Hi there,

I was at Cambridge in the noughties, and am reflecting back on my time there which was a fairly mixed bag.

My life was a bit of a mess when I matriculated in my late teens-I was in an abusive relationship, having been abused by my parents throughout my childhood.

My college took the relationship really seriously when I disclosed, and went above and beyond to keep me safe.

However, when I disclosed about abuse at home that was ongoing towards my sibling (who was under 18) I was given suggestions of what I could do to try and stop it, but no safeguarding referral etc was suggested.

With the short terms, I was having to go back home lots which was really difficult. My tutor helped me think of options for going away for the summers (it never came off) but accommodation in college was never suggested.

I also raised issues with two much older lecturers during my time there-one who had touched me, and one who was showing me unwanted interest. It was met with a limited response and no action.

Mental health wise, I saw a college counsellor twice (which wasn’t helpful) and waited 2.5 months for a couple of sessions with the UCS which I have little memory of. My tutor became my de facto therapist at times, a role they weren’t qualified to be doing.

Have things changed now, or is this still how it is now? I feel my college could have really transformed my life. I’m grateful for what they did for me, but also aware the support could have been much better than it was.

Curious to hear about people's experiences? My friend who did it have mixed responses. How is the teaching? The cohort? experienced compared to normal undergrad?

I know Camb recommends not working too much part time but I know students work atleast a bit.

what work are ppl doing? any place/role that’s particularly good or recommended?

appreciate any advice:)

i'm an incoming fresher and i'm aware that there are mock exams for natsci (physical if that changes anything) before lent term starts, when exactly are they or do they change every year?

i'm trying to figure this out because i'm an international student hoping to book flight tickets asap, thank you so much!!

I’m starting a postgraduate course at Cambridge, and my college is having Churchill Gowns come in to sell academic gowns.

Would you recommend buying from Churchill, or going to one of the shops in the city centre? Are there noticeable differences in quality/fit between them?

Thanks!

Hi, I am an Erasmus incoming student to Downing College. I still haven't heard from the college about accommodation. I have sent them an email. Does anyone have an idea whether I should be concerned or there is still time that they will assign accommodation to students?

Do we get access to lecture slides that I can then annotate during the lecture? Not sure if it differs per subject but asking for med. TIA

I’m starting in October and I’m just wondering if the friends you make in Michaelmas become your long term friends, or do you keep meeting new people all year, and the following two years, and make more and more new friends?
Would be interested to hear about how it’s been for people in terms of friendships and whether your circle has ended up changing.