Myths Uncovered
Oxford is the oldest university in Britain, and being a student here is a truly unique experience. With this in mind, it's not surprising that a lot of completely false myths about who comes here and what they do have sprung up. Below are some of the most common:
"It's easier for private school pupils to get into Oxford"
There's no denying that the proportion of students at Oxford who have been to private schools is much higher than the proportion of people in the general population who have been privately educated. But the figures show this is because pupils from private schools are more likely to apply – not more likely to get in once they've submitted an application. Tutors don't care whether or not you went to school in a straw hat and took part in weird traditions involving pancakes and brick walls: they care about how you think and what you think about. Overall, state school pupils are in a majority at Oxford – and the proportion of private school pupils has been steadily declining for years.
"Students at Oxford are all posh"
Students at Oxford come from all sorts of backgrounds, and once you get here you'll find you make friends from all of them. Even though some Oxford students do come from wealthy or privately educated backgrounds, it doesn't mean they think they're better than you.
"It's nearly impossible to get into Oxford"
There's no denying that Oxford has very high standards. But that doesn't mean you don't meet them! Anybody with three A's at A level or the equivalent and a real interest in their subject has a chance of getting in here. You may not think you have what it takes, but Oxford tutors are experts in spotting ability, and they may see potential in you even if you can't see it yourself.
"Oxford is full of ridiculous traditions, and obsessed with the past"
Oxford has a long and glorious history, and you'll certainly be made aware of this from time to time. But it's also one of the most modern of British universities – on the cutting edge of research, and with excellent up-to-date facilities. Most of the traditions that still exist are kept because they're fun, or at least enjoyably silly. In 2006, students voted on whether or not to carry on wearing 'sub fusc', the flower-and-gown get-up that has been worn to Oxford exams since the Middle Ages (when nobody knew any better). 81% voted to keep it.
"Studying at Oxford is expensive"
In fact, student life at Oxford is quite cheap compared to many other universities, especially those in London. Fees are the same as other British unis, and all colleges will provide you with subsidised food and accommodation (the food varies in quality, but St Anne's is usually considered relatively good). Oxford has the most generous bursary scheme in the country for those from less well-off backgrounds: the university spends nearly a third of all the money it takes from tuition fees making sure nobody is prevented from studying here because of their family circumstances. Students here also save a lot on books, because Oxford's amazing libraries provide them with most of what they need.
"Oxford is unwelcoming to ethnic minorities or international students"
In fact, the proportion of students here from ethnic minorities is higher than the proportion in the general population, and Oxford has an above-average number of overseas students. There are currently people from 142 different countries and territories studying here. St Anne's now has an International Student Representative on the JCR committee, to help and act as a port of call for international students.
"Students at Oxford do nothing but work"
It's true that students at Oxford do a lot of studying. But they also manage to do more of almost everything else. Oxford's sports, drama, music, journalism and debating scenes are excellent, and nearly everybody gets involved. There are literally hundreds of more specialist societies too – including a Failed Novelist's Society and a Dangerous Sports Club. Oxford has reasonable nightlife with a lot of student nights and promotions, and every college has regular formal dinners and very informal parties (known, regrettably, as 'bops'). The workload at Oxford isn't too ridiculous - it's just as demanding as at other universities that require three A's at A Level.