Beba Cibralic ’16 reflects on her time abroad in Oxford, including the tutorial system, the drawbacks of cooking for yourself, and Blackwell’s Bookshop.
What drew you to Oxford and Mansfield College?
After deciding that I wanted to pursue graduate study in philosophy, I realized that the best place for me to study would be at an institution like Oxford. The history, the learning environment, and the resources—not many universities can compare to Oxford. I chose Mansfield College specifically because it is known for its inclusiveness and egalitarianism. In that respect, Mansfield resembles Wellesley.
What are you studying? How is your experience different from Wellesley?
This term I am taking ethics and the politics of the Middle East. The most striking difference between Wellesley and Oxford is the tutorial system. Each week, I meet with my tutor to discuss the paper I have written for the tutorial. Although I have a prescribed reading list, tutorials are very much student-driven. There is a serious expectation that the student will come to tutorials not only having read the material, but having formed well-developed opinions, which must be defended over the course of the tutorial. Tutorials are intense and somewhat scary at first, but incredibly rewarding.
Where are you living?
I am housed in an apartment complex for Oxford students and visiting students. I love having my own room, being right in the heart of Oxford, and feeling like I’m part of the broader community. Being independent has its drawbacks, though—while I like to think that I’m an excellent cook, the truth is that I live off quinoa, red beans, and Greek yogurt. I often miss the Lulu!
What’s your favorite part of the daily routine?
After I’m finished with lectures and tutorials, I like to go to Blackwell’s Bookshop, where I spend some time either curled up reading a book that’s hard to find at the library (like Vivienne Westwood’s new biography) or catching up with a friend in the café upstairs.
