Chuhan Zhang studied A-levels at Kings before progressing to the University of Oxford to study Engineering. Read her story.
We met up with her during her first year to find out about university life so far, and her time spent at Kings.
Hi Chuhan. What college are you studying at, and what degree course?
I’m studying at Exeter College, a four-year Engineering course – three years for the bachelor's degree and one year for the master's.
Did you always know you wanted to go to Oxford university?
Yes, always!
Is university what you expected?
Yes, it’s really good. It’s a really special experience to study at a university like this. Both the academic and the extracurricular activities are really good.
“Kings teachers are very supportive, the teachers are great and your classmates support you. You always have someone to talk to and it made me feel at home.”
What have you enjoyed most so far?
I think the tutorial system. In other universities you don’t have the chance to meet the tutor one-to-one, or one-to-two, and to ask all the questions you want to ask. It’s really special.
Are there other international students in the college?
Yes, many. I have made friends with international and UK friends. In freshers’ week we get the chance to meet and make friends with all the other people in the college.
Does Oxford feel different now that you are at university?
I think I’m already used to life in Oxford, at least I won’t get lost! I know where to go for everything. The academic life is much more different though, it’s much more intensive, and the people around you are different.
How many hours do you have a week?
We have 11 hours of lectures, 5 hours for lab, and the rest is for self-study.
How would you describe your experience at Kings?
Kings teachers are very supportive, the teachers are great and your classmates support you. You always have someone to talk to and it made me feel at home.
Do you have any advice for new students at Kings?
I’d like to say, just enjoy your time at Kings because it’s quite relaxing compared to university life! Try to learn more than just what’s in your course, because we have a lot of free time to do, for example, more reading, or extra-curricular activities.
Is there one memory which stands out from your time at Kings?
Yes, the May Ball in the first year. We dressed up and we don’t have anything like this in China. It was great to experience this.
