Finbar McLoughlin

History, Hertford College

I’m Finbar McLoughlin, from Holy Family Catholic High School in Liverpool. I study history at Hertford College but before attending the UNIQ summer school I never dreamt of applying to Oxford University.

I was well aware of the Oxford student stereotype - someone from private school, who worked all day and night and looked down on state school students - a stereotype that I did not fit at all!

UNIQ was an amazing experience which allowed me to meet other prospective applicants and realise that, actually, most of them were really nice, normal people. Not only does UNIQ help to dispel the myths about the type of student who applies to Oxford, it also gives you a fantastic insight into what life as an Oxford student is really like. You get to experience lectures, explore the colleges and the city as well.

Now that I am at Oxford I am so glad that I applied, everyone at Hertford College has been really friendly and I have settled in quickly. Work has been challenging but far from impossible and I would encourage anyone thinking about applying to take the risk and have a go.