There’s nowhere I’d rather be

I went to a standard state comprehensive school in Manchester, where I was unlucky in that I didn’t have a proper history teacher until year 11. Instead, I had a mix of other teachers filling in, supply teachers and films being put on. Whilst I liked watching Made in Dagenham, it was when we were finally being taught and engaged in class discussions that I realised this was a subject I actually enjoyed. Before this, when asked about my favourite subject, I probably would’ve said lunch!

You don’t have to have been academic or had a favourite subject since you were six to validate an Oxford application - studying it grows your interest, and that’s what Oxford is for.

I moved to a big inner-city state sixth form college for A-levels, and I was lucky enough to be taught by a passionate and supportive history teacher, who encouraged me to apply - even just for a chance of a free holiday to Oxford if I got an interview!

When I applied, I wasn’t sure that I would accept even if I got an offer. I surprised myself by actually enjoying the interview process, so when I did get an offer, I firmed it on UCAS.

Having struggled with mental health through year 13, a couple of days before results day I still wasn’t convinced that Oxford was the place for me (and many pro/con lists were involved!!). Perhaps ironically, the fact that I missed a grade due to extenuating circumstances and Merton accepted me anyway ultimately convinced me to give it a go. I felt like they showed willing to meet me half-way - that they really wanted someone like me to come to Oxford.

That hasn’t changed since I’ve got here, and I’m glad I finally convinced myself - and I hope this might play some part in convincing someone else, too. I mainly chose Merton because it seemed nice on the Open Day, was cheap and central, but it is so much more than that. It’s friendly, supportive, and (shock horror) fun!! There’s nowhere I’d rather be❤️

Ellie is a first-year History undergraduate.