Trudy Ross (2019, English), Women*’s Rep

Trudy Ross, Women*’s Rep, is in her third year studying English at Univ. In this profile, she discusses Univ’s new feminist society, getting involved in student journalism, and pints. 

How did you come to Univ? 
In an embarrassing lapse of judgment, I actually applied to the Queen’s College! Fortunately, however, the odds were in my favour and my second interview over the road went far better. I liked Queen’s because it was central and pretty, but Univ is just as central and arguably even prettier.

How have you changed since walking through Univ’s doors for the first time?
My friends from home tell me my accent sounds a bit more English and I might’ve picked up some London slang but other than that I think the changes have been good ones. I’ve gained a huge amount of confidence and independence and come across lots and lots of interesting people and ideas.

Has anything about your course/Oxford University experience/Univ surprised you?
People like to go on about how Oxford is all about very intense studying and no fun, so I was surprised to find out you can actually have a really good time socialising and doing things outside of your degree – it’s not all work, work, work. Even during a global pandemic, I’ve still had a great time throughout my university experience.

What would you like freshers to know about you as Women*’s rep? Is there anything you have planned that you’re particularly excited about?
As Women*’s rep, it basically my job to represent people who identify as women, as well as non-binary individuals, and try to ensure their needs are met and they have access to a welcoming community. You can message me if you need to be reimbursed for any sanitary or contraceptive products, and there is always a stock of pads and tampons in the Queen’s loo (main quad, left of the Hall). We have a Facebook group for women and non-binary individuals at Univ where you can post anything you like, from organising a group to attend a protest, or borrowing a spare pair of tights.

Univ’s new feminist society, The 1979 Society, is also in running in full force this Michaelmas! We have club nights, speaker events and lots more planned, so make sure you sign up to join us.

What do you do outside your studies?
Last year I was pretty invested in the student journalism scene, editing Cherwell, Oxford’s student newspaper, as well as Cuntry Living, a feminist magazine run by students based in Oxford. This was an amazing way to meet new people and learn really valuable life skills, and I’d recommend getting involved to anyone with an interest in journalism of any kind. That being said, I’m not mad about becoming an irrelevant third year now and taking a step back from student journo politics. Hopefully, I might manage to make it to the hallowed halls of Bridge and Bully once more, or enjoy an overpriced drink at Turf.

Do you have any advice for incoming freshers or prospective students?
I would probably tell them to say yes to everything you can and try everything once. There are so many interesting opportunities, and you’ll definitely regret not getting involved with societies or social events, even if they don’t necessarily turn out to be your thing. Also, sort out a student bank account with a nice big overdraft because Freshers in a city where a £5 pint is actually considered cheap can turn out to cost a lot.

Describe Univ in three words.
Live, Laugh, Love xoxoxo

Published: 1 November 2021

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