Leila – German
What do you like about the College’s site and location in Oxford?
The College site is absolutely stunning – the graveyard is a really lovely space to study or hang out in in the summer, and the library is a great, peaceful study spot. Being in central Oxford, you’re never far away from faculty buildings or other colleges, but being tucked away on Queen’s Lane means you can still get a good night’s sleep away from the hustle and bustle of town.
Why did you choose to study your course?
I chose to study German because I really enjoyed the subject at A-Level and wanted to develop my linguistic skills and knowledge of the culture further. The course at Teddy Hall really appealed to me with its focus on literature from across history, as well as the range of modules available for translation, medieval studies and linguistics.
What do you enjoy most about studying your subject?
My favourite part of studying Modern Languages is the opportunity it provides to widen my knowledge of another culture and to communicate with a wide range of different people. I’ve engaged with texts and topics from a range of authors and sources that I had never heard of before, and the course has allowed me to dive deeper into topics that really interest me. It’s really made me step out of my comfort zone in the best way possible.
How have your tutors supported you during your time at Teddy Hall?
My tutors have been incredibly supportive throughout my degree. They’ve guided me in choosing what to specialise in, helped me with planning my year abroad, and provided one-to-one feedback to help me get the most out of my studies.
What’s the best thing about living in Hall accommodation?
The best thing about living in Hall accommodation is definitely the sense of community you get. There’s a brilliant social atmosphere, especially around mealtimes, and I’ve loved the opportunity to live close to my friends in the centre of Oxford. Being able to have lived in a centuries-old building is also a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
What do you enjoy most about the food at Teddy Hall?
The variety of food provided at mealtimes is brilliant. There’s always an option for everyone, and I’ve ended up trying new foods that I had never heard of before.
What do you like most about the Hall’s library?
The library is always a peaceful space, and the library staff are wonderful – the biscuit breaks they run during exam season are great!
How has Teddy Hall supported or shaped your extra-curricular interests?
Being at Teddy Hall has allowed me to engage with several different extracurriculars, including sports, art, and the outreach programme. The environment here is so supportive, and the societies are all welcoming to newcomers, experienced or not.
If you have received financial support, what did it mean to you?
The financial support I have received from the university has allowed me to engage with student life more fully than I would have been able to otherwise. I have joined societies, participated in events, and gotten to meet new people I would not have had the opportunity to.
Where next?