When it comes to Trinity term, an air of positivity seems to embrace Oxford students. Perhaps this is the inevitable effect of the sun, which, given the dire state of the British weather, is enough to boost anyone’s mood. Yet there’s nothing quite like seeing those spiralling towers placed against a bright blue sky or watching people stroll down Cornmarket in shades, shorts and not much else. Or perhaps the optimism lies in the fact that one has (almost) made it through the academic year and has a 10+ week vacation to look forward to.
Of course, if you are a finalist, Trinity term is probably less up-beat. Sadly, for nearly all subjects the exams are placed just at that time of the year where the last place you want to be is sat inside revising. (Note the contrast to winter, where the college library becomes a strange and unexpected haven from the bitter outdoors).
However, if you’re not a finalist, Trinity term is definitely one of the best. My choice to do an obscure English course actually means that – unlike most other second year English students – I have some lovely coursework on the horizon this term. But is the beck and call of linguistic hermeneutics going to stop me making the most of the summer term? Hell no! I’ve already started thinking about what lies ahead – here are just some of the things to watch out for this Trinity.
- PCBC Pimms Party. 25th April. Eagerly anticipated and with a Facebook attendance of 1.3K, this lazy afternoon on Pembroke Quad is the perfect way to start off summer.
- May Day 30th April. If you’re hardcore, this tradition requires you to go out clubbing till the early hours so you can be met by the sweet sound of Magdalen choir singing at 6am. Bleary eyed with a banging headache, what better way to start the month? This is one tradition not to be missed.
- Punting Yep, it’s that time of the year again. Grab a boat, some friends and sip champagne (or the student equivalent) while you lull down the river Cherwell.
- Summer Balls After the much–talked about Christ Church and Worcester balls of trinity last year, the balls this term have much to live up to. May 9th seems to be a popular date, with Hilda’s, Hugh’s and Keble all occurring on the same night. But the big one to look out for is the Oriel Commemoration Ball, happening on the 26th of June.
- The Open Air cinema The Open air cinema is coming to cities across the UK, from Shoreditch to Reading – and Oxford. What better way to spend your balmy evenings than watching films under the stars? Pre-register now to hear about what’s on and for ticket releases.
- Cult screens If the Open Air isn’t enough for you, Cult Screens will also be showcasing their share of films from May to September. Bean bag and deckchair seating promise to make this one memorable experience.
- Jericho Street fair June 13th. This street fair set in the heart of Jericho will include music, craft stalls, Irish dancing, Sumo wrestling, morris men, fun events and pints of ale – what more could you want!
- Jazz on college lawns Trinity College did this last year and Hertford is the first college to set a date – the 8th of May. The college jazz band will be playing to celebrate the launch of Hertford’s first ever Arts Festival! Expect good music, burgers and Pimms.
- Student Productions OUDS have yet to release their term card but after the rage of Othello last year there’s no doubt we can expect some fantastic productions this Trinity – one of the first being Dr Jekyll and Hyde in 2nd week.
- Trashing And one for all those taking exams to look forward to – trashing: the perfect way to celebrate the end of finals with confetti, prosecco and all things sticky.
