Student news

Creating a pathway to Oxford

The world can be an inhospitable place for the millions of people who find themselves displaced or endangered by conflict, persecution, climate change or the violation of their human rights. Only 1% of those affected by displacement go on into higher education.

The information on our dedicated Vacation welfare support page will help you to find a mental health service whatever time of the day or night.

Visit the page to find support:

Why is industrial action taking place? 

The University and College Union (UCU) voted in favour of industrial action over the national pay settlement and USS pensions. However, UCU action over pensions is currently paused and the current focus is on the pay and conditions dispute.

How have you found your time at Oxford so far?

Oxford is a large and complex organisation, and I am still navigating it all, but it is also a place where you can find opportunity to develop new approaches and build new partnerships; I am excited and keen to draw on this huge potential for change. 

What do you think are some of the biggest challenges facing students’ welfare and wellbeing and how is the University responding?

The Graduate Scholarship Scheme for Ukraine Refugees offers graduates ordinarily resident in Ukraine but displaced by the war a full-time, one-year Masters course across a broad range of subjects. The scholarship is intended to further their academic training and development to enable them to better contribute to building back Ukraine’s future.

The scholarships are co-funded by the University and participating colleges, with each scholar given free accommodation and meals within their college, and a grant of £7,500 to support their study and living costs.

Travelling from the hilltops of the Peak District down to Oxford is a journey I’ve made a hundred times before, having worked in a recording studio in the Oxfordshire village of Eynsham. But this time felt different. As the car glided onto the panorama of the M40, adrenalin rushed to my toes. This was a journey that was never supposed to happen. This was my first day as a student at the University of Oxford.

Let’s rewind a little…

The journey so far

I grew up in Lambeth, South London, surrounded by an array of cultures — it was a patchwork of stories and experiences. As a child, my family would always tell me about the beautiful history of my motherland, Somalia. These words nurtured my interest in what I now know as, oral history. This process of passing down these stories and folktales across generations should be celebrated and amplified, and this is where the ACS shines.

The journey so far

I am a second year studying Experimental Psychology at Wadham College. My time at Oxford so far has definitely been a rollercoaster. It was a massive jump from sixth form, and I don't think I was ready for the level of independence, not only in studying but also trying to navigate socialising and, rather embarrassingly, I didn't even know how to use the washing machine when I got here(!). Outside of my studies I like to crochet and weightlift.

Tell us about the society and your role!

The Oxford University Dramatic Society is one of the largest student drama societies in the country. We have over 3,000 recent members, and thanks to the Cameron Mackintosh Drama Fund (supported by the Mackintosh Foundation), we have almost unparalleled funding opportunities to put on productions at a higher-education level. I am very fortunate to be the President of the Society for 2022- 3. This role involves managing a committee of around 15 people to help ensure that the multiple productions which happen each year run smoothly.

Tell us about the society and your role!

The Oxford University Dramatic Society is one of the largest student drama societies in the country. We have over 3,000 recent members, and thanks to the Cameron Mackintosh Drama Fund (supported by the Mackintosh Foundation), we have almost unparalleled funding opportunities to put on productions at a higher-education level. I am very fortunate to be the President of the Society for 2022- 3. This role involves managing a committee of around 15 people to help ensure that the multiple productions which happen each year run smoothly.