Josie – History

What is your favourite thing about Teddy Hall?

The community is my favourite thing about Teddy Hall. It’s a tight knit college and since it is a relatively small site you’re always bumping into people you know whether that’s a friend or a tutor. Even the buildings are small, welcoming and cozy.

What do you like about the College’s site and location in Oxford?

For history students Teddy Hall is in such a good spot as most of our lectures are at the Examination Schools which is just across the road from the College. We’re also only a few minutes from the History Faculty library (the Radcliffe Camera) as well as many of the other main university libraries. Outside of studies, Teddy Hall is incredibly central. You have easy access to the main shopping area, which is about a 10 minute walk away, and the main the sports grounds and gym are also within a 15 minute walk away.

Why did you choose to study your course?

I did my A-levels in Biology, History and Spanish, not really knowing what I wanted to do afterwards. But over time I realised that I loved history both in and out of school more than my other subjects. I found myself always happy to watch a good history documentary and read books on anything historical.

What do you enjoy most about studying your subject?

The course here has so much freedom. Apart from one compulsory paper and some requirements, you get to choose every topic that you do. There are lots of papers to choose from. This means that you get to cover a wide range of history from modern empires and revolutions to the Mongols and medieval Iberia. If you’re passionate about something, there’s a paper about it.

How have your tutors supported you during your time at Teddy Hall?

The tutors are always there for any questions that you might have and are quite happy to give extra advice and support for any issues. They always provide personal feedback on every essay, helping you to improve your essay writing skills.

What’s the best thing about living in Hall accommodation?

Living in Hall accommodation means that you don’t have to worry about anything else. You can focus entirely on your work and life. You can talk to the accommodation manager in person if you have any issues and your room and communal spaces are kept clean for you.

What do you enjoy most about the food at Teddy Hall?

There’s always lots of variety. Although there are some staples, such as fish and chips on a Friday, there are always different things to choose from. The lasagna is a personal favourite and having brunch on the weekend with friends is always a highlight of the week.

What do you like most about the Hall’s library?

It’s definitely my favourite place to study and work in Oxford. The librarians are lovely and there are lots of extra things available to make you comfortable such as extra pillows and blankets. As a history student the library is also very special since it’s a twelfth century Romanesque church. It’s surreal experience to be studying medieval architecture, only to look up and find a real-life example.

How has Teddy Hall supported or shaped your extra-curricular interests?

One of the main groups that I’m part of is Knit & Natter. We meet every Friday and have a chat or watch a film to wind down at the end of the week and share what projects we’ve been getting up to. The art society also puts on some interesting talks and events on topics such as curatorial work, specific artists, and sculpture.

What has your experience of welfare support at Teddy Hall been like?

Welfare at Teddy is really easy to access. You can organise a meeting with the nurse or the welfare officer really easily and they’re both lovely and so welcoming. No matter how big or small the issue there always there to help, even if all you need is a chat.