Alternative Prospectus

Trinity CollegeOxford

Alternative ProspectusTrinity College, Oxford Welcome 32 Welcome

Welcome to Trinity College!

Coming up to University for the first time can be a daunting experience so it is

important that you feel at home in your college; the focus of your academic and social

life. Choosing the right college for you can make this big transition a lot easier!

Here at Trinity College, you are guaranteed a warm welcome into a friendly and

vibrant community. Both first and second years live on site and merge into one happy

family! We are in the centre of Oxford, overlooking the Bodleian Library, next door to

Blackwell’s bookshop, opening onto the bustle of Broad Street; essentially in the heart

of a beautiful city, with the serenity of our lawns, but with every possible convenience.

The student body at Trinity includes energetic sports men and women, budding

playwrights, talented musicians and some who are all of the above. A burgeoning

equalities and LGBTQ scene, JCR committee, debating society, creative arts society,

charities ventures and inter-college competitions offer something for everyone.

So, when you have written your play or won your hockey match, you can turn your

mind to your degree! Trinity has fantastic facilities, including a 24-hour library and

what has been claimed to be the best food in Hall by countless biased and unbiased

sources. The core of your teaching, your tutorials, are organised by your college and

many of them will be with tutors on-site.

Forget all expectations; there are no stereotypes to conform to here at Trinity.

It truly is about having the time of your life in one of the most amazing places to

study in the world. We are all here to delve into areas that we are passionate about,

facilitated by the strengths of a tutorial system, generous financial support, and peers

as enthusiastic about making the most of education and the university experience as

you are.

I encourage you to wander at your leisure around our grounds, talk to as many

students as you can, and visit the JCR undergraduate website for more information.

We look forward to welcoming you here soon,

Catherine Moore

JCR President, Trinity College

Welcome to the Alternative Prospectus!

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, Molly Winter, Amro Nagdy, Catherine Moore, Belinda

Gurung, India Rees, Stephanie Yiolitou, Ellie Rendle, Ian Hewitt, Maria Blanco, 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… Molly Winter, Biochemistry

Ian Hewitt, Maths

1) Why should students apply to Trinity?

It’s an intellectually stimulating place; a very friendly college, with tutors who are interested in each student as an individual. We’re willing you to succeed, both academically and otherwise, from the moment you come through the gates. We’re located right in the middle of the city, ideal for just about all lectures and labs, but there’s a sense of peace and quiet once you’re inside - beautiful spacious grounds, great rooms and great food.

2) What do you look for in an applicant?

I’m looking for students who are fascinated by learning, who want to immerse themselves in a stimulating academic environment, and who’ll make the most of the wide range of opportunities available here. Our courses are both exhilarating and challenging, so we’re looking for people who are keenly motivated to delve deep into their chosen subject. Of course, it’s important that applicants to study maths already show some competence at it (!), but almost more important for me is your attitude to new ideas; I look for students who are inquisitive and intellectually curious.

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

• Sun cream – I’m a fair-skinned Brit, so I’ll quickly turn into a beetroot otherwise.

• Pencil and paper – in case I have a good idea. A mathematician should never be without them.

• A companion with a good sense of humour – it’s always nice to have someone to share things with, and a little laughter never goes amiss.

Tutor’sPerspective

A day in the life … Sciences

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 ProspectusTrinity College, Oxford Arts 76 A day in the life… Amro Nagdy, PPE

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

ArtsA day in the life …When I chose to apply

to Trinity, I remember the first things that really grabbed me were the lawns and

relatively more open design of the college itself� It’s always useful to visit in person to get a feel for the

college you’re thinking of, and to ask yourself if you can imagine actually living there�

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 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!

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 the 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. 

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!Spare Time

Alternative ProspectusTrinity College, Oxford10 Living in College Living in College 11

Life in CollegeHi, I’m Martin, 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 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 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�

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 just over £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 ProspectusTrinity College, Oxford Accommodation 1312 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.

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 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 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.

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 able 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 lower-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.

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our Alternative Prospectus. It would be wonderful to see you around college in the next few years!

For some, the idea of coming to such an impressive, beautiful college seems far- fetched. If that’s how you feel, let us assure you that we felt exactly the same way when we were prospective applicants! Anyone from any country, background and school is welcome at Trinity, and we are incredibly proud of our diverse student body. We are also lucky enough to say that we have generous financial support available, both from college and the wider university, which allows anyone to study here regardless of their financial background.

Of course, you’ll have a great experience anywhere in Oxford, but the lawns, delicious food and friendly atmosphere make us just slightly biased towards encouraging you to apply to Trinity. Whether your extracurricular passions are in sport, drama, journalism or almost anything you can think of, Trinity is an ideal environment for you to pursue these interests alongside your studies. We hope to see you this side of the gates soon!

India Rees Belinda Gurung

JCR Access Officers

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