Oxford University dress code

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Reply 20

OxFossil

Original post by Parrotperson

That's alright :smile:

Aww thank you so much. All that stress was worth it in the end :smile:

I'll be studying biological sciences. What about you?

Well done, Parrotperson! Best choice of subject too!

Most colleges operate a "parenting" system, where you will be allocated a college "mum" and "dad". They are usually 2nd year students whose job it is to help you (and usually one or two other "children") with questions exactly like the ones you are asking here.

It's a great system, and if your college does this, you will probably be contacted by them in the weeks before going up.

Reply 21

Parrotperson

Original post by OxFossil

with questions exactly like the ones you are asking here.

It's a great system, and if your college does this, you will probably be contacted by them in the weeks before going up.

Thank you! Definitely :wink:

I recieved a letter from my college parents a few days ago, so I'll try and contact them tomorrow :smile:

Reply 22

nulli tertius

Original post by Parrotperson

Also, do undergraduates need to buy the mortar board or soft cap?

The soft cap has virtually died out (hint: start a trend; bring it back).

The soft cap is the original women's hat dating from the late 19th century.

It has died out due to a change in the rules for women wearing headgear. When women were first permitted to wear the square (the proper name for the mortarboard) in the 1960s or 1970s, they had to wear whichever hat they chose when dressed in subfusc indoors. I can remember women being made to put their hats on at matriculation and to be allowed to exit the Exam Schools.

The soft cap is a more practical hat if you actually have to wear it.

More recently the rules are that the soft cap is worn indoors by women but the square is not regardless of gender. Therefore a woman is excused wearing a hat if she carries a square.

Reply 23

brendan.

Original post by Parrotperson

That's a relief :smile:

I guess I didn't want to make a fool of myself as I've never really been to/ experienced anything like it before. I'm sure I'll get used to the formals etc when I get there :smile:

Aww that's a shame :/ I think I have a few ideas but I suppose I'm just worried I'll either get it wrong or overthink it, but I guess if everyone is doing it together I won't be as awkward :smile:

I hope you don't mind me asking, but which college are you studying at?

Don't worry, you won't. You can always also chat about what you're wearing to things with friends once there too. I'm sure others will equally worry about whether they're wearing the right thing, so the topic is bound to come up, and you'll feel a bit less worried.

I found with bops that people did what they liked. Some went all out, others didn't get dressed up at all. So you can put as little or as much into it as you like - most costumes are also hand made (because students) so they really don't need to be flawless. If you're unsure, wait and bring it up with others when you get there - you could also go as a group of animals and all pitch in to save on money.

I was at Christ Church, but graduated last year. :smile:

Edit: As for the mortarboard vs soft cap debate, for what it's worth, I can't think of anybody I knew who had the soft cap. Mortarboards are much more common and make great pencil cases for exams, but you never really wear them until graduation.

(edited 7 years ago)

Reply 24

Banana00

Original post by Parrotperson

That's alright :smile:

Aww thank you so much. All that stress was worth it in the end :smile:

I'll be studying biological sciences. What about you?

You're welcome - you deserve it for all your hard work! I've just finished my GCSEs and I hope to study History at university. Do you have any advice for Oxbridge application, especially if your GCSE results are good but below average for Oxbridge? (1A* 6As 2Bs 1C)

Thank you! :h:

Reply 25

EvasiveRose

Original post by Parrotperson

That's good to hear as I have never really been to any sort of formal event before :/

I'm probably going to do something like that, I guess I am just over-thinking it a bit :smile:

May I ask which college you are studying at?

I'll try not to :wink:

I suppose me being the shy type has always meant any sort of new social situations intimidate me :smile:

However, I'm going to try and use university to change that :smile:

I know this sounds like a really random question, but I was wondering what the first few weeks of studying there are like. Is the workload suddenly very intense or does it build up as you get settled in?

Pretty much anything formal will do so please don't worry yourself too much about it. And as for BOPs I've seen some pretty poor attempts so likewise anything matching the theme, however vaguely, goes. BOPs are just one of the many ways of socialising in Ox

I'm studying at St John's. Ah, you'll find that university can really help bring you out of your shell and highlight your likes, dislikes, strengths, etc.
Erm, I know that we were set our first essay during freshers week for the following week which was kind of daunting but for your first few pieces of work they're not expecting them to be amazing (although they can be :smile:

). The workload remains pretty consistent throughout the year so I'd say I really settled in to having a routine after first term (but it varies for everyone). So I'd say the workload is manageable throughout if you manage your time well

In terms of sub fusc a mortar board or soft cap are fine, although I have a mortar board myself. You can pick up your gown during freshers week (we were supposed to go with our college parents) or before but you just need it before matriculation.

Any other questions feel free to ask! I can still remember the feeling of being a fresher and fussing over the smallest things :P

Reply 26

Parrotperson

Original post by Banana00

Aww thanks :smile:

Congratulations on your GCSE's by the way :smile:

In terms of advice I would say in terms of applying I would,

- Try and read around your subject with particular emphasis on stuff that you find interesting e.g. books/ etc which can be useful in a personal statement or in interview. Try to do this mainly in year 12 when you have more time as trying to cram at the beginning of year 13 could be difficult.

- Make sure you research thoroughly which college you want to go to as they can vary significantly in what they offer e.g. facilities/ entrance tests/ en-suite etc. Also, make sure Oxford is for you as in reality it will probably be intense.

- In terms of below average GCSE's I would firstly say, don't let anyone on the TSR tell you that you are ultimately not good enough as it can be quite daunting when you see people on here with 200+ A*s. They may not be the highest but that doesn't mean it's all over. Secondly, I would really try and nail your AS's to get solid predicted grades/ nail any entry tests/ personal statement to really let your passion for history shine through (although try not to use the word passionate :P) and to solidify your chances as unfortunately some may have higher GCSE grades.

Finally I think the best piece of advice I can give is to try not to see Oxford as the be all and end all (although still be really passionate) I know this sounds rich coming from me but trust me, just because you don't get in (although I'm sure you would) doesn't mean you are stupid/ going to fail in life. It's the students that make the uni, not the other way round and I truly believe that a motivated and enthusiastic student would prosper wherever they went (wow, this is getting deep :P)

I hope this helped and feel free to ask any more questions about applying/ interview etc. Good luck :smile:

Reply 27

Parrotperson

Original post by EvasiveRose

Thank you, I'll try not to :P That's good, I guess I'm just over-thinking it :/

Cool, what's it like there? Would you mind if I asked which subject you were studying?

That doesn't sound too bad, I suppose my anxious mind just immediately associates Oxford with ten essays a week or something horrendous like that :P I feel I can organise my time ok, so hopefully it should be fine :smile:

I think I'll probably get a mortar board as that what I see most people wearing/ talking about. I'll probably wait until freshers to pick it up - one less thing to worry about right now I guess :smile:

Thank you so much for your help :smile:

This may sound like a silly question but, how much stuff did you take with you e.g. bags/ boxes etc as I know they said pack light but even when I do this it always seems like I have packed everything and the kitchen sink :/

Reply 28

mishieru07

Original post by Parrotperson

I'm probably going to go for something like that and I'll make sure to check the difference :smile:

I guess for formals you can be a bit more creative which is nice to hear.

For the sub fusc, I known you have to fill in a form to order it however, do you receive the Commoners gown etc when you arrive in Oxford or do you pick it up before you go? Also, do undergraduates need to buy the mortar board or soft cap?

That's good, smart skirt/ pants it is :smile:

Yep - as long as you look smart enough, anything goes for formals! It's really more about the level of formality than what one wears in my opinion.

I don't actually know anyone who bought the soft cap - people almost always get the mortarboard, and I would agree with @brendan. that it comes in handy for carrying smaller items to exams haha.

As for gowns, you should be able to pick yours up in Oxford - just pop down to the store which you ordered from. Popular choices are Walters and Shepherd and Woodward - Ede and Ravenscroft is supposed to be nicer but also more expensive.

Also, note that if you do well in your studies, you can get promoted to Scholar/ Exhibitioner, which would entitle you to wear a scholar's gown. It looks much more Harry Potter-ish, and is also great for covering slightly more sloppy clothing :P

Reply 29

mishieru07

Original post by Parrotperson

I'm probably going to go for something like that and I'll make sure to check the difference :smile:

Yep - as long as you look smart enough, anything goes for formals! It's really more about the level of formality than what one wears in my opinion.

I don't actually know anyone who bought the soft cap - people almost always get the mortarboard, and I would agree with @brendan. that it comes in handy for carrying smaller items to exams haha.

As for gowns, you should be able to pick yours up in Oxford - just pop down to the stores. Popular choices are Walters and Shepherd and Woodward - Ede and Ravenscroft is supposed to be nicer but also more expensive.

Also, note that if you do well in your studies, you can get promoted to Scholar/ Exhibitioner, which would entitle you to wear a scholar's gown. It looks much more Harry Potter-ish, and is also great for covering slightly more sloppy clothing :P

Reply 30

MarkovBrain

Original post by Parrotperson

I'm probably going to go for something like that and I'll make sure to check the difference :smile:

The commoner's gown should be part of the subfusc set that you order through the form given to you by your college, which should be kept ready for you when you arrive. You can check with college if the form isn't clear. In case the gown isn't included you will still have time to buy it from the shops selling subfusc in Oxford :smile:

The mortarboard and the soft cap are both allowed, but I believe the mortarboard is far more common (regardless of gender) so I suggest choosing that on the form if you're okay with it. (I don't actually know anyone who used the soft cap!)