Student news

Some international students travelling to Oxford this Michaelmas Term will start the academic year with two weeks’ self-isolation, while UK students may need to self-isolate due to exposure to COVID-19. For some, this may present significant practical and psychological challenges.

Once your department has confirmed to you that you have met all the conditions of your offer, you should return your completed University card form in line with the guidance provided by your department. We will then create your University card (Student ID) and your Single Sign-On (SSO) account, as well as provide you with a username and password to access many services at Oxford. This includes your email account, the student self-service portal and access to the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). 

 Today on World Suicide Prevention Day, it is important to know that help is out there for anyone who is feeling at risk. Suicide is the biggest killer of people under 35 in the UK, according to PAPYRUS, a charity for the prevention of suicide in young people.

The University’s Testing for COVID-19: Early Alert Service (EAS) is now open. EAS is a free service that provides rapid access to tests for both students and staff. Designed for a University environment, the service will ensure that members of the University who become unwell are quickly identified. The rapid response also protects others from transmission.

Today is International Literacy Day, a day dedicated to reading and learning. And while it can be hard to find time to read for fun during term time, it’s a great way to relax.

Three Oxford students shared their book recommendations and why they love them.

Read more below to find out why Alex, Christian and Matteo are so fond of these stories. 

Alex Beukers, English, 3rd year – 'An Imaginary Life', David Malouf

What are you working on to help new and returning students next year?

In Team 1, one of our main projects is to ensure that students can give feedback to steer the University’s teaching strategies. We’ll be analysing the use of university-wide surveys, exploring the creators’ strategies for outreach, and considering alternative strategies which could encourage students to give crucial feedback.

What inspired you to set up the magazine? 

The impetus to keep the community connected was there and we were all keen to get the project underway, so it was just the perfect time to set up a magazine.

A lot of the inspiration to set up the magazine came from simply being able to observe the bonds that already existed amongst ISoc members — we realised that a magazine would further strengthen these bonds and bring together individuals from all corners of the society.

Tell us about your journey to working on the COVID-19 vaccine at Oxford

I grew up in South-East London, but came to Oxford 7 years ago as an 18 year old, first pursuing a masters in Biochemistry at St Anne’s College, before I joined my DPhil scheme in 2017. Our lab look at developing vaccines against emerging viral diseases. My DPhil focuses on vaccines against Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHFV), and the closely related Nairobi Sheep Disease (NSDV).