Profiles
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Jon Flynn Geography Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire |
Hi all potential candidates to Anne's! I'm a third year geographer, and just by reading this page I instantly like you a whole lot more! I know it is kind of clichéd and expected, but St Anne's is by the far the friendliest college! I felt this as soon as I visited the place back in 2006 when I did the whole visit universities and colleges thing. I stupidly applied to another college in my final year at school and got rejected. I knew what I should have done originally and re-applied straight to St Anne's and consequently got in. The college you choose is really important, and for me St Anne's was instantly where my heart really was. My advice is to spend time visiting colleges and their websites; it is invaluable help when it comes to applying.
Here at Stan's we haven't got the dreaming spires, we aren't on a postcard in the many tourist shops in Oxford and we most definitely aren't the richest college. What we lose in stuffy Oxford tradition, we make up in a comfortable, modern and pleasant place to live and work. We are simply the friendliest and most welcoming college to be in. Our relaxed atmosphere is felt from our Junior Common Room, to STACS the on-site Coffee Shop, to the dining hall at meal times. I urge you to come and visit it for yourself!
In my second-year I fulfilled the role of JCR Welfare Rep. In a way I kind of feel responsible for continuing the friendly atmosphere throughout the college for the undergraduates. Big welfare cake nights are held throughout every term. These are occasions where everyone has a night off in college, eats stupid amounts of cake and gets to chat in a really relaxed and friendly environment. Me and my Welfare Rep partner, Alex, organised all sorts of other events from Chlamydia testing clinics, exam stress workshops and peer support drop in hours. If you do come to Oxford I'm not going to lie, there will be ups and downs, but that is true of anywhere. The great thing about Anne's is that if you feel there are problems that you want to talk to someone about, as welfare reps and peer supporters, we are here for you. St Anne's is quite lucky in that we always have a large number and variety of peer supporters so you are bound to find someone you can identify with.
Before I came to Oxford I think my biggest fear was that with just 8 week terms I wouldn't have time to enjoy myself, make proper friends or experience all the things that I knew university was meant to be about. Looking back on it this is quite possibly one of the silliest things I've ever thought! I have made fantastic friends here, some I will never lose contact with. I have had so many amazing opportunities that I never thought I would have. I cox for St Anne's Rowing Club - the infamous SABC! - ; I've organised a college ball and there are so many workshops, clubs, societies that you can join it is unbelievable! Undeniably there is a lot of work to be done, but this place really teaches you how to organise your time and make the most out of being here.
I suppose I should leave it there, but my last piece of advice would be that the university you choose has to feel right for you. If you think you might fit in well at Oxford, come and visit, and definitely give St Anne's a try! Every college is different, so if you visit one and didn't like it, don't be put off Oxford as a whole. Visit as many colleges that offer your subject as possible and see where you think you will fit in best. Give St Anne's a visit, you'll be pleasantly surprised at the lack of Oxford stereotypes at Stans and might well fall in love with the place like I did!