Ellen Tims

Ellen was awarded the South Square Scholarship in 2018

Name: Ellen Tims
College: St. John’s 
Scholarship: South Square Chambers Scholarship 
 
I’m Ellen Tims, and I’m studying for the BCL having done my undergraduate here at Oxford in Law with German Law. I take Conflict of Laws, Competition, Civil Procedure, and Jurisprudence. 
 
What do you enjoy most about studying law in Oxford? 
 
I think the best thing about studying at Oxford is the truly first-rate teaching that we receive. Without exception, my tutors are the figures driving discussion, challenge and reform in the areas I am studying. It’s quite an amazing thing to sit infront of an academic who has written seminal works in a particular field and have them listen to and respect your response to that. 
 
What do you find most challenging about your programme?
 
There’s a lot of work! But I think that’s understandable. It’s sometimes hard to balance all of the great non-academic things Oxford has to offer with keeping up with work as well. 
 
What do you find most rewarding about your programme?
 
I enjoy making my own contributions, particularly writing essays, but also raising points of discussion or confusion in seminars where possible. It’s very rewarding I think where another student or a tutor engages with your point of view. 
 
What advice would you give to a new or prospective student?
 
I think just try to enjoy the year as much as possible! At least, that’s the attitude I’m trying to take.