Life as a New College UTS scholar
The UTS New College scholarship is a research scholarship for students applying from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). Each year, New College awards one research student with this scholarship, providing them with up to £16,500 per annum. Our 2023 scholar is Alli Devlin, DPhil candidate in Engineering Science, whose thesis is titled "The New Steel Map: Reconfiguring Supply Chains Around Renewable Resources". Alli has told us about life in New College as well as what the UTS New College scholarship has done for her.
How did you find out about the UTS New College Scholarship?
I found out about the scholarship through Dr Tamson Pietsch at UTS who helped me apply for other scholarships (including the John Monash Scholarship, which I was also awarded).
How has the UTS New College Scholarship helped you?
Although the John Monash Scholarship has been my principal funding source, the additional funds from the UTS New College scholarship allowed me to live without financial stress whilst completing my DPhil.
Are you enjoying your time at New College?
Immensely! Great community, incredible grounds. New College was particularly integral to my first year in Oxford when I was living in postgrad accommodation. The welcome during fresher’s fortnight was especially outstanding - I immediately felt like I was part of Oxford.
Where is your favourite place to go in New College?
New College tower – the spiralling staircase and views onto the spires of Oxford is awe-inspiring.
How have you found life in the UK vs Australia?
Some things took a while to get used to, especially the cold and Vitamin D deficiency (although vitamin tablets are now part of my morning routine). But, in all seriousness, the UK has a lot to offer in its educational institutions, history, and access to Europe. The UK itself has some of the most precious landscapes – seeing the puffins and hiking Mt. Snowdon in Wales have been some of my adventure highlights.
Do you have any top tips for UTS New College scholars arriving in Oxford?
Embrace new opportunities and new relationships - I cherish the friendships I have made here so deeply. Join the Oxford University Australian Rules Football Club (OUARFC) (or another sports club/society) - some of my most fond memories are in footy boots. More practically, always pack a raincoat because you never know when it is going to rain.
The Bodleian Libraries or the UTS Library?
Bod for sure!
The Radcliffe Camera or Sydney Opera House?
Each serve very different functions - Sydney Opera House is most definitely more spectacular, but the Rad Cam I could study in for days on end.
Christmas in the UK or Christmas in Australia?
I have never actually spent a Christmas here as my partner’s family lives in Spain, so we generally head there over the break. However, I don’t think I will receive any presents from Santa Claus or the Three Wise Men if I answer this question.
Oxford coffee or Sydney coffee?
In general, Sydney coffee, but Oxford does have some gems (e.g., Common Ground or Missing Bean).
The New College Mound or the UTS Tower?
New College Mound!
