New to Brookes? Here are some top tips from the class of 2023!
Your course is well under way and you might even have joined a society or two. You’ll probably feel a mixture of excitement and nerves at this stage of your university life - so who better to hear from than the people who have been through it already?
On their graduation day, we spoke to members of the class of 2023 - undergraduates and postgraduates - to ask them for their advice to new students, what they found challenging and what they enjoyed about their time at Oxford Brookes.
You can find lots of useful information about getting started at Brookes on the New Students webpages.
Jade Colton, MSc Marketing and Brand Management
Why did you choose Brookes?
I did my undergraduate degree in media production at Gloucester and then came to Brookes for my master’s for a couple of reasons - partly because I was attracted by the course and the uni but also because of the rowing.
What advice would you give students starting out at Brookes?
I’d say make the most of all the opportunities that Brookes has to offer - both on the social and academic side. Just really immerse yourself in everything. If I was speaking to my younger self I’d say be brave, work hard, have fun and do everything to the best of your ability.
What’s the toughest thing about going to university?
Adjusting to uni life and having to do things like cooking and washing for yourself for the first time can be hard, as well as adapting to a new environment and meeting all these new people. Those were the biggest shocks for me but in the long run I think it makes you a stronger and more rounded person.
What has been the best thing about studying at Brookes?
I’d say the teaching. I’ve really valued my lecturers and all their knowledge and contacts. They brought the outside world into the course and it always felt like we were working on practical, real-life situations in the industry.
Louis Wootton-Davies, BA (Hons) Fine Art
Why did you choose Brookes?
I did my foundation year here and loved Oxford and thought the uni was great, so I decided to stay on to do my bachelor’s. I’m actually staying on to do my master’s as well.
What advice would you give students starting out at Brookes?
I’ve benefited so much from going to uni and getting away from my hometown, feeling like I’d made a proper start in life. So I’d say they’ve made a good decision in going to uni and choosing Brookes. My mates and I are setting up a padel team next year. It’s like a mix between tennis and squash - so they could join that!
What’s the toughest thing about going to university?
When you first go you do feel nervous about it but for me that went away really quickly once I started to meet people. It does seem like it will be difficult but I’d say not to worry.
What has been the best thing about studying at Brookes?
On my course everyone was all together, doing our work in the same place, so there was a real sense of community. That was one of the best things. The tutors were great as well, and there were lots of opportunities to show our work to peers, tutors and even friends, family and the public at our end-of-degree show.
Maheshwar Muthukumarasamy, MSc Motorsport Engineering
Why did you choose Brookes?
I did my bachelor’s degree in automotive engineering in Chennai, India, and chose motorsport to specialise in. The motorsport engineering course at Oxford Brookes is wonderful - the career paths are good and there are lots of Brookes alumni working in the motor racing industry. I’m a motorsport and F1 enthusiast so that’s why I wanted to come here to study.
What advice would you give students starting out at Brookes?
I’d say enjoy your studies and try to become part of the Brookes community. There are lots of opportunities to pursue your hobbies or social or cultural interests, and the University supports and guides that. Specifically for motorsport or automotive students, I’d encourage them to take part in Oxford Brookes Racing and Formula Student.
What’s the toughest thing about going to university?
When I started in 2021 it was still during the Covid pandemic so that was probably the most difficult aspect for me. A lot of our teaching had to be done online, which is tough with such a practical course. But gradually that got better.
What has been the best thing about studying at Brookes?
Oxford is one of the greatest places to study and Brookes is one of the best places to do my specialism. As an international student coming a long way to study, I found the faculty members and fellow students very supportive. It has been a great experience.
Evelyn Obewu, MSc Marketing and Brand Management
Why did you choose Brookes?
I did my undergrad in Nigeria in mass communication in 2011 and decided to do this master’s in marketing and brand management because I thought the course sounded really interesting and marketing is such an important aspect of business.
What advice would you give students starting out at Brookes?
I would advise students to really put their mind to their studies, to persevere and never give up. If I can do it, anyone can do it!
What’s the toughest thing about going to university?
It was quite daunting for me because I hadn’t been in a university environment for such a long time - my first day in class was a struggle. I also didn’t arrive until week 6 of study due to visa issues, so that was difficult. But I’m really proud of how far I’ve come.
What has been the best thing about studying at Brookes?
Our coursework was definitely unforgettable. We worked on a lot of live client projects, like marketing strategies, which was very challenging but an amazing experience of the industry.
Rosie Teal-Hunt, BA (Hons) Business and Marketing Management
Why did you choose Brookes?
I’m from Oxford so I know the Brookes campus and it’s always been appealing to me. I ended up applying because I love living in Oxford - it’s a really nice place and has a good student feel. There’s lots to do but it doesn’t feel too big either.
What advice would you give students starting out at Brookes?
Time-manage as well as you can - I did not do that at first and it was a struggle! But you can definitely do it if you put your mind to it. The other thing I would say is don’t feel you have to do everything or go too crazy in your first few months. But joining a society can be great - I was involved with Brookes women’s football and it was a brilliant way of meeting people and having fun.
What’s the toughest thing about going to university?
Probably managing a new way of living. You’re used to being at home and then suddenly you’re responsible for a lot of different things, including your budget. I’d say make sure you don’t go out and spend all your money or your student loan in the first few weeks - especially with the cost of living going up. Then you find you’re living on baked beans for the rest of the year.
What has been the best thing about studying at Brookes?
I loved my lecturers and tutors - they were amazing and so helpful. I struggled in second year during Covid but they supported me the whole way, and that’s what got me through to graduation day.
Charlotte Pettit and Daisy Williams, BSc (Hons) Midwifery
Why did you choose Brookes?
Daisy: The nursing and midwifery school here is really good and the JR [John Radcliffe] hospital is a great place to get practical experience. Oxford is a nice city - it feels small and safe.
Charlotte: There’s always something going on in Oxford but it’s not too intense. And for me it helped that it’s close to where I live.
What advice would you give students starting out at Brookes?
Daisy: I’d say make sure you take time to rest - or to party if that’s how you like to do it.
Charlotte: Prioritise the things that you want to do and don’t feel under pressure to say yes to everything. You might find some things hard like feeling homesick, but you’ll enjoy your time at uni.
What’s the toughest thing about going to university?
Daisy: We work so hard on the midwifery course - there are lots of assignments and placements.
Charlotte: It’s definitely an intense degree.
What has been the best thing about studying at Brookes?
Daisy: I did cheer [Cheer and Dance Club], which was really nice. The girls were amazing and so was the coaching.
Charlotte: The people here are really friendly. It’s quite relaxed but you can also have a good time, so it’s a nice mix.