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@cambridge-student
Untitled by Tom Cadrin Please do not remove credit to the original artist.Â
Untitled by Laura Yan
Cambridge University Botanic Garden by Bobrad
Iâm back bitches
Well Iâm pleased to say that Iâm back! Second year baby! Week 2 of Cambridge Michaelmas term is nearly over and it has been more crazy than ever. These week are admin nightmares trying to organise supervisions, classes and lectures and dealing with any clashes. Studying a subject where you are between two different departments makes this all the more difficult as there sometimes appears to be little to no  communication between the two! Suddenly my weeks are full, and Iâm living between my official calendar in my phone and my attempt at being hyper organised with my paper diary (the result is slightly hectic but it works for me). I feel like at the moment Iâm running between the library, classes and rehearsals, with little time for myself until it gets to the late evening.
But enough of the bitching about the organisation and the work, I am absolutely delighted to be back. Cambridge in the autumn is just gorgeous (not today as the weather has set in as it is rainy and cold), but the last few days have been crisp sunny days, with all the leaves around me a beautiful golden colour as Iâm wrapped up in my cosy scarves and knitwear. Kings Chapel stands so iconic on my walk to lectures and it always looks so stunning in an autumnal light. Its great to be back with my friends, enjoying the cultural array that Cambridge has on offer:- the theatre, the cinemas, the music world is unbelievable (where else do you get three of the best choirs in the world on one street?) and the museums are fascinating. Whilst Iâm here, it is this side of Cambridge life that keeps me going. Whilst Iâm doing that I often feel guilty that Iâm not in the library or learning vocabulary or doing a translation, but the reality is that this sort of stuff is food for the soul. So my plan for the rest of the year is to ensure that I make time for me, and my friends. To make the most of what is on offer in this crazy, weird and wonderful place. And mostly, to just have fun, as I am very aware that my time here is so limited and I want to take away the fondest memories I can. This year I WILL achieve a âhealthyâ work-life balance, and by posting this on the internet, I hope that I can continue to motivate myself even when Week 5 Blues hit well and truly.
Hope you have all had amazing summers and are also feeling positive about being âback to schoolâ and autumnal.
As always, if anyone has any questions about Cambridge life then please let me know!
xx
This article is really fantastic and puts all of what I'm trying to say on this blog in a really great and accessible way (far better than I have). We are NORMAL... Please media stop acting like we're not
Summer as a Cambridge Student
So I finished university for summer on the 1st June, and I donât need to be back at university until the 3rd October; a 4 month break in total. Whilst this sounds like a ridiculously long time, I have certainly managed to fill up my time. I have been travelling for 5 weeks and in 2 weeks time I will be in the US on a music tour for 3 weeks. I know, its mental and Iâm still trying to come to terms with it myself.
Advice about summer plans
Cambridge is ridiculously competitive â stupidly so. Even to the point where it sometimes feels like people are competing with summer plans. I know very few people who had no plans for summer. The plans varied from âoh Iâm travelling to Africa for the whole summer on Daddyâs  money to help orphans whilst staying  in 5 star hotels and living the high lifeâ to âIâm working the whole summer in the City to help me get my foot in the door of investment bankingâ. To me, my summer plans were on a  crazy level that I have never before experienced. This was because of my ânew Cambridge lifeâ; going on language courses (funded by my faculty- thanks guys xoxo) to getting to sing abroad with my choir, Cam life has opened up a whole new host of opportunities. But whilst Iâm home for a couple of weeks, Iâve been thinking (dangerous I know) and Iâve come to the conclusion that summer really shouldnât be about improving your CV; it should really be about having fun. I can say that my summer so far has been great. Regardless of what your summer plans are, it is important to remember to do something that will make you happy. In fact, this should be something to think about every single day. So many people embark on university courses just to make themselves tonnes of money or to get themselves good contacts in the business world by schmoozing people at âbusiness lunchesâ or however these fancy-events- that- I- donât-attend are called. It would be so much better if people just did things that made them happy.
As a languages student, I found the prospect of the summer quite daunting, as one of the frustrating things about being a Modern Langauges student is that you can utilise the holiday time as much or as little as you would like to help you get ahead (or in my case, not). As we said farewell to each other in the middle of June, all around me people were headed all over Europe to pursue jobs, internships or language schools in countries that would help develop their language for their course at university. I completely understand why they did this, but for many of them I was doubtful as to whether spending 3 months in a cramped office in Berlin would really make them happy. I quickly came to realise however that you canât constantly please other people, and there is no point trying to join the whole LOOK HOW AMAZING MY SUMMER HAS BEEN LOOK AT MY AMAZING LIFE IâM RETURNING TO UNI AN ENRICHED PERSON AS I HAVE FOUND MYSELF ON A TIBETAN MOUNTAIN WITH MONKS/GOT MYSELF A JOB LINED UP ON WALL STREET FOR WHEN I GRADUATE. Thereâs no point joining in with these unwritten competition that Cambridge students seem to inherently create. Make your own path and be proud of it. Whilst I have had an amazing summer travelling (doing music extra curricular gives you some of the most amazing travel opportunities), it is now so enjoyable to come home and relax. Nothing makes me happier than catching up with old friends, wearing my trackie bottoms and drinking tea in front of the telly all day.
So, in short, thereâs absolutely nothing wrong with having no summer plans. In fact, hats off to those of us who donât. Iâve got the rest of my life to work in an office, so I might as well make the most of my final remaining endless pyjama days until retirement (so depressing soz). Iâve realised over the past year that some people will try and turn everything into a competition, and whilst that isnât really ok, its so much easier to just not to rise to it. Hereâs to lazy days forever. Viva la âold schoolâ summer!
Hope all your summers are going well and you are having fun xxxx
Applying to Oxbridge?????
Now I can't really speak for Oxford, but something I happen to know a lot about is the Cambridge application system. It is something that appears to baffle so many people, and puts off so many because they think they wouldn't be right for it. But as with many of my other posts, I would like to use this opportunity to help dispel rumours and get to the bottom of the application process. I hope that this might be able to help some of you who would maybe consider applying here in the future. Step 1: Choosing a course Choosing your course is the most important partt of the Cambridge application process. This is because this is the reason you are here- to study a degree! Getting your course right is so important because it can make or break whether you enjoy your time in Cambridge. Have a browse of the Cambridge courses here: . I know it sounds stupid but make sure you are aware of what the course you would like to apply for requires (in terms of grades and achievements). Think about things you like, things you're good at etc. Also, Cambridge are very good at running course taster days- different colleges are assigned different areas to work in access in sixth forms and schools so it would be worth investigating any programmes being offered in your area. I personally went on a History taster day at Pembroke College. It was the first time I had ever been to Cambridge and I hated it. Or rather, I loved the place, hated the material. Everyone there knew so much more than me and I just wasn't as passionate as they were about the subject. I came home feeling very unhappy and unsure whether to even apply to Cambridge. My parents helped me understand that it wasn't the place that was the problem, it was the subject. I couldn't be any happier studying my course now, I find it the most fascinating thing in the world! Just a further note for this is that the beauty of Cambridge is the flexibility of the degree programmes. Whilst it may mean starting another year again or something along those lines, and conditional on you receiving good grades in your other courses, it is perfectly possible to change tripos! I know people who have changed from lanaguges to history, geography to music etc. Step 2: Choosing a college In Cambridge you can either submit an application directly to a college, or an open application, where you will be randomly assinged a college to apply to. Most people apply directly to a college, so it is worth looking into them!A college is not as important as your course, but it is important for your day to day life. For those of you unfamiliar with the collegiate system, see it explained here cause I feel like I will ramble on and on for ages!: The issue with colleges is that this is where there is some flexibility within the application process. If the college that you are interviewed at thinks that you are good enough but they cannot offer you a place themselves, then you can be 'pooled'. This means that your application is given to other colleges and you may be accepted by another college who may have a space for you. Therefore, you will end up attending this new college rather than the one that you originally applied for. Never fear: most people I know absolutely adore their college, and think the one that they attend is the best! The reality is is that you will enjoy wherever you go because you will always make friends with people there and there are pros and cons to each college. Things to consider when looking at colleges are things like: -Proximity to city center/ shops/ lectures -Size -Gender mix -Facillities e.g. for meals, for sports etc. Step 3: Making an application Here comes the slihtly more tricky bit. Application to UK universities is done through a system called UCAS. This involves writing a personal statement that is sent to all 5 of your university choices. Cambridge itself then asks you to fill in its own SAQ, because they require additional information such as your makrs from your examinations taken in Year 12 or equivalent, so that htey can distinguish between the people who received all As! For my course, I was also asked to submit two examples of written work to my college to prove that I could write well. Applications to Cambridge usually need to be complered by the beginning of October. Around November time is when the invite to interviews are given out, and interviews are usually performed the week after term ends in December- from around the 5th onwards. In your application, be sure to big yourself up (although don't lie). Also be careful with what you put in your personal statement- they will pick you up on things. If you haven't read a book, dont say you have. Chances are your interviewer will have read it and will know it well. They aren't professors for nothing. Step 4: The infamous interview ARGH the feelng of walking into your first Cambridge interview is like nothing else in the world. THe sudden feeling of pressure was so intense and I was so nervous, but I was quickly put at ease with my fantastic and lovely interviewers. Something to remember at interview is that they are trying to see how hard they can push you, so don't be afraid to have some silence and think about constructing a coherent answer. Be prepared to think about things from an angle you may not have ever thought about before, but most importantly, just be yourself. They aren't looking for someone that knows all the answers already- that's not the point of university. Most importantly, they are looking for someone that they would want to teach; someone enthusiastic, committed, and willing to learn. I feel like it also needs to be said that at no point was I asked a 'trick' question as is so famously rumoured to be the case. I was asked questions that pushed me, and some of my answers were weak, but the questions were never misleading or out of the ordinary. On the day of my interview I also had to sit an hour long exam (just a heads up for those of you thinking of applying) and then 2 interviews lasting around 20 minutes or so, although i can't really remember anymore. And finally, a little note of encouragement for you. No matter how badly you think your interview is going, it cannot possibly as bad as my response: when asked what kind of book "War and Peace" was, I responded with a long pause, a load of gibberish and then... "I dunno, a really big one!" ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Hope you enjoyed this post! Do let me know if there is anything else that I can shed some light on in Cambridge life. Now well into my summer holidays I am thoroughly enjoying getting some rest but starting to miss my life in Cam, so talking about it on here is a lot of fun!
some slightly rambling words from an almost-twenty-year-old (ft. a nice pic of me walking through some winding backstreets in Cambridge)
Your blog I so awesome!!! I really, really, really love it! It gives great inside in how living in Cambridge and studying at the best university world wide is!!!
Thank you so much! Iâm really enjoying sharing it and Iâm glad that people want to hear about it!
For all of you asking which Uni I go toâŠ
Which College did I go to though? ;)
Also, Iâm no longer here, I just graduated so while I DO have a Cambridge degree (the BA), I chose to leave and do my Clinical Studies in London so my MBBS will be from my new Uni.
If you apply to Medicine at Cambridge now, however, leaving after 3rd year is no longer an option and you do both your Pre-Clinical and Clinical years at Cambridge.
I see quite a lot of posts on my Dash from people aiming for Cambridge so if you have any Cambridge-specific questions, feel free to send them my way.
Also, I am living proof that you donât need to be perfect academically or personally to get into Cambridge.
Gonville and Caius college, Cambridge, England.
Take a punt âŠ.
Some of my photos from Trinity May Ball, 2015 ft the queue to get in the ball, the Wren Library, fair ground, Fuse Odg, Grandmaster Flash (these were the headliners) and some other bits and bobs from inside the ball!Â
Enjoy!
My First May Week
I know that this post is a little late in coming considering that May Week was a month ago, but I have only just left Cambridge to go home for the summer, as I was rehearsing with my choir. Therefore, whilst also being busy with a busy rehearsing schedule, I didnât really feel like I was ready to talk about the end of the year that much yet, because I hadnât left!Â
May Week was one of the best weeks of my life, as many people informed me your first May Week would be . May Week is another one of the weird Cambridge-isms that you have to get used to when going here. It is a week of parties and events that takes place after exams have finished in the middle of June (despite the name suggesting that it would be much much earlier in the year). In this week, nearly all the colleges, societies and even tutors host garden parties, June events or the world-famous May Balls. Garden parties take place during the day, with plenty of pimms and music and fun, and June events are just like May Balls but on a smaller scale. The balls on the other hand are some of the most extravagant and luxurious things ever and many last all night until 6am.Â
I only attended one college May Ball this year, and that was the world famous Trinity May Ball. Tickets cost me ÂŁ155 per person (despite what news articles will tell you that they cost ÂŁ450 for two or something crazy like that) and it was so so worth it. It was the most luxurious, Â decadent and fun night of my life. Trinity May Ball dates back from 1866 and is famed for being luxurious. The dress code is white tie (or black tie optional, as we are but mere students).
Getting ready for the ball was a lot of hassle, as my building had a powercut from about 4.30 onwards, leaving us with no power or water. This left people frantically running around to try and find showers, phones uncharged for the ball so we couldnât take many photos and my hair was half curled! I looked hilarious with a half head of curls running around college trying to find somewhere to finish the look (my college husband kindly assisted me). At 6.45 we all went and queued and we got pretty near the front, which was so exciting.Â
Once inside the ball at 9pm when the doors opened (I know what youâre thinking- thatâs a long time queuing! This isnât totally necessary , as its actually easier if you saunter in at 9.30 or so once the ball has started and you barely have to queue. This being my first year however, I really wanted to soak up every second, and I was not disappointed) I was in absolute shock. The college had been set up so beautifully, with each area decorated so lavishly. Under the Wren Library there was a champagne bar and oysters, in Nevileâs Court there was a festival-style main stage and on the south paddock there was a fairground (with dodgems etc), bars, music tents and amazing food stalls to cater for every taste. It is worth pointing out that once inside the ball, all food and drink is unlimited, and I certainly think I must have got my moneyâs worth!Â
I had two favourite parts of the ball: the jazz tent and the fireworks. The jazz tent was just spectacular, and felt like you were walking into one of Jay Gatsbyâs amazing parties. On the left was a casino (the best kind where you canât lose any money), and on the right was a bar with leather couches and chaises longues. Accompanying the party atmosphere was the dance floor, with fantastic swing bangs and jazz groups playing all night and keeping people up on their feet. It looked so impressive but was also such a fun place to be. The fireworks were also my favourite because they were such an incredible show or 15 minutes, accompanied and in time with music ranging from Beethoven 9 to Taylor Swift and James Bay.  If anyone would like a cheeky look, here you go https://vimeo.com/131514592. I just felt so emotional and lucky to be part of something so amazing whilst sharing it with all my best friends.Â
If anyone would like to see last yearâs coverage of the ball from the Daily Mail (they donât present it correctly or nicely t there are some funny/ pretty photos) http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2659951/Trinity-May-Ball-revellers-Cambridge-University-celebrate-end-exams-spectacular-style-night-party.html and this year (no pics of me sadly....) http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3126232/Cambridge-University-revellers-celebrate-end-exams-spectacular-style-fireworks-flowing-champagne-night-Ball-s-nearly-ruined-brawl-locals-gatecrash.html .Â
So there we have it. I hope that you have enjoyed my telling you about May Balls and what they entail. I am aware that I only went to one but I know that many are very very similar. Essentially, unlimited food and alcohol all night, what more could you want! I canât wait to do Trinity again next year, and Iâm hoping to be able to go to Johns too, which is widely renowned for being better than Trinity (!!!!) so I look forward to reporting back on that one!Â
Please let me know if thereâs anything particular about Cambridge life that people would like to know about!Â
xx
**NOTE/DISCLAIMER*Obviously, balls cost a lot. The tickets are expensive, and then you have to find something to wear. Not everyone has white tie/black tie/ ballgown knocking around in their wardrobe, so that has to be bought as well! For anyone considering it, I would say itâs worth saving up the money for, and its one of the best parts of being a student in this bonkers place! Think ahead and be organised about it, and it will be the best experience ever, I promise.Â
First year over
So there we have it . The results are in and I have officially survived my first year as a Cambridge student, and my hard work paid off for my 2:1. There were some really amazing experiences that I will treasure for ever, and I am already excited for what next year will hold.Â
When I first arrived in Cambridge, and during my first few weeks, everything was so overwhelming that I found it all very difficult to take in. There were many moments where I considered phoning my parents to bring me home and cried about the fact that I wasnât smart enough to be here, but I quickly realised that this was a normal sensation to be experiencing and that I did in fact deserve to be here, just like everyone else. Coming from a state school  in the Midlands I lacked the confidence that many of the students who came from some of the most expensive schools in the country had; they were able to explain themselves more coherently, and just held themselves with a level of confidence in their ability that years of being called a âboffâ at school had kicked out of me. It was never cool to be clever at my school, and in fact, it was something to keep quiet about. Stay humble and all that jazz. I rarely put my hand up in classes, unless I was 10000000% sure I knew the answer,  and didnât usually share my opinions on a topic unless asked to. Suddenly I was surrounded by people who were confident bulldozing other people out of the way and expressing their opinion on all these books that they had read that I had never heard of. But then I realised that we all deserved to be here. I was just as intelligent as these people, and certainly had a hard work ethic as it was evident I had had to work a lot harder than many of them to be able to get my place. Our grades at the end of first year have largely reflected this; many of us are the same , despite there being significant discrepancies with confidence to express ideas in classes and supervisions.Â
So my  advice to future first years would be this:
1) Donât compare yourself to others. Its very easy to do in the first weeks of term when you go from being a big fish in a small pong to a very very very tiny fish in an Atlantic ocean sized pond. But its good for you. You learn not to compare yourselves to others because  its just a waste of time. There will always be someone better than you. And thatâs ok!
2) Have faith in yourself. The application process is so rigorous to get in that every single place is deserved. You deserve to be here just as much as someone from Eton. However, if youâre from a state school, like me, try not to have too much of a chip on your shoulder. I came here being convinced that I was going to hate all the poshos and that I was going to fight the corner for struggling state school kids everywhere. Whilst Iâm still a bit like this, I no longer believe that I deserve to be here more than other people because I had to work harder. Its all relative and there's no point getting yourself bogged down in this stuff. Just crack on (DISCLAIMER: This is not to say that Access missions arenât important. I think they are exceedingly important and state scool students are grossly under-represented , however having chips on our shoulders and preaching about our superiority makes us inverted snobs)
3) Have fun. Itâs first year. Live a little. Join societies, try something new. Meet new people. Have  some guts to go for things you really want to do and get your name out there; if you like acting, go to lots of auditions and get your face known. Same with music and dancing.  If you donât get it the first time, try again. Listen to advice from others about what things might be fun. For societies look on your university websites or look at noticeboards around town or at freshers fair. Join classes or groups or even set up one of your own (universities openly endorse new societies). Meet as many people as possible, and donât be afraid of talking to new people, as you are all in the same position.Â
4) Do some work. Itâs worth it to save the stress of cramming all of the yearâs syllabus in exam termÂ
5) Make memories. Sounds clichĂ© but its true. Its first year, when youâre meant to have the least cares.Â
Hope you enjoyed this post. It is so great to be exam free and happy!Â
xx
EXAMS ARE FINISHED
4 month summer here I come