comes to freshers’ accommodationwith almost half the year living there. There are small kitchens on everyfloor and a larger kitchen for the entire block on the first floor. Itcontains the Vaughan JCR (a well used social space and common gatheringplace before a night out), the gym and the side gate (for easytrips to G&Ds and the Duke of Cambridge or any of the Oxford clubs).The rooms are smaller than the other two blocks, but they all havesinks and carpets. The entire block ispretty much freshers’ and whilst it’sarguably the worst looking building inthe college, if you’re living there, yourview of the quad will be vastly improved.

There’s plenty of things you’ll find you might need when youget here. We can’t tell you all of the things you’ll need individually,but here are some ideas that should help:Must haves (international students, you may find it easier tobuy some of this stuff when you arrive):Duvet/sheets (pillow provided)Stationary (pens/pencils/files/pads)Crockery & cutleryID & Student finance information (if you have a loan)If you’re planning on cycling, a helmet, bike lock & lightsUseful itemsPower extension leadEthernet cable (not all the rooms have cables, and eventhough there’s Wi-Fi throughout college, some peoplefind Ethernet easier).Posters/rugsRelevant notes from schoolThings for when you get here:Laundry card (Buy one from the lodge. There are laundryfacilities around college which require this card to use.)Gown and mortarboard (These are on sale around Oxfordin various tailor shops. Make sure it’s a commoners’or undergraduate gown).Supplies—from biscuits and coffee to tissues and washingpowder, if you need it, make sure you have it. Thereare cooked meals available in hall three times a day duringthe week, but only brunch at weekends.

There’s plenty of terminology used in Oxford that can be confusing whenyou first arrive. While some of it makes sense, some of it makes very little.Here’s a few words to help you through your first weeks.Battels: this is the bill that will be sent to you twice a term by the collegebursar. Make sure you pay it on time or you could face a fine.Blues: This is a term used to refer to 1sts Uni Sports teams. Individualswithin the team are also known as ‘Blues’. To officially receive a ‘blue’, youmust represent an Oxford Uni 1st team in a varsity match or competitionagainst Cambridge. Only major sports qualify as ‘blues’ sports with lesspopular sports awarded ‘half-blues’.Bod card: As you may or may not know, the Bodleian (Bod-lee-un) Libraryis the main library in Oxford. To get into the Bodleian (or ‘Bod’ as itis often shortened to) or to take out books from other libraries, you’llneed your Bodleian library card (Bod card) which will double up as yourOxford University Student ID. Be aware that some places won’t accept itas full student ID as there is no NUS logo on it, but in Oxford this is rarelyan issue.Bop: These are fancy dress discos organized for the college by the EntzTeam. They are known for the cheap alcohol and the spectacular (or notso spectacular) attempts at costumes. While, admittedly, bops aren’t foreveryone, they can be great fun, so don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!Collections: These are informal exams that take place at the beginning ofeach term. You won’t have any until January and some of you may nothave them until April. They have no impact on your degree or even yourfirst year exams, but are used simply as a means of gaging how you areprogressing.Crew Date: This is when a group of girls meet up with a group of guys,normally for a curry. Largely held between two sports teams of oppositegender from different colleges. Significant amounts of alcohol are generallyconsumed.Cuppers: This refers to inter-collegiate sports tournaments held throughoutthe year. Sports range from football and hockey to sailing and croquet.Drinking Society: Although you may associate this term with the infamous‘Bullingdon Club’ (or famous, I guess it depends on your stance onthe issue), this term really just refers to a group of people who crew date,but aren’t specifically assigned to a college or uni sports team.

Hall: This is the place where you go to eat college food. Whether you enjoythe food or not, it’s good to go a fair amount during the first term as itacts as a social space to meet and chat in a relaxed environment.Formal: Formal Hall (or formals) are special dinners put on by the collegewhere you are expected to turn up in smart clothes (no gowns required).The food is nicer than normal hall meals, although more pricey as well.You have to book into formals in advance on the college meal bookingsystem.Matriculation: This is a ceremony that will take place a couple of weeksafter you arrive in Oxford. You don’t have to prepare for it in any way,(other than getting a gown) it’s just to mark your entry into the university.OUSU: The Oxford University Student Union (OUSU—pronounced ‘owzoo’by most) is the body that represents the students of the university asa whole. You can find out more about them at www.ousu.ox.ac.uk. Not tobe confused with the ‘Oxford Union Society’.Pidge: Short for ‘pigeon hole’ (because that phrase is quite a mouthful),your pidge is where people will leave things for you to collect (mostlypost). You’ll find it in the porters lodge.Sconce: Used on a crew date as a means of telling or finding out a pieceof personal information. The is usually initiated by means of the phrase “Isconce anyone who has…”. I’ll leave you to fill in the blank.Scout: These are the wonderful people who make sure the college isclean. They’ll clean your room once a fortnight. They work hard so it’sworth doing small things to help, such as putting out your bin or washingup.Sub Fusc: Consists of dark suit/trousers/skirt with a white short or blouseand gown. Guys wear a white bow-tie and girls have a black ribbon. You’llhave to wear this for matriculation and exams.Tute: Short for “tutorial”. This is a teaching/discussion session with yourtutor in a small group of 1-3. It will generally be discussing an essay /topic/concept you have been working on or recently handed in.The Union: Not to be confused with OUSU—the student union—theOxford Union Society is an organization that was primarily set up as a universitywide debating society. Now it is best known for its ability to attractfamous speakers either to debate, or simply to chat and take questions. Ifyou’re interested in the political side or the debating side, the union has alot to offer, though with the hefty sign up cost, if you join you’ll want tomake the most of it.

To find out more about the SomervilleJCR visit:http://blogs.some.ox.ac.uk/jcr/Photography by Daniella Shreir, MarshaSudar, Florence Avery or found on the internetsomewhere.