Hi! I’m Sam, and I study history and politics (the best subject, obviously).
Coming from a state school near North London, I wasn’t fully sure what to expect when I first came to Corpus. However, I’ve had a great time and found everyone here super friendly! It’s been a really special opportunity to meet people from such diverse backgrounds, and who are all so passionate about what they study. You can always count on finding something fun to do or an interesting conversation to be had.
I was worried coming into uni that it would be difficult to get settled into the style of learning that Oxford demands. However, tutors are more than aware of this and make sure you settle into the structure of reading – essay – tutorial. Don’t worry, they don’t expect you to be perfect from day 1.
I’ve also been surprised by just how enjoyable the learning style can be at Oxford. While the workload can get intensive and sometimes exhausting, you will have moments when you realise just how fun it is to study your favourite topics and to discuss it in such a uniquely personal way with experts in the field in tutorials.
Doing history and politics here has been really interesting, with a lot of flexibility in what history you study in first year, and huge choice in both subjects for your second and third years. It has allowed me to cover a huge range of material, including comparative politics (with subjects as broad as democratic variations, populism, and revolutions), nineteenth century European history, political theory on the state, and, my personal favourite, an optional module focusing on a more nuanced analysis of the Soviet Union.
As well as studying and enjoying my social time here, I’ve loved playing American football with the university team, taking part in the Labour club, and taking in all the extra-curricular activities the uni has to offer. Whatever you are into, there will be something for you here.
Feel free to message me if you have any questions or want to chat about anything here!
Resources
Resources categorised by subject and by Key Stage, as well as materials for applying to Oxford and finding out more about Corpus, can be found here.