Skip to main content
Menu
6 February 2023

Latest News

#HumansofStHughs: Ben Moisan

In the second of a series of features entitled #HumansofStHughs we hear from undergraduate, Ben Moisan who explains his philosophy for applying to Oxford and runs through a typical day for him at St Hugh’s.

Hi! I am Ben, a third-year biochemist at St Hugh’s! I am originally from Southampton, and I am part of St Hugh’s table tennis, stargazing, and biochemistry societies.

When I was applying to Oxford, I wasn’t sure if I would get in but my whole philosophy was ‘if I don’t apply, I won’t get in’. I was fortunate enough to get a place, so I would really recommend to anyone who is unsure whether to apply or not to give it their best shot! At the end of the day if you are unsuccessful, you still have four other possible choices of uni to go to.

Biochemistry is quite a tough course and very dense in terms of contact hours. It is very normal to feel overwhelmed at times especially when just starting at uni but don’t let that faze you too much and try to persevere! It’s OK if you hand in the occasional duff essay! Try not to sacrifice your sleep schedule too much! Despite its challenges I do enjoy reading biochemistry as it is a fascinating degree and studying at Oxford is an amazing opportunity. I am now going to talk you through a typical day in my life as an Oxford biochemist!

7AM – Wake up! This is quite optimistic so some days I don’t wake up until 7:30 or 8AM. I like to get up nice and early to give myself time to eat breakfast and get ready for the day.

9AM – Lectures! Unfortunately, biochem pretty much has a 9AM start every weekday. However, this is quite nice as it helps to get you into a productive working routine. I would recommend going to lectures in person for biochemistry as not only do you get more work done but I often find that the lectures are easier to understand in person than the online recordings. You are going to want to leave college nice and early (around 8:30ish) as it is a bit of a trek to lectures.

11AM – Lectures are over! I make my way back to college and try to do a little bit of work on any assignments I have been set.

1PM – Lunch!

2PM – Working on assignments! Afternoons tend to be more free for me than mornings in terms of contact hours, however, I will still often have the occasional tutorial or practical to go to.

6:30PM – Dinner! During the week I tend to eat my dinner in the dining hall. The meals are heavily subsidised and delicious. It is also a nice time to chat to your friends about your day.

7:00PM – Free time! I try not to do too much work after dinner, however, sometimes this isn’t always possible. In my free time, I like to chill with the homies or head on down to the JCR for a game of pool or smash bros. There is also always something going on outside of college if you fancy going clubbing, attending a concert, or grabbing a drink.

12AM – Sleepy time! Ideally, I would go to bed earlier than this, but I am trying to be truthful with you lot and the Oxford experience isn’t always too glamourous. If you really wanted to go to bed earlier than this you could, I just lack discipline!

Share this post

Related News Posts

St Hugh’s Graduate student nominated ‘Best and Brightest in the World’
Congratulations to St Hugh's Graduate student, Eleanor Hevey (EMBA, 2020), who is one of two students representing
Read More
The sun shines for St Hugh’s Annual Garden Party
In June,  350 alumni, families and friends joined us for St Hugh’s annual St Hugh’s Garden Party. Guests enjoyed a sunny afternoon with tea an...
Read More
St Hugh’s Post Graduate research student throws new light on Elizabeth I
St Hugh's Post Graduate Research Student, Helena Rutkowska is working with the British Library using a new state of the art technique to uncover passa...
Read More