A Year in the MCR

STÉPHANIE GERRITSEN

Last year was an extraordinary year, a year like no other, and we are only now starting to realise that we have had a one-of-akind Oxford experience.

Michaelmas 2020 started with lots of hope. Everyone hoped the academic year would slowly change into a normal one. Thankfully, the MCR was made up of enthusiastic students who were determined to make the best out of the current situation. The MCR committee looked at the possibilities instead of the problems when faced with organising another year of virtual or socially-distanced activities. We hosted several online events and we organised a weekly walking scheme that allowed us to meet new people and get out into the fresh air for much-needed walks during the lockdown.

Alas! Hilary Term was more complicated as Covid cases rose and the College was forced to close. We were studying from home, wherever home was. During weekly virtual MCR formal halls, we gave online Google Maps tours of the cities where we lived or grew up, and on one special occasion even (now former) Principal Rob Ellis virtually showed us around Cardiff. During these dinners, we also explained the local foods that we were eating, though time differences meant that some of us were actually on breakfast-time!

When Trinity Term arrived, those of us who were able to move back to Oxford were more than ready to take on the final term of the year. The MCR committee re-organised most of the activities that were previously cancelled, which resulted in a marathon of essential Oxford things one should do while an Oxford student. We went punting, drank Pimm’s, organised a BBQ, made good on missed pub nights, visited other colleges, ate brunch, held pre-drinks before formal hall, and had lots of in-person fun.

During the final weeks of Trinity 2021, we also took a trip to Blenheim Palace, and surrounded by that palatial grandeur we realised that the interior design of our beloved MCR was seriously lacking – in addition to being rather dark because of its basement location, the purple walls weren’t helping. Redecorating the MCR had been an agenda point for over a year at MCR committee meetings, but we never actually

Stéphanie Gerritsen

was Vice-President of the Middle Common Room (2020-2021) and a graduate student reading for the MSt in Modern Languages (2020). started. But inspired by Blenheim, the first strokes of fresh paint were on the walls. Naturally, the project took a little longer than expected; but, after several adventures to B&Q and Oxfam, the MCR now has wainscoting, decorative marble elements, a fireplace, and a far more pleasant and light colour scheme.

Although the 2020-2021 academic year had its ups and downs, we certainly have made the most of it. It really felt like the right group of people came together at the right time, allowing us to turn this academic year into the best possible one considering the circumstances. I have personally had the best year at university, and I truly hope my peers did too.