Malala Yousafzai Reflects On Her Life At Oxford

As Malala Yousafzai begins her second year at university, she reflects on her life at Oxford and why every girl deserves the same chance.

With my subfusc academic dress ready, prereading completed and new walking boots waiting in my wardrobe, I started my first week at Oxford’s Lady Margaret Hall in October 2017. University life is a big change for any student and I was no exception. None of the food in the dining hall could compare with my mum’s chicken and rice, and in the beginning I missed my parents, and sometimes my little brothers, too. They often complain that I don’t miss them as much as they miss me—which is probably true. But that is because life at Oxford is busy.

I had long lists of books to read and many essays to write to keep up with my Philosophy, Politics and Economics course. Along with studies, you also want to socialise—to hear speakers, go to balls, cheer at sporting events. The hardest part for me is managing my time, as, on top of my studies and balancing work with Malala Fund, I want to take advantage of everything university has to offer. I joined the cricket club, Oxford Union and the Oxford Pakistan Society. I attended lectures and film screenings and became a tour guide to encourage younger students, especially those from under-represented groups, to apply to Lady Margaret Hall. I made wonderful new friends, and I had too many overscheduled days.

In the first year, I would find myself running between classes, study groups, cricket matches and meetings with extracurricular groups. I would go to a friend’s room or they would come to mine to chat after dinner; when I would look at the clock again, it would be three in the morning! A few—well, many times—I started an essay at 11pm the night before it was due. I overwhelmed myself with the possibilities of university life. And I’m grateful for that. I know how lucky I am to have access to an incredible education, lectures, art, sport and new perspectives.