Kyla Murray is a third-year Biochemistry student from Lancashire – one of the College’s link regions for access and outreach in the North West. We asked her about her involvement with the College’s North West Science Residential week for prospective applicants.
What made you apply for the North West Science Residential Week?
I was in school when I saw an email about the Queen’s residential. I thought, why not apply? I was so surprised to get a place!
What was it like?
The 2021 residential was online, but really well run. The timetable was packed: subject taster sessions with Oxford tutors, study skill workshops, and evening socials with Queen’s students. It was my first real interaction with Oxford, and it felt so welcoming. It made such an impression that when I was accepted to Queen’s, I became a student outreach ambassador myself – I’ve now been one for over two years!
What was your favourite part of the residential?
The 1-2-1 tutorial with a Queen’s tutor on the final day – it challenged how I thought about a familiar topic in a completely new way. I’d never done anything like it before.
What impact did the residential have?
What stood out most was the mindset shift: at school, when we asked questions beyond the textbook, we were often told “Don’t worry, it’s not on the spec.” But the tutors encouraged curiosity for its own sake – it made learning exciting.
The tutors encouraged curiosity for its own sake – it made learning exciting.
It also helped me be more confident going into university interviews – the tutorial-style learning was great preparation. It helped shape my personal statement too.
You’re now a student ambassador. Why do you think outreach work is important, especially for schools in the North West?
A lot of schools from the North West visit Queen’s and, as a student ambassador, I often give them tours around the College. When I introduce myself as coming from Lancashire, both pupils and school staff often have a lot of questions. There’s still a perception that Oxford is something unattainable when it’s a realistic goal for so many students. Outreach events like the Science Residential are so important as it lets young people understand that Oxford might be a place for them.
Queen’s partners with the Max Planck Institute in Germany to offer internships to undergraduates studying STEM subjects. You recently took part – what was it like?
It was a great experience. I spent seven weeks shadowing a PhD student, with Queen’s covering my flights and living costs. The experience opened my eyes to research and made me consider postgraduate study – something I hadn’t thought about before.
A lot of internships and summer schemes are unpaid – which instantly makes them impossible for so many people. I work at a café during the summer vacation, so being able to leave that and live in Germany for seven weeks was something I just couldn’t do without the financial support from Queen’s.
What is your favourite spot in College?
The Nun’s Garden in summer. I sometimes sit out in a deckchair and do my work!
