Applying to Merton - Quick Thoughts

In the "Student Profiles" section of this site you will find a selection of different perspectives on Merton by some current students. For more in depth profiles use the links on the left, but below you can find some of our quick thoughts on life, the universe, and everything (oh and Merton itself!)...

Susannah on Accommodation
"One really important aspect in my decision to choose Merton was the room ballot: all rooms are allocated fairly randomly in the first year, but in the second you ballot with your friends and pick rooms together, and in the third year the order is reversed - meaning that it is all extremely fair. To me, it was a great sign that everybody at Merton really puts effort into making sure everybody's treated as well as possible.

Tristan on Work
"Life at Oxford is great! Doing Physics means that you get lots of lectures, a day in labs, some classes and a couple of tutorials each week. Although this sounds a lot we don't have as much work outside of this teaching like the arts students. This all means that although days tend to be packed full, you do get most nights free and there is plenty of spare time and fun to be had."

Lizzie on Work
"Theoretically I have one and a half essays a week which usually works out as one nice week doing one essay and then a really manic week trying to cram in two. The tutors are really nice - Dr Gunn, our history tutor, invited us history students round for dinner with his family and even managed to cope with several hours of girly conversation along the lines of what we would wear for the ball and our ideal weddings..."

Chris on Welfare
"Welfare can be a whole range of things and sometimes it's difficult to know what it really means. The most important aspect is the way that it affects you during your time here and particularly in your first few terms as you settle into life away from home. Whatever the problem, no matter how small or stupid you may think it is, the Welfare team is there to listen. If you speak to any members of the welfare team, other members will not know and the content of the conversation will remain confidential. Welfare at Merton is there to support you..."

James on Money
"I had a full time job in the summer holidays which created lots of useful spending money. The student loan and overdraft that I have taken out have more than covered my expenditure so far. Each week I spend about 35 on food, 80 on accommodation and between 20-30 spending money. I don't buy books, try to go to the cheap student club nights but still have a fantastic time. Most societies have cheap life membership and there are lots of freebies about. With all this it's very easy to have a great night out without it costing a fortune!"