A TASTE OF LIFE AT OXFORD STUDYING CHEMISTRY
We were delighted to hear from former student Millie Aston, who is in her second year at Oxford University reading Chemistry. For students who are considering applying to Oxbridge and/or interested in Chemistry, then please read our Q and A with Millie below to find out about life at Oxford and what a degree in Chemistry entails.
Which college are you in and what is a typical week of study?
I am in Lady Margaret Hall. My average week consists of ten lectures, with two x six-hour days in the lab and at least one tutorial. Tutorials are one-on-one or two-on-one and we have to bring an answered problem sheet ready to discuss where we can make improvements. This term has been focused on quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics and heteroatoms in synthesis.
Tell us a little about life at Oxford
It’s always busy! On top of my studies, I am part of the college choir and the university cricket team. Choir rehearsals are once a week and during the summer holidays we have a tour, last year was to Albi in France. Cricket takes up a bit more time with two training sessions and a match every week. I also play cricket for my college in the summer. The highlight of the cricket season is the varsity match where Oxford play Cambridge at Lords. Last year I was 12th man in this match so I enjoyed cheering on my team from the side line as well as the three-course meal in the players’ room.
I also enjoyed the varsity ski trip where thousands of Oxford and Cambridge students go to Val Thorens to enjoy a week of skiing.
I also help tutor my college children and some of their friends. Colleges have a system where you “marry” your best friend and then have kids, i.e. you look after two or three people in the year below whilst they find their feet at Oxford.
What are the highlights and benefits of studying Chemistry?
I love the practical side of Chemistry. There is no other degree where you would spend so much time in a lab and the technology available at Oxford is incredible. A benefit of studying Chemistry is that even after your degree there are so many job options available. A large number of Chemistry graduates go on to Law or Accounting so you are never restricted to Chemistry. But even within Chemistry there are a huge number of employment opportunities.
What your plans are post degree?
I would love to go into research, which will probably require me to do a further PhD in my chosen area – Physical Chemistry.
We hope you have enjoyed finding out more about Millie’s experiences at Oxford. For any students interested in tutoring in Chemistry then please contact Millie about online tutoring lessons which last an hour and cost £15, with the first lesson half price. Millie’s contact details are t: 07591766743 or e: MAston03@outlook.com