Student story: there’s inspiration all around you

The journey so far

Tell us about yourself

My name is Chloe Pomfret. I am an undergraduate student reading Human Sciences at St Catherine’s College, and I’m originally from Manchester. I’m also a care experienced and estranged student.

 I sat my GCSE exams whilst homeless at age 16 and applied to Oxford whilst facing homelessness for a second time. I didn’t know anyone else who’d been in care and gone to Oxford, so I never thought I stood a chance of getting an offer.

What has your time at Oxford been like?

Once I arrived here, I threw myself into as many opportunities as I could, and it’s been the most rewarding experience I’ve ever had. I have friends from all across the world, have learned so much, more than I ever could’ve imagined, and have grown as a person beyond what I thought was possible.

My favourite thing about being an Oxford student is that there’s inspiration all around you, from tutors working on ground-breaking research, to friends who push you to achieve your dreams. I’ve definitely struggled with imposter syndrome whilst studying at Oxford, but I’ve learned that it is part of the process to make mistakes and learn from them. It’s a scary but very exciting experience when you’re sat with an academic who wrote the very textbook you’ve cited in your essay, but it’s an incredible privilege to learn from some of the best academics in the world.

What are you involved in outside of your studies?

I have been involved in a lot of student campaigning since my first year, working with student societies, the University, and charities to increase access to Oxford and higher education, and supporting care experienced students like me. I’m also a University outreach ambassador, so I’ve had the opportunity to support students who were in my position, with little family or school insight when applying to Oxford, and show them that Oxford is a place for them!

I’m also on the Oxford Sirens Cheerleading team, where I’ve met the most incredible and kind friends. We train multiple times a week, meet up for socials, and perform across the country. I’d never done cheerleading before coming to Oxford, but the club and my college provided financial support to help me get involved, and I’m incredibly grateful for that.

I recently got a grant to buy a camera and learn more about photography, so I’ve also been taking snaps at society events and Oxford graduations for friends. I studied A-Level Media at college, so I’ve always loved developing my creative skills. There are so many incredible student photographers in Oxford who I’ve taken inspiration from and who have offered their support, so it’s a very supportive community.

What has this brought to your Oxford experience?

Through my involvement in Oxford’s outreach and student societies, I worked with Oxford staff to host the UK’s first ever care experienced and estranged student open day session, so that’s a project I’ll always be proud of. I’ve since made many friends who came to that session, have gotten into Oxford, and now help me host the presentation, which is a wonderful full circle moment.

Looking to the future

What are your future aspirations for yourself? 

My current dissertation project is looking into the physical health inequalities care experienced individuals face. Being able to learn from my personal upbringing and turn it into a research project at Oxford has been amazing. I’ve really enjoyed the research side of my degree and utilising my personal experiences, so I want to apply for a Master’s in Higher Education here in Oxford and work in education policy or education law. I also want to continue posting on social media and helping students from underrepresented backgrounds learn more about and apply to Oxford.

What opportunities do you have to share with other students to get involved?

There are so many opportunities for other students to get involved, from working with colleges or departments on outreach days to becoming a University outreach ambassador. Societies are the best way to get involved and support people from your community, whether it’s a regional society, a sport, student journalism, or a college society.

Find available support

If you are a care experienced or estranged undergraduate, there is support available to you at Oxford, including targeted funding and welfare support, including counselling. The University has generous scholarships available to help low-income students take up the opportunity to study here, including the Crankstart Scholarships.