My main advice to those who feel they don’t match the “typical Oxford student” is to continue to engage with reading on your subject that interests you, and keep pushing yourself. If you can, apply to the outreach support that you have available to you – even if it’s online, it can really help.
Pembroke is a beautiful college tucked right in the centre of Oxford, and it’s a friendly and welcoming environment where state-schoolers and other students from underrepresented backgrounds are looked after and supported.
I went to a state school which didn’t offer any of the subjects I study now, and so despite thinking I would stick out like a sore thumb at Oxford, I’ve enjoyed everything it has thrown at me. Whatever your apprehensions about Oxford, I’m here to reassure you that shouldn’t let any of them warrant not applying. And no – it's not just full of posh people!
For nearly four centuries, Pembroke College has been a crucible and catalyst of innovation, imagination, and vision. From Samuel Johnson who defined our words, to William Blackstone who framed the laws of a civil society; from J.R.R. Tolkien who inspired our imaginations to current Fellows doing ground-breaking research in AI, robotics, digital humanities and more, Pembrokians have made and are making a profound difference to the world.
As we approach our 400th in 2024, we are once again calling on alumni and friends to help us achieve our vision for the next 400 years. We want Pembroke to be influential, inspiring, and resilient; able to welcome individuals of all backgrounds in a supportive, creative, and intellectually challenging environment with the best infrastructure and personnel as well as the life-long encouragement from our alumni community. Regular Gifts are vital for this, as they provide us with stability and confidence to realise our strategic goals. If you would like to commit to supporting the college and ensuring that it thrives you can pledge directly to the 400 campaign by clicking on this link.
The Biology course is fascinating and has the scope to allow everyone to explore their interests in as much depth as they choose. The two principal Biology tutors at Pembroke are Nick Kruger and Rob Salguero-Gomez. They are the main points of contact for the first year. Both are extremely kind and supportive and give prompt and useful feedback that allows all the students to make the most of the course and their time at Pembroke. The college has strong connections with other Oxford colleges so Pembroke students are easily able to make contact with tutors across a range of fields.
As well as Pembroke’s welcoming charm which undoubtedly helped me settle in, their financial support has been of tremendous value. Book grants have allowed me to broaden my French literary repertoire, while exam prizes and scholarships have reduced my anxiety and financial concerns, allowing me to focus more on my studies and enjoying university to the fullest.
At first I was anxious about the workload, but once I arrived I soon realised that it’s very manageable - almost everyone seems incredibly passionate about what they're reading, whether that’s medicine or Machiavelli, and that sense of enthusiasm made getting into the groove much easier.
I have absolutely loved my time at Pembroke, and am incredibly grateful not only for the Jeremy Forty Scholarship, which will enable me to pursue my graduate research, but also for the opportunities and support I received throughout my undergraduate degree from all college members and staff: tutors, fellow students, and everyone who contributes to making Pembroke such a welcoming community.
I want to encourage everyone who doesn't feel 'good enough' because I've been there. In and amongst various personal hardships of the past 3 years, I have been surrounded by wonderful tutors and fellow students who have helped me along the way. So thank you Pembroke!
Pembroke has a thriving community that celebrates your successes and stands by you when things don't work out. The MCR does a great job at embracing diversity of thought, conviction and opinion. I learn from academics, fellows and students every day. It makes me a better leader and a more nuanced writer.
For graduates, the MCR is a second home. My recommendations for anyone about to embark on their journey would be to be brave and open-minded. Pembroke, and Oxford at large, have so many wonderful opportunities, academic or extracurricular. Absolutely take advantage of them, your involvement and the people you meet will shape a very memorable experience!
