Oxford was never on my radar, never an option I considered at all, until I attended an open day. Looking around the city (and around Pembroke!) made me feel so inspired and welcomed, despite being from a working-class and first-generation to university background. The rest was history! I put in my application, attended the interviews, cried many tears, and got my offer!

It sounds so unbelievably cliché but BELIEVE IN YOURSELF! Imposter syndrome should never get in your way - if you’re from an underrepresented background this is especially relevant. The Oxford application process is long, and the admissions tests and interviews can make you second guess yourself a lot, and online forums for students do nothing but exacerbate these anxieties. You can’t really guess how tutors will look at your interviews or written work, so as long as you believe it is your best – that is all that matters.

Oxford may seem daunting and scary, but it is a fantastic opportunity and you should never deprive yourself of that. The university itself has a series of grants available such as the Crankstart scholarship or the Oxford bursary (both are means-tested). As a recipient of the Crankstart scholarship myself, I can assure that it very much soothes the financial burden and worries that moving to university carries. Furthermore, individual colleges have their own ways to assist, such as hardship funds or academic grants.

If you are someone from an underrepresented background, I especially implore you to never count yourself out – Oxford has changed a lot and is becoming more and more welcoming with every cohort, you are the change Oxford needs. Best of luck!