Alternative Prospectus

Trinity CollegeOxford

Trinity College, Oxford2 Welcome

Welcome to the

Sciences ��������������������������������� 4

Arts ������������������������������������������������� 6

Spare time �������������������������� 8

Life in college ������������ 10

Accommodation ��������� 12

Financial support ������� 14

Goodbye ����������������������������������� 15

Myth-busting �������������������� 16

Alternative Prospectus

Thanks to Andrew Bennison, Olivia Grimshaw, Beatrice Graham,

Jessica Small, Andy Butler, Chris Holcroft, Stuart Saunders, Kyran Schmidt, Stephanie Yiolitou, Valerie Worth, Robbie Hyland, Lee Atherton,

Penguin Photography, and the various talented Trinity doodlers and photographers.

Alternative Prospectus Welcome 3

Hi and welcome to Trinity College’s Alternative Prospectus,

Although all the colleges at Oxford are great, your college is an integral part to the

way you study and socialise so it’s important that you pick one which is right for you.

In our opinion, there’s nowhere better than Trinity to enjoy your student experience.

Trinity has a great, friendly, close-knit atmosphere. All the first and second years

live on the main College site, which makes for a real communal feeling. You soon

get to know everyone in College and it’s a great place to make firm life-long friends.

Trinity is also a College with plenty of space, especially our lawns. In the summer

you’ll find them populated with students chatting, rehearsing the annual lawns play,

reading and working in the sun and even playing croquet (somewhat of an Oxford

craze). Moreover, The College is located right in the heart of Oxford. Whether you’re

stumbling out of bed for an early morning lecture or rowing outing, staggering back

from a club late at night, or simply popping to the pub for a drink or Tesco for some

milk or food, being minutes away from each on foot is priceless.

There are other reasons why Trinity stands out. The food is right up with the best –

students from other colleges genuinely beg us to come and try it; we have generous

College bursaries for financial support; the College also provides a high standard of

accommodation throughout your stay, so you never have to deal with landlords if you

don’t want to; our College Ball, held every three years, is one of the very best, and a

spectacular event. But most of all it’s the friendliness and Trinity spirit which makes

it such a fantastic place to come to study.

This is only a taster of why we believe Trinity is the best around, and

hopefully by the time you have read through our prospectus, you will agree with

us! Lots more information can be found on the JCR (undergraduate website)

www.trinity.ox.ac.uk/jcr.

We look forward to meeting you sometime in the future,

Stu Sanders

Trinity College JCR President

Alternative Prospectus!

Trinity College, Oxford4 A day in the life… Molly Winter, Biochemistry

A day in the life …

On an average day I’ll wake up around 8 to be ready for a 9am lecture. My roommate

(who also does biochemistry) and I will set off at about quarter to 9 allowing plenty

of time for a leisurely walk down the lawns and through the back gates to the

conveniently close science area.

I’m a second year, so I’ll usually have 2 or even 3 lectures always finishing just in time

for lunch. I can go to the lovely biochemistry café, Trinity’s Hall or I’ll have a sandwich

up in my room overlooking the lawns. Sometimes lunch is cut short because there

might be a game of netball to sub into, or my friends and I might be going to watch

Trinity’s cricket team. There might also be a tutorial – at the moment we’re studying

cancer, which is a great aspect of the course because it is so topical and our tutors

are at the cutting edge of research. Whether research is something you want to pursue

after your degree or not, it’s useful to have such a close insight (from our tutors and

also practical labs) into what a career in research science might be like.

After that it should really be work on an essay or tutorial worksheet, but the afternoon

is often punctuated by several visitors who never manage to coordinate timings of their

need for a cup of my Yorkshire tea. By the time I’ve caught up on the day’s gossip (and

hopefully got about halfway through my work, and maybe even squeezed in a run!) it

will be time to cook dinner with my roommate or other friends, or go to Hall. But tonight

I’ve organised an inter-year crewdate with the other ‘entz’ (entertainment) rep, so

second-year girls and fresher boys

are heading to one curry house

and fresher girls and second-year

boys to another. Everyone gets

mixed up so that you get to speak

to someone new or you don’t

know very well – it’s a great way

to meet new people. After dinner,

the groups meet in the middle at

a pub, and then go clubbing. On

the way home, a stop at the kebab

van just outside Trinity for some

chips and mayo is a guilty ‘must’

before bed!

Molly WinterBiochemistry

Alternative Prospectus Sciences 5

Russ Egdell, Chemistry

1) Why should students apply to Trinity?

Excellent facilities, dedicated tutors (!), a supportive environment;  and, for scientists, proximity to the Science Area and a strong tradition of excellence in the subject.

2) What do you look for in an applicant?

The ability to think about science in a critical and rigorous way, to embrace new ways of thinking about a problem, and to apply mathematical reasoning to chemistry. Basically we are looking for students who we believe will thrive within the tutorial system, rather than shrink away from it.

3) You’re stuck on a desert island, what three things can’t you live without?

• A radio capable of picking up BBC Radio 4.

• A bowling machine, stumps, a bat and a supply of cricket balls so that I can improve my (currently woeful) batting.

• A large astronomical telescope.

Tutor’sPerspective

Sciences

Trinity College, Oxford6 A day in the life… Chris Holcroft, Modern Languages

A day in the life …

Alternative Prospectus Arts 7

María del Pilar Blanco, Modern Languages

1) Why should students apply to Trinity?It’s an amazing college at both surface and depth levels: the gorgeous lawns, the buildings made of Bath stone, and, of course, the food (!). Trinity is a friendly, yet academically rigorous college, where students work hard at their studies while also pursuing their personal interests. On the teaching side, it’s a place with very dedicated tutors who care immensely about the academic progress and wellbeing of the students.

2) What do you look for in an applicant?I like to see evidence of independent thinking in students, so I am looking for people who, in the interview, are able to come up with original insights and who can draw interesting (and even surprising) connections between texts, authors, etc. The interview is my chance to imagine the student in a tutorial setting, and I want to see people who are focused and can hold an intelligent conversation about a given topic, book, poem or story. Given my discipline, I also need to assess whether students are competent Spanish speakers. I am not looking for absolute fluency, but clear evidence that they have a good grasp of the grammar and vocabulary, and are demonstrably ambitious with the language.

3) You’re stuck on a desert island, what three things can’t you live without?I’m going to assume that, as with the guests on Desert Island Discs, I am already granted a copy of the complete works of Shakespeare and the Bible. On top of that, I’d definitely want to have:

• a canoe (with an oar, please), to explore the island;

• a double tool kit that includes materials for building and for cooking. For building, I need a saw, so I can build myself some shelter (I think I learned some cool tricks from reading Swiss Family Robinson as a child); for the second, I definitely need a knife, wooden spoon, spice rack and a frying pan. After my rescue, I want to be able to apply for MasterChef and be recognized for my amazing foraging skills;

• a compact bookshelf containing books that, either loosely or directly, deal with the situation of being stranded: among them, Robinson Crusoe (Defoe), Moby-Dick (Melville), Pedro Páramo (Rulfo), One Hundred Years of Solitude (García Márquez), Rayuela (Julio Cortázar), Invención de Morel (Bioy Casares).

Tutor’sPerspective

Arts

Trinity College, Oxford8 Spare TIme

SportsWhen people think of “Oxford”, they often think of “rowing”. We do have some extremely strong crews, but there is also a multitude of other teams that you could join – cricket, netball, rugby, hockey, dance, football, squash, even croquet and ultimate frisbee (no need to have played before!) Regardless of ability, playing sport is a great way to meet new people from Trinity and other collleges.

The GryphonThe Gryphon Society meets on the evenings of alternate Sundays of term for drinks and light-hearted debating of topical issues. Recent motions have included “This House Would Separate Church and State” and “This House Would Make Scotland Leave the UK”. The aim is to create a jovial atmosphere in which to debate topical issues, avoiding the political connivery of the Oxford Union!

TeaFundamental to the Trinity experience. A day without at least one tea break is a day wasted!

It’s definitely true that Trinity students work hard and play hard, so when you’re not knee-deep in this week’s essay or problem sheet, there’s plenty to keep you occupied!

Spare Time

DramaWhilst there is a thriving university-wide drama society, The Trinity Players put on several productions each year, culminating in the fabulous Lawns Play in the summer term. This is a chance for everyone in college to get involved, whether you’re an acting star, a technical genius or a creative costume-maker.

Alternative Prospectus Spare TIme 9

It’s definitely true that Trinity students work hard and play hard, so when you’re not knee-deep in this week’s essay or problem sheet, there’s plenty to keep you occupied!

Spare Time

MusicOrchestra, choir, World Music group, the Trinity Singers, Open Mic night – whatever musical scene you’re in to, you will be able to find it here at Trinity. Actually possessing any form of musical talent is superfluous as long as you’re enthusiastic, but we do get some great results and all members of the college are welcome to concerts/recitals. A favourite is Oxmas dinner on the last Sunday of the autumn term, where we have our Christmas Roast in hall and choir sing carols from the gallery. Silly hats from the crackers are compulsory. Our yearly ‘Trinity Arts Week’ in February is a great way to combine forces throughout the college, showcasing the music, drama, dance and art scene at Trinity.

The BroadsheetTrinity College proudly presents, The Broadsheet, our college magazine, produced by the students roughly three times a term. From in-college gossip, to issues affecting the university as a whole, there’s a great deal of scope for budding writers to get involved. If this is something that interests you, don’t forget that you could write for various university-wide publications too!

BopsA ‘bop’ is Oxford-speak for a ‘fancy dress party’ – three times a term the entire college gather together, either in our Beer Cellar or one of the clubs in Oxford, for a raucous night of fancy dress fun. Themes range from Childhood Heroes to London Underground. 

WelfareTrinity has a fantastic support system in place for students, however big or small their worries: there is always a gang of fully trained student peer supporters from each year group who can be on hand 24/7 if you ever need a chat, as well as four JCR Welfare officers – girls and guys – who administer to all of your welfare needs, from sexual health supplies to fortnightly free cake. Trinity is also unique in its great tradition of Welfare Curries. A highlight of the first and last weeks of term, the formula is pretty simple: girls go out for a meal, boys go out for a meal, we rendezvous at a pub, and head out from there to wherever the night may take us!

Trinity College, Oxford10 Living in College

Life in CollegeHi, I’m Martin, one of the Trinity porters.

Let me give you a quick tour of the College …

LibraryThe well-stocked college library is open 24 hours a day, with a really helpful librarian who is happy to buy in new books if you suggest them� The library provides a peaceful environment to work in, and is well equipped with computers, printers and photocopiers, all of which can be used for free – no other college does this, take advantage!

HallBreakfast, lunch and dinner are served in Hall; you’re free to choose how many meals you eat (on a pay-as-you-go card system)� The food in Hall is delicious – widely reckoned to be the best in the university! – and very reasonably priced� Formal Hall costs £4 for a 3-course meal� Popular nights are Sunday roasts, and deep-fried brie and steak on Monday� Friday evening Guest Night provides a brilliant chance for friends to dress up a bit, for a fancy dinner with amazing food! Always fun to go to once or twice a term�

JCR (Junior Common Room)The JCR is a great space where undergraduates can relax – it’s sort of like our living room! It includes a TV, DVD player and a PS3, and plenty of comfy sofas, plus a pool table, quiz machine and ping pong table to entertain you�

Alternative Prospectus Living in College 11

ChapelThe Chapel is open to everyone in college of any faith, for quiet reflection or prayer� Sung Evensong is held every week, in addition to Compline, Taize and other short services throughout the term� There’s also a grand piano which students can practise on�

Beer CellarLocated underneath Hall, the Beer Cellar is the social hub of college on most evenings, and the starting point for nights out� It contains a bar, selling very reasonably priced drinks and snacks, as well as a football table, television and games machines� The Beer Cellar is the location for college ‘bops’ (see previous page!) twice a term, as well as other fantastic social events such as our ‘Open Mic’ and Quiz Nights�

JCR KitchenIf you don’t feel like eating in Hall, the JCR Kitchen is available for you to use� Microwave, ovens, hobs, toasters and sinks are provided – you will need your own utensils and equipment! Microwaves and toasters are also available in some of the staircases across college, so you won’t have to go too far to rustle up a quick snack�

LaundryNot the most exciting room in college, but definitely somewhere you’ll need to go regularly! In here are all the things you’ll need to do your laundry – washing machines, driers, irons etc� Garden Quad

Designed by Christopher Wren, Garden Quad is one of the most beautiful parts of the college� The accommodation in Garden Quad is usually taken by second-years, and consists of twin ‘sets’, each with a shared living room and separate bedrooms�

Squash Courts & GymOur squash court is a great facility, and one that lots of colleges don’t have� Anyone can use it – whether you’re a seasoned pro or a total beginner� The gym can also be used by anyone in college� There is a range of equipment for you to use: rowing machines, a cycling machine, a medicine ball and lots of different weights and dumbbells�

LawnsTrinity is justifiably famous for its huge, beautiful lawns, which you can actually walk on (no signs here saying ‘keep off’!)� The lawns are the reason you will fall in love with Trinity every summer – they’re great for sprawling in the sun, and for playing croquet or bowls�

Trinity College, Oxford12 Accommodation

Accommodation

If you want it, you

will be given accommodation

by college for the entire duration of your

undergraduate degree. Some people do choose

to live out in a house with friends after their

first year, but most take advantage of the

fantastic accommodation Trinity has to offer.

Being on a staircase of all freshers

means it is really fun and friendly with people always popping by�

Trinity probably has some of the

nicest second-year rooms in Oxford and its really easy to make them feel like

home� Also, apart from anything else, the view’s wonderful�

Alternative Prospectus Accommodation 13

Accommodation

In your first and second year, you will be living on site on Broad Street. Especially popular are the Garden Quad twinset rooms (usually reserved for second years) – two bedrooms connected by a sitting room/study, and Staircase 6 – single rooms complete with double beds and ensuite bathrooms!

Third and fourth years live in one of three buildings in North Oxford – Stav (flats of 3, 4 or 5 people), Rawley (apartments of 2 or 3 people) or the Nunnery (single rooms – some ensuite) – unless you have a specific reason for staying in college. All third and fourth year accommodation is self-catered, although you are obviously welcome to eat in college whenever you want – best of both worlds!

Further information about accommodation can be found on the Trinity JCR website (www.trinity.ox.ac.uk/jcr/info/accommodation.php).

Living in Garden Quad is great – it’s social,

spacious and has a beautiful view straight down the lawns

Being able to live in college in second year is great, particularly since

my room has both an en-suite and a double bed!

It’s amazing

living so close to all my

friends!

Trinity College, Oxford14 Financial Support

In addition, Trinity College is lucky in that generous donations from alumni allow it to offer its own ‘Levine Bursaries’, of up to £5,000, to ensure that those students whose financial needs might not be fully met by government support or University Bursaries are still able to make the most of their time at Oxford. These bursaries are open to student from lower- to moderate-family incomes.

We are equally fortunate to be able to offer a wide range of undergraduate grants, predominantly to support students’ academic work. These include Academic Grants to assist with expenditure on projects that are of academic interest, such as scientific research placements over the summer, as well as grants for language courses and book grants, to help you buy key books you might need for your course. More information can be found on the college website (www.trinity.ox.ac.uk).

There is also funding available within College to support extra-curricular activities, such as music and sport, and bursaries for travel abroad.

Trinity cares deeply that potential undergraduate applicants are never put off applying to us for financial reasons, and so we’re proud of the wide range of financial support we have available. We want to ensure our students are free to make the most of what Trinity and Oxford have to offer!

For most students, sticking to a budget and managing your own money is a relatively new experience.

Trinity is passionate about the fact that regardless of background, financial considerations should NEVER be a barrier to undergraduates

studying, and making the most of your time here.

Financial Support

Oxford University has THE MOST GENEROUS SUPPORT PACKAGE of ANY University in the country for students from the lowest-income backgrounds. The University would be nothing without its students, and is determined to get the brightest students with the biggest potential from all walks of life – we’re not going to let money get in the way! The package includes both fee waivers and bursaries, details of which can be found at www.ox.ac.uk/fundingupdate.

Alternative Prospectus Goodbye 15

So there you go. We appreciate your interest in applying to Trinity and hope this Alternative Prospectus has aided you somewhat in making your mind up. As Trinity students we of course heartily recommend you apply, but we do realise that the best food in Oxford, beautiful sun-drenched lawns (in the summer term, at least!), a wonderful family-like atmosphere (etc, etc.) might not be for everyone.

The Trinity experience is something incredible, and we want to offer it to all those who deserve and can make the most use of it. Our beautiful blue gates are open to all: your background will never be an impediment to your acceptance here. We are lucky in the generous financial support provided both university-wide and by the college, helping to ensure your financial position will never prevent you from studying at Trinity if you deserve it.

We count several prime ministers, distinguished scientists, playwrights and sports heroes (as well as Jay Gatsby!) among our former members, so whatever your aspirations we hope that Trinity – if you choose to apply – can help you find yourself as a person. At the very least you will make lifelong friends and be given the opportunity to realise the very best of your academic ambitions.

Good luck!

Kyran Schmidt JCR Access and Bursaries Rep

Goodbye!

- Only geeks go to OxfordIf your definition of a geek is someone who is intelligent, works hard, and has a real passion for their subject, then I guess this is true; but I certainly wouldn’t want you thinking that no one in Oxford is ‘normal’. Just like at every other University, students from Oxford can be seen heating up everyday value microwave meals for dinner, procrastinating on Facebook, and even sometimes finding the time to catch up with Made in Chelsea on 4oD. There is definitely no reason to feel intimidated!

- I will have too much work If you’re even considering Oxford, the likelihood is that you’re someone who is ambitious and enjoys the academic subject you want to study. If I’m honest, you’ll probably have more work than many of your friends at other universities, but you’ll also get a lot out of the experience, and you’d be surprised how much you can achieve when you set your mind to it. You definitely won’t be given too much work – remember that you aren’t coming here as a punishment, and your tutors don’t want to overburden you!

- Only a certain type of student goes to OxfordNo one wants to live in an environment full of clones, it would be really boring. Whatever your background or interests, you have an equal chance of being able to study here. The variety of people at Trinity is part of what makes the college such an exciting place to live and study.

- There are no international students at OxfordDefinitely not the case. Trinity is lucky every year to welcome students from all over the world into its community. The tutors here want to teach the brightest and most enthusiastic students, regardless of race, gender, or background.

- No one has any funAnother lie, I’m afraid. In fact, half the challenge of being here is managing to balance your work and social life – not a bad situation to be in. As well as the endless array of clubs and societies you can get involved with on a University level, look back to the ‘Spare Time’ pages to see the various different activities right on your doorstep.

Myth-Busting