Student Profiles
Julia Dahlkamp
Programme: MSc Medical Anthropology
College: Kellogg College
Previous institutions attended: Heidelberg University
What has surprised you the most about your experiences at Oxford?
How easy it is to get in touch with people that interest you on all levels, very friendly welcome by the College and having someone to approach for everything, from accommodation to rowing.
Are you involved in any student societies? If so, what are you involved in?
I am involved with the German Society and GenCam.
What do you feel is unique about Oxford and why should an applicant choose this University?
It is certainly a uniquely spirited place; I have never met so many interesting people from all over the world. A very rewarding year in retrospect, although I initially hesitated to spend another year at university after having been a medical student for so long.
What are the academic differences and similarities between Oxford and your home country?
I was certainly at a very good programme with Heidelberg University medical school, yet all my professors know my name and where I am at academically in Oxford. The libraries are amazing and so is the teaching atmosphere. This university is certainly very open about attending nearly every lecture or seminar outside my own programme which I made extensive use of.
What would you tell others from your home country who are considering coming to Oxford?
I would recommend planning well in advance, taking a close look at their programme of choice and just dare to do it. I applied to three independent programmes because I did not expect to be accepted and was offered a place in all three of them.
Tom Juzek
Programme: DPhil Comparative Philology and General Linguistics
College: Jesus College
Previous institutions attended: University of Bonn
What do you feel is unique about Oxford and why should an applicant choose this University?
Oxford is incredible on so many different levels. Most importantly, you will make friends for a lifetime. Also at postgraduate level, it is extremely international to an extent that I have not seen before. Prior to arrival, my expectations of Oxford were so huge that I thought I could only be disappointed. However, not only were my expectations met, they were surpassed.
Are you involved in any student societies? If so, what are you involved in?
I am involved with the German Social Democrat Society (known as the SDP society).
What would you tell others from your home country who are considering coming to Oxford?
Don’t be intimidated by the big name and the tough application process! It’s all worth it!
Ali Aslan Gümüsay
Programme of study: DPhil Management
College: Christ Church
Previous institution attended: University of Warwick
Why did you decide to come to Oxford to study your chosen subject?
For me, Oxford is an ecosystem breathing education passionately striving for wisdom. Within the Saïd Business School we have a distinct community, which approaches management from a rather sociological perspective. This is particularly conducive to my research on the role of religion in organizations.
What were your expectations of Oxford?
I guess I first expected it to be more British. During my Master’s degree we were 25 students, only one from the UK. Oxford truly is a global university.
What is your favourite thing about Oxford?
Oxford is the best of both worlds: it is a relatively small and wonderfully green city, yet due to its reputation and people it attracts great speakers and events. I simply love the educational diversity. Oxford is the perfect place to pursue - sometimes on your own - multidisciplinary teaching and research.
Can you describe a typical day (or week) in the life at the University?
As a researcher, there is no typical day. I sometimes work in my office, read journal articles, write my thesis or other articles, do some teaching, help with executive or undergraduate courses, meet colleagues to discuss research topics, gather data for my thesis, attend academic conferences or visit lectures and seminars in other departments which are relevant for my research.
Tell us a bit about your college
Christ Church, founded in 1524, is one of the largest colleges and full of secrets and hidden sights to be explored. It has a vibrant graduate community, very helpful stuff and provides generous support. I am particularly grateful to my college advisor, himself a former graduate from Christ Church.
What advice would you give to anyone considering graduate study at Oxford?
Oxford is a complex place. I would recommend looking beyond your course, department and college. Oxford offers more than can be explored in a life-time, let alone a degree-time.
Main photograph by Hope Stockton, MSt History of Art and Visual Culture (Kellogg College)