Alternative Prospectus2013

Trinity CollegeOxford

Alternative ProspectusTrinity College, Oxford Welcome 32 Welcome

Hi and welcome to Trinity College’s Alternative Prospectus,

You’ve come to the right place to find out what student life is really like at Trinity!

Your college is an integral part to the way you study and socialise so hopefully we

can give you an insight into why, in our opinion, there’s nowhere better to enjoy your

student experience.

The first thing you notice upon entering Trinity is the sheer amount of space that

is available to us. In the summer you may well find the lawns are populated with

students chatting, rehearsing the annual lawns play and reading in the sun. The

college’s friendly and open atmosphere is also established by the medium size of

our student body, which ensures you quickly get to know everyone and hopefully

establish life-long friends.

There are also a variety of less immediately noticeable reasons why Trinity stands

out. The site is located right in the heart of Oxford, which means trips to the lecture

theatre, pub or sports ground tend to be only minutes walk away. If you enjoy your

food, Trinity is right up with the best – students from other colleges genuinely beg

us to come and try it. 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.

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, learned what we

have to offer and dispelled some of the myths that surround

the university and college, 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,

Andy Butler, Trinity College JCR President

Welcome to the Alternative Prospectus!

Introduction 3

Sciences 4

Arts 6

Spare time 8

Life in college 10

Accommodation 12

Financial support 14

Goodbye 15

Myth-busting 16

Alternative Prospectus

Printed at The Guardian Print Centre, Rick Roberts Way, London, E15

Thanks to Andrew Bennison, Olivia Grimshaw, Beatrice Graham, Jessica

Small, Andy Butler, Chris Holcroft, Tanya Sen, Russ Egdell, Dorota Leczykiewicz, Stephanie Yiolitou, Valerie Worth,

Robbie Hyland, Lee Atherton, Penguin Photography, and the various talented Trinity doodlers and photographers.

Alternative ProspectusTrinity College, Oxford Sciences 54 A day in the life… Tanya Sen, Engineering, Economics, and Management

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

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Tanya Sen, Engineering, Economics, and ManagementTanya Sen, Engineering, Economics, and Management

A day in the life … Sciences

Alternative ProspectusTrinity College, Oxford Arts 7

Dorota Leczykiewicz, Law

1) Why should students apply to Trinity?Students should apply to Trinity because it is a fantastic college with beautiful architecture. Most importantly, in Trinity you will find a group of dedicated and friendly tutors who really look after the academic progress of their students, and help them to develop not only professionally, but also personally. It is a very welcoming place, where students receive a lot of support to do their best.

2) What do you look for in an applicant?In admissions we are trying to make sure that candidates who come to study law at Trinity are the ones who will get the most out of the course, so that their time here will be a rewarding and enriching experience. We look for evidence that the candidate has good reasoning ability, is enthusiastic about the law, how it works and how it affects people’s lives. Good communication skills are always an asset, as well as an ability to defend one’s viewpoint, but also to recognise when a particular line of thinking is proving ‘unproductive’.

3) You’re stuck on a desert island, what three things can’t you live without?I could not live without my laptop. I have everything in it; all my work, dozens of academic articles I need to read in the near future (which would keep me busy on a desert island for a while), photos of my family and friends and of places I have been to, and a collection of books and music. Because a laptop needs power, I could not live without some high-spec solar panel energy-generating equipment! With these two, and assuming that food and shelter would not be a problem, the only other thing I would need is a comfortable armchair.

Tutor’sPerspective

6 A day in the life… Chris Holcroft, Modern Languages

ArtsA day in the life …

Alternative ProspectusTrinity College, Oxford Spare Time 98 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. Sports teams often ‘crew-date’ teams from other colleges, basically meet up for a meal, enjoy meeting new people and some fresh conversation and usually head out to a club.

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!

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!

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

MusicOrchestra, choir, 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.

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.

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. 

Alternative ProspectusTrinity College, Oxford Life in College 1110 Living in College

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

Let me give you a quick tour of the College …

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 a few 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 QuadDesigned 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.

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.

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 is served every evening except Saturday – for £4, you get 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.

Alternative ProspectusTrinity College, Oxford

Accommodation Accommodation 1312 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.

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!

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.

It’s amazing

living so close to all my friends!

Alternative ProspectusTrinity College, Oxford Goodbye 1514 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 medium-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.

Thank you for taking the time to read our Alternative Prospectus. We hope it gave you a real glimpse into what life is like at Trinity. Yes, we work hard, but we also know that university’s about having fun, making loads of new friends and even sometimes staying up until the early hours of the morning dancing to cheesy pop music.

Banish that ‘Oxford Stereotype’ you may have in your head, and remember that whatever your background, interests, or future aspirations, you are guaranteed to find your own niche here at Trinity. It’s an incredibly supportive and friendly environment to live in, and there’s something truly inspiring about the fact that you’re being taught by some of the most eminent academics in their field, and surrounded by your closest friends. Trinity has produced Olympic athletes, playwrights, Prime Ministers, and Lords Mayor of London … where might it take you?

We look forward to meeting you!

Jess Small 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’ page to see the various different activities you can get involved with right on your doorstep.

Myth-Busting