Cambridge- an amazing adventure University of Cambridge
- Alex SwallowUnited Kingdom
- University Of Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Social and Political Science
- Undergraduate Degree
- 2003
It was an excellent experience, there is something really magical about studying at Cambridge. I would urge anyone interested to consider it. My biggest piece of advice is that a lot of people think it's just for posh people. That isn't true and it is definately worth applying.
The admissions process is hard but fair. I didn't give it the top rating because it takes a long time. As there are interviews involved (unlike most British universities) it means that you may be kept waiting for the decision from Cambridge for some time.
I received no government support which I felt penalised my family for us being just over the limit and my parents working extra hard. However this is a problem with the UK funding system and nothing to do with Cambridge University. I found that my college was very financially supportive. Not only was there a 'hardship fund' for students who got into financial trouble (I never heard of anyone having to leave for financial reasons- I think the university would take a lot of steps to stop this happening) but also the college gave me some money to support a charity initiative I was involved with in the summer holidays!
The level of academia was amazing and the college system is also conducive to debate and learning from other people. The supervision system- maximum of about 5 students to one tutor, can hardly be matched anywhere in the world. The only slight criticism I would give is that some of the tutors were better as academics than as educators. For example some made their points better in print than in speech.
It was the greatest experience of my life. Study is only part of your time at Cambridge, although everyone works pretty hard. I learnt more about myself and about the world through all the students societies I joined than through my course. I was president of the students' union at my college which brought me into contact with a wide range of interesting people. Cambridge as a city has a beautiful centre but beyond that I didn't like the surrounding landscape (very flat, not what I was used to). The other students were wonderful people. There are sometimes minor problems between 'town and gown' but not to the extent that most people would notice. There are students clubs for every passion and international student groups are numerous and active. The accomodation ranged from the basic to the beautiful but it is excellent value and unlike most British universities, most people live in college-owned accomodation for all three years. Part-time work is a problem as there are large restrictions placed by the university. But as explained above, most students don't have financial worries due to generous college support.
I definately believe that Cambridge helped my job chances, but it isn't a meal ticket to success as a lot of people seem to think it is (and as it perhaps used to be). It is an opportunity and you make of it what you will. The alumni association is active at a University-wide and college level and a keep in touch with a good range of friends from my time there. Since finishing my study I travelled, helped teach English in Japan for two years, did an MA, was an intern for two MPs, and currently work for a national charity.
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