First, let me congratulate you on choosing to study a proper subject.

Unlike the Arts students, lectures are important in the Sciences. We tend to have about twelve to fifteen a week. Although not compulsory, it is definitely an advantage to attend, no matter how horrendous the hangover.

Practicals form a large part of the course. They vary in their usefulness but all are compulsory and are a good way of meeting students from other colleges. Despite the stereotype, not all wear jam jar glasses and ankle swingers. Most are incredibly normal, have no fear; you will not be surrounded by a whole bunch of geeks. Some are even good looking. The downside to the practicals is that they often require a write-up to be handed in at the end or the following day. However, college parents can be particularly helpful in such situations. Most scientists have about a day’s worth of practicals each week. These commitments make the course more organised than the Arts, which can be a good or bad thing depending on your personality.

The third component of a science course is the tutorial system (how can the Arts students claim that they work as hard when we do these as well?!). Tutes provide the opportunity to study the subject in greater depth and consist of the tutor, yourself and two to three other students. Initially, these can be an intimidating experience but as you get to know the other students and tutor; they become more relaxed and can even be amusing. In general, each tute will require an essay or problem sheet. Unlike some other colleges, students doing the same subject at Peters, will be incredibly friendly and will help you if you find a particular sheet/ problem difficult.

Though work is an important part of the Oxford experience, you certainly miss out if you don’t join other extracurricular activities. Scientists are just as involved as the Artists and St Peters is a really friendly college, where there is a lot to do, whether you want take it seriously or just have fun. There was even a physicist in the rugby team this year.

Medics tend to have slightly more work than the other science subjects but their social life does not suffer. One learns to achieve more in the same amount of time because we are simply in a class of our own. Obviously.

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