A Visit to Oxford Brookes University

Students from St Mary’s recently had the opportunity to visit Oxford Brookes University, where they gained a valuable insight into university life and what to expect beyond their time at school.

The visit began with a guided tour of the campus, led by one of the university’s academic ambassadors. This gave students a first-hand look at the facilities and the vibrant atmosphere of student life. The modern and spacious campus made a strong impression, particularly the well-designed layout, which keeps halls of residence conveniently close to the main teaching buildings.

Following the tour, students attended an informative talk from two members of the university’s staff. The presentation covered not only life at Oxford Brookes but also general advice for applying to any university. Topics included important considerations such as the cost of living, essential items and utilities, and how to create a realistic student budget. Many students found this part of the session particularly reassuring, as it addressed concerns about managing finances and minimising debt after graduation.

Oxford Brookes is known for its strengths in creative subjects such as architecture, fine art, and literary studies. It was especially interesting to learn that the university is ranked second best in the UK for journalism a fact that stood out to several students who are considering pursuing this field.

Overall, the trip proved both informative and inspiring. It not only answered many of our questions about higher education but also helped to ease some of the anxieties we had about university life. Experiencing a working campus in action gave us all a clearer sense of what lies ahead and a renewed excitement for the future.