Oliver Bradfield
What did you enjoy most about your degree programme?
Having my worldview broadened radically from the fairly narrow conception of both history and politics that I started the course with. Being able to engage with texts and fellow students both critically and in good faith has been invaluable. The friends I have made also has to be a highlight.
Some of the students we are profiling have been awarded a departmental prize or award in recognition of their exceptional achievements. If this applies to you, please can you tell us about this and what it means to you?
I’ve been awarded the History and Politics (Combined Honours) Prize, as well as jointly awarded the History Dissertation Prize (Penryn). I was a bit blindsided by winning these, spending the vast majority of my university life as borderline 2:1/1st student. On some level I still suspect this is all a big ruse and someone’s going to come out and shout “haha, we pranked you.” I’m deeply humbled by receiving these awards and extremely grateful to the lecturers and friends that helped me develop as a student.
Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?
Les Republicains, Liberal Democrats, Poker, Kernow Ultimate.
What was the highlight of your time at Exeter?
Until March, all of third year. I made new friends and became much closer to the friends I did have. I started playing ultimate frisbee which is an extremely fun and wholesome. I also feel like I developed the most academically this year, and really enjoyed all of the modules that I did, especially the New York field trip.
What will you miss the most about University?
The social life. Being in such a small university community and town meant knowing there was always someone around you could chat to or hang out with. Being proximate to so many wonderful and friendly people is something I will miss.
What advice would you give to current and future students? (If you are an international student what would you like to tell future students from back home who might be thinking about applying to study in Exeter?)
People can over-hype university as being the ‘time of your life’. Don’t worry too much about that and don’t stress if you’re not having a great time. Do take advantage of as much as you can of what’s available though – and don’t just join societies, get stuck in!
What are your plans now that you have graduated?
A year out, and then a masters at York to study Political Theory.
