I studied English at Cambridge and had the most amazing three years. People often have an opinion of Cambridge as a fusty old place where your lecturers are strict, old-fashioned and high and mighty – but this couldn’t be farther from the truth. You might get the odd character, but most of the staff at the university genuinely want to nurture their students and see them achieve their potential. Yes, they can demand a lot, but they know what their students can achieve – and want to make sure they rise to the challenge.
I felt so privileged to study at Cambridge. Though my supervisors were academically awe-inspiring, they made me feel like an equal, and always listened carefully to my viewpoints. I got the opportunity to be very experimental with the topics I chose. Though the English degree is traditional in some senses, it is the most open and broad degree imaginable – with virtually no set texts. I got to choose almost everything I wrote about and scope out my own essays. It was tough – but so rewarding.
Aside from academics, I loved the place itself. It is a wonderful town in which to be a student. Lots of other students, small and friendly, full of history and culture – Cambridge has it all. It’s packed with things to do, but is also compact enough not to be overwhelming for students away from home for the first time. There are also lots of social opportunities that come with the college system, and one of the perks of living in college was getting basically live with all my friends for all three years.
I couldn’t recommend Cambridge more. It can be hard, and it can be overwhelming at times, but it is truly a wonderful experience.