Why I chose Merton
When it came to the Oxford Open Day in June, I already knew which course I wanted to study – PPE. Fortunately for me—or perhaps unfortunately given the time commitment required to decide—PPE is on offer at a lot of colleges! So, on the Open Day, my plan was to get to as many of the colleges that I was considering applying to. Here are some of the reasons why, after considering my options, I decided to apply to Merton:
Merton’s size
I think that Merton’s size is perfect – not so small that there is nobody around, but small enough that you feel like you know everyone! In terms of the size of the college grounds, and not just the number of students, Merton is perfectly sized too. Everything within college is just a short walk away, yet Merton is still large enough to encompass the beautiful Fellows’ Garden, a bunch of accommodation, three amazing quads, the large Dining Hall and a huge chapel! Also, the college bar (great social space, whether you want to drink alcohol or not) is small enough to be cosy, but large enough to not be cramped when it gets busy.
Merton’s people
The people that I met at Merton on the Open Day were (in my opinion) by far the friendliest of any college I visited, including the tutors! This has continued throughout my first five weeks at Merton, with everyone being approachable and friendly. To my relief, there are also many football fans at Merton who I can talk to about football! (Something I did not expect at Oxford!)
Merton’s location
Merton is in a great location. Whilst being less than a two-minute walk from the High Street, Merton is hidden away from the hordes of tourists that are somewhat inevitable in Oxford. Everything in the centre of Oxford is within walking distance, yet Merton is still peaceful and quiet.
Merton’s buildings, look and history.
When applying to Oxford, lots of people (me included!) want to apply to an old college with history and beautiful buildings. Merton looks like an Oxford college and certainly has the history to match: whether this be the vase that resides in the Chapel which Tsar Alexander I of Russia donated after a stay at Merton, Tolkien’s table, or the sheer age of Postmasters’ Hall, Merton has history that everyone can enjoy (if you’re that way inclined!).
Merton’s reputation
Merton comes with its reputation of high academic standards, and undoubtedly this was an attraction for many current Mertonians. However, whilst this may seem daunting, the reputation arises due to the continued excellence of the tutors and the work is set at a challenging but manageable level. If the work were too arduous, Merton wouldn’t get such great results and have such an outstanding reputation! Plus, the reputation of Merton being ‘where fun goes to die’ simply isn’t true – there’s plenty to get involved with here and countless social opportunities.
Merton’s free ice cream and music!
It must be said that the free ice cream and warm atmosphere on the Open Day definitely encouraged me to apply to Merton! My gut instinct said to apply to Merton as soon as I walked through the Porters’ Lodge that day, and I’m very happy with my decision now!
Zak is a first-year PPE student from Alton in Hampshire. He is a massive football fan and supports Portsmouth FC. He has three younger brothers, and all four of them were born within four years of each other (but no twins!).