Archaeology and Anthropology
When you tell people that you're applying to do arch and anth they always say "What, like Indiana Jones?" Studying this course at Magdalen shouldn't involve you getting crushed by giant boulders or sacrificed to jungle gods, but I can promise you it's honestly an exciting experience. Even the interview is fun- you get to read a groovy bit of anthropological text (in my case of witchdoctors), asked some questions about it, and then look at a range of weird items they put out on a table. They don't expect you to be an expert: just be enthusiastic and relaxed and you'll enjoy it!
Archaeology and anthropology at Magdalen is unique in that we have such a brilliantly supportive college. The tutors are great- Clare and Lucia mostly (both darlings)- and importantly Magdalen is the only college to have its own anthropology tutor, which is really helpful when you need some friendly advice. Magdalen are also really generous with travel grants, which means you can go and visit all those exotic places you've been learning about. The fact that there are only a few of us arch and anthers in Magdalen leads to really great relationships with your tute partner, and encourages you to mix with other people. The parenting scheme is the same: at least one of your parents (older students who look out for you) will do your subject and be able to help you out, but your siblings might do something different. It's a great way to get some friends in the first few days of being here- you're college parents will probably cook you a meal, with cake if you're lucky!
Most of our tutorials are in college, and the lecture venues and subject libraries aren't too far away. A genuinely marvellous thing about Magdalen in our library: it's full of arch and anth books, and of there's something you really need but can't find anywhere they'll do their best to find a copy for the library. The general atmosphere in the college is friendly and curious- people are always intrigued by arch and anth and the crazy lectures will give you loads to talk about! The Pitt-Rivers and Ashmolean museums are a great help too, with ace pictures of naked tribes people, shrunken heads, mummies and other groovy things. Basically Oxford and especially Magdalen is the perfect place to do archaeology and anthropology. It's been the best decision of my life and I'd encourage anyone to do my course and come to my lovely college.
Charlotte Powell, 2nd Year
