What made you want to go to Oxbridge? 

I wanted to give it a go, see if I could get in.It was never something I even allowed myself to dream about before. My teachers pushing me was the main reason I applied in the first place.

Did you know anybody at Oxbridge before you went?

No 

What was your first impression?

I was originally placed in St Anne’s for interviews and was weirded out by how old everything was and immediately wanted to go home, it was breathtaking beautiful but so intimidating all at once. 

What has surprised you the most? Were there any culture shocks?

I’m surprised at how well I’ve fit in with the people within my college, especially white people. Coming from East London I’m used to be being surrounded by people of South Asian descent so Oxford was a massive culture shock for me. 

What has been your biggest struggle?

 Finding boundaries with my living situation and living with others who aren’t your family members was hard to get used to at first. I used to go home every weekend in the first term but now I have settled much more well.

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Related

Meet the Women Studying at Oxbridge: Lamis Hamdi 

Meet the Women Studying at Oxbridge: Muntaha Nabi

To the Non-White Potential Oxbridge Applicants

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What have you most enjoyed?

Being involved with the Islamic Society, it has literally made my university experience and I’m so thankful for the amazing community support and love I have received.

Do you think diversity is an issue, and is the university is doing enough to tackle it?

It is an issue within Oxford especially amongst the tutors and the lack of BME tutors, I do however think the university is helping through various access programmes to tackle its diversity issues.

What do you want to do after your degree?

Work either with Channel 4 or the BBC in their documentary departments.

Favourite place on campus and why?

St Hilda’s JCR, best place to socialise with everyone in college.

 What would you to say to other Muslim women thinking to apply?

Be brave. Take the leap into Oxford, it will make or break you as a person but it’s a opportunity I would encourage any one of my muslim sisters to take. It is only when we put ourselves in places like Oxford can we begin to make our mark in the world and instigate changes.