Student profile

Name: Dagmara
Subject: Modern languages
Hometown and region: Croydon, London
Qualifications before university (A Levels, IB or equivalent): A* English Literature, A* French, A* Chemistry, A* Polish

When I’m not working, I enjoy…

Anything that keeps me busy! I love to go for walks around Oxford, row with our College Boat Club, and get involved in all  of the sorts of extracurricular BNC has to offer.

What’s the best part of studying at Brasenose?

I think that studying at Brasenose is wonderful because of how supportive and encouraging the tutors are. The tutors are always there to keep you busy with reading lists that — at least for FHS — are geared to authors or genres that you enjoy (of course within the scope of the Papers). Then, the real joy comes out during the tutorial discussions with your tutor or tute partners. It goes without saying, however, that the people at Brasenose (College Staff and Students) make university life incredible, and at the risk of sounding ‘cheesy’, I really have made friends for life!! (Also the Radcam views!!)

Favourite spot in college?

This is very hard to choose, but I would say the Hall is my favourite spot in College. I remember sitting on one of the Hall benches before matriculating and thinking what the next few years would hold. Indeed, the Hall has held many special memories after that, including the subject dinner, formal hall meals, post-rowing session crew breakfasts and rowing event dinners, weekend brunches, Brasenose Ball dinner set up, Halfway Hall and so many more! I also love the fact that our brazen knocker is there behind High Table!

What’s your favourite aspect of your course?

Whilst studying La Châtelaine de Vergi during Prelims, I realised that I was intrigued by literature from the Medieval period. What I love about French Sole is that I was able explore this curiosity at length because you can choose most of the papers you sit for Finals. The range that has come with that spans translation, literature across the period, and a few prescribed texts too! All in all, there is a lot of agency, but also guidance in this course.

What would you tell someone thinking about applying?

Go for it, believe in yourself, and always keep your willingness to learn!

A quality you think is important for someone looking to study at Oxford?

I truly believe that determination is very important. It’s vital to have the drive to push yourself through challenges (academic or personal!) and to foster a genuine keenness to learn and improve! I also believe that this is the quality that extends beyond university and one that allows you to handle academia, free time, and future plans at once.