Conventions for Personal Statement Name Dropping in the UK?

[Deliberate]

I'm writing up my last personal statement for the Oxford B.Phil program and was curious if there were conventions against dropping names for people you'd be interested in working with down the line in a D.Phil.

 

I remember reading somewhere a while ago that it was harder in the U.K. to meet professors you're interested in working with (you typically have to be introduced?) but this could be total bullshit and/or a fabricated memory so I wanted to make sure (I've never actually been to the U.K.).  The last thing I want to do though is piss off someone by dropping a name in a way that seems crude in the U.K. albeit more normal in the U.S.A.

[avicennalocke]

As an Oxfard undergrad have to completely disagree! Very easy to meet professors - given the tutorial system! I think dropping in names show's your research is there and if you're dropping in names for a phd professor then even better as it shows dedication / research! 

 

Happy to answer other questions you might have!