Are you thinking about applying to St Clare’s?
You’re in the right place. We have gathered insights from St Clare’s alumni to help you feel more confident in your decision. We asked several alumni to share their experiences at the college and how their time here shaped their lives.
In the previous article, we explored Ally’s story. Today, we introduce you to our next alumnus: Roderick Toye from Belgium, a 2025 graduate of the University Foundation Programme and now a Business Management student at HoGent University of Applied Sciences in Gent, Belgium.
Roderick Toye
How did you hear about St Clare’s and why did you decide to study here?
I heard about St Clare’s through my niece, who had studied there as well. She told me about her great experience and it made me curious to try it myself. I wanted to improve my English and gain some extra maturity before starting university.
Why did you decide to do this programme?
I mainly did the programme to prepare for university. I wanted to strengthen my academic English and get used to studying in an international environment before continuing my studies in Belgium.
Which academic subjects did you study, and which did you find most impactful?
I studied Business, Economics, Maths, and English. The most impactful subject for me was Business, it gave me a clear idea of what I wanted to study later and helped me understand real-world applications of what we learned in class.
How did the programme help improve your English and academic skills?
I improved my English a lot, especially in writing and speaking. The teachers always pushed us to express ourselves clearly and think critically. I also learned how to write essays and structure arguments in English, which gave me a strong base for university.
University Foundation Programme Graduation Day – June 2025
How did this programme prepare you for university studies or further education?
The programme gave me a great starting point, not only in academics but also in independence and responsibility. I built a strong foundation in English and academic skills, which made studying at university much easier. Now, I don’t even need to take English courses anymore because of what I learned at St Clare’s.
Did the programme influence your career goals or open up new job opportunities?
Yes, it confirmed that I wanted to study Business Management. It also made me more confident working in international and multicultural environments, which I think will help me a lot in my future career.
Can you share an example of how the skills you gained have been useful in your studies or work?
In my current studies at HoGent, we often have to present and write reports. Thanks to St Clare’s, I already knew how to organise my ideas and communicate them clearly, both in writing and speaking. Those skills really make a difference.
How did your time in Oxford change your perspective on learning, culture, or life in general?
Living and studying in Oxford made me more independent and open-minded. I met people from all over the world and learned a lot about different cultures. It showed me how valuable it is to step outside your comfort zone.
University Foundation Programme Graduation Day – June 2025
What advice would you give to future students considering this programme?
Go for it, it’s a unique experience that helps you grow in every way. Be open, try new things, and take every opportunity to learn and connect with others. You’ll come out more confident, mature, and prepared for whatever comes next.
This is Roderik’s experience and yours could be next.
At St Clare’s, you have the opportunity to strengthen your skills, grow academically and develop independence. In the coming weeks, we’ll share the stories of other students from other courses at the International College at St Clare’s. Stay tuned!
Written by Loredana – University Foundation Programme 2026