Please help - does it sound like I would actually enjoy life at Cambridge?
I want to preface by saying I am going into year 12, so uni is fairly far off. That said, I have a brother in the year above who has been doing exams to apply for Cambridge, so I have been going along with him to open days and the like. I've been doing some research into courses and MML sounds like a dream. I'm doing German at A-level and got a high 9 at GCSE. I love travel and living abroad for a year would be amazing, especially if I could study Spanish from scratch and go to Barcelona, which is my favourite city. Beyond that, I really enjoy studying and discussing literature (I'm also taking English Lit A-level) and history so it just seems like an ideal course. I know for a fact that if I put in the work, I would be able to get into Cambridge, so that isn't an issue. However... I am having second thoughts about whether I'd actually like Cambridge itself.
Many universities have similar courses involving a year abroad and a language from scratch, so Cambridge does not have a unique attraction in that regard. I know how much work is required at Cambridge and even though I got mostly 9s at GCSE, I don't really like revision or studying and barely worked for my exams this year. I understand that as I go further in my education I'll have to start working harder anyway, but the idea of a super intensive course is pretty unappealing. That said, at the moment I'm basically coasting through school and maybe putting in more work would help me realise my potential and break out of my laziness. Beyond the workload, I'm not sure Cambridge is the most "fun" uni. It sounds shallow but I do want to have the typical fun, party experience at university and from what I've read online, Cambridge isn't really the place for that. I'm sure I'd be able to find things to do and enjoy but it isn't really the same experience as somewhere like Manchester, where my mum went. I would want to go out a lot and make loads of friends and Cambridge as a town is quite small and the nightlife isn't exactly wild. I'd love to say that uni is about more than just nightlife but to be honest, I'd be kind of disappointed if my whole experience was dull work and sitting in an empty pub. Moreover, even though I do well in school, I don't really enjoy solely interacting with the most intelligent people my age. Most of my friends aren't particularly scholarly (they aren't stupid and I go to a grammar school, but they definitely aren't Cambridge material.) I'm worried that I would basically end up in a bubble of super hardworking, serious people. I know I'm probably stereotyping and being unfair, but I can't help but worry. I recognise the opportunities Cambridge gives you but I wouldn't want to spend years of my life in a place I didn't like. Did any of you have similar qualms? Am I wrong about any of my assumptions? Please help! Thank you. 😊
Edit: I realise I sound quite negative but I do really think Cambridge has pros. I think it's possible that choosing a less prestigious uni would cause me to never really reach my potential, which would be a shame. I just need help figuring it all out!
Many universities have similar courses involving a year abroad and a language from scratch, so Cambridge does not have a unique attraction in that regard. I know how much work is required at Cambridge and even though I got mostly 9s at GCSE, I don't really like revision or studying and barely worked for my exams this year. I understand that as I go further in my education I'll have to start working harder anyway, but the idea of a super intensive course is pretty unappealing. That said, at the moment I'm basically coasting through school and maybe putting in more work would help me realise my potential and break out of my laziness. Beyond the workload, I'm not sure Cambridge is the most "fun" uni. It sounds shallow but I do want to have the typical fun, party experience at university and from what I've read online, Cambridge isn't really the place for that. I'm sure I'd be able to find things to do and enjoy but it isn't really the same experience as somewhere like Manchester, where my mum went. I would want to go out a lot and make loads of friends and Cambridge as a town is quite small and the nightlife isn't exactly wild. I'd love to say that uni is about more than just nightlife but to be honest, I'd be kind of disappointed if my whole experience was dull work and sitting in an empty pub. Moreover, even though I do well in school, I don't really enjoy solely interacting with the most intelligent people my age. Most of my friends aren't particularly scholarly (they aren't stupid and I go to a grammar school, but they definitely aren't Cambridge material.) I'm worried that I would basically end up in a bubble of super hardworking, serious people. I know I'm probably stereotyping and being unfair, but I can't help but worry. I recognise the opportunities Cambridge gives you but I wouldn't want to spend years of my life in a place I didn't like. Did any of you have similar qualms? Am I wrong about any of my assumptions? Please help! Thank you. 😊
Edit: I realise I sound quite negative but I do really think Cambridge has pros. I think it's possible that choosing a less prestigious uni would cause me to never really reach my potential, which would be a shame. I just need help figuring it all out!
(edited 3 months ago)
Honestly, it sounds like you’ve already made your decision, and you’re trying to convince yourself to apply. Cambridge is difficult, and prestigious, and the people there have worked their socks off to get there. They are going to be hardworking. There id going to be an unusually high, intense workload — 8 week terms come with a price. I don’t think anyone genuinely likes revision, but coasting is not something you will be able to do at Cambridge, and putting in effort is not avoidable. If you like the unique collegiate experience Oxbridge offers and the work hard play hard lifestyle — as many people do — then it’s worth applying. If that doesn’t appeal, it’s probably not worth going to a university you don’t want to be at just for the name brand.
Original post by aesthetic-artery
I want to preface by saying I am going into year 12, so uni is fairly far off. That said, I have a brother in the year above who has been doing exams to apply for Cambridge, so I have been going along with him to open days and the like. I've been doing some research into courses and MML sounds like a dream. I'm doing German at A-level and got a high 9 at GCSE. I love travel and living abroad for a year would be amazing, especially if I could study Spanish from scratch and go to Barcelona, which is my favourite city. Beyond that, I really enjoy studying and discussing literature (I'm also taking English Lit A-level) and history so it just seems like an ideal course. I know for a fact that if I put in the work, I would be able to get into Cambridge, so that isn't an issue. However... I am having second thoughts about whether I'd actually like Cambridge itself.
Many universities have similar courses involving a year abroad and a language from scratch, so Cambridge does not have a unique attraction in that regard. I know how much work is required at Cambridge and even though I got mostly 9s at GCSE, I don't really like revision or studying and barely worked for my exams this year. I understand that as I go further in my education I'll have to start working harder anyway, but the idea of a super intensive course is pretty unappealing. That said, at the moment I'm basically coasting through school and maybe putting in more work would help me realise my potential and break out of my laziness. Beyond the workload, I'm not sure Cambridge is the most "fun" uni. It sounds shallow but I do want to have the typical fun, party experience at university and from what I've read online, Cambridge isn't really the place for that. I'm sure I'd be able to find things to do and enjoy but it isn't really the same experience as somewhere like Manchester, where my mum went. I would want to go out a lot and make loads of friends and Cambridge as a town is quite small and the nightlife isn't exactly wild. I'd love to say that uni is about more than just nightlife but to be honest, I'd be kind of disappointed if my whole experience was dull work and sitting in an empty pub. Moreover, even though I do well in school, I don't really enjoy solely interacting with the most intelligent people my age. Most of my friends aren't particularly scholarly (they aren't stupid and I go to a grammar school, but they definitely aren't Cambridge material.) I'm worried that I would basically end up in a bubble of super hardworking, serious people. I know I'm probably stereotyping and being unfair, but I can't help but worry. I recognise the opportunities Cambridge gives you but I wouldn't want to spend years of my life in a place I didn't like. Did any of you have similar qualms? Am I wrong about any of my assumptions? Please help! Thank you. 😊
Edit: I realise I sound quite negative but I do really think Cambridge has pros. I think it's possible that choosing a less prestigious uni would cause me to never really reach my potential, which would be a shame. I just need help figuring it all out!
Many universities have similar courses involving a year abroad and a language from scratch, so Cambridge does not have a unique attraction in that regard. I know how much work is required at Cambridge and even though I got mostly 9s at GCSE, I don't really like revision or studying and barely worked for my exams this year. I understand that as I go further in my education I'll have to start working harder anyway, but the idea of a super intensive course is pretty unappealing. That said, at the moment I'm basically coasting through school and maybe putting in more work would help me realise my potential and break out of my laziness. Beyond the workload, I'm not sure Cambridge is the most "fun" uni. It sounds shallow but I do want to have the typical fun, party experience at university and from what I've read online, Cambridge isn't really the place for that. I'm sure I'd be able to find things to do and enjoy but it isn't really the same experience as somewhere like Manchester, where my mum went. I would want to go out a lot and make loads of friends and Cambridge as a town is quite small and the nightlife isn't exactly wild. I'd love to say that uni is about more than just nightlife but to be honest, I'd be kind of disappointed if my whole experience was dull work and sitting in an empty pub. Moreover, even though I do well in school, I don't really enjoy solely interacting with the most intelligent people my age. Most of my friends aren't particularly scholarly (they aren't stupid and I go to a grammar school, but they definitely aren't Cambridge material.) I'm worried that I would basically end up in a bubble of super hardworking, serious people. I know I'm probably stereotyping and being unfair, but I can't help but worry. I recognise the opportunities Cambridge gives you but I wouldn't want to spend years of my life in a place I didn't like. Did any of you have similar qualms? Am I wrong about any of my assumptions? Please help! Thank you. 😊
Edit: I realise I sound quite negative but I do really think Cambridge has pros. I think it's possible that choosing a less prestigious uni would cause me to never really reach my potential, which would be a shame. I just need help figuring it all out!
You are correct, Cambridge is not for you. Like you say, it is full of hard working, ambitious, smart people, and the nightlife is quiet.
The only point at which you are committed to going is if you get an offer! Honestly you've got ages, I wouldn't write it off (I did MML!) and then this time next year see if you still love the look of the course. If you're still not sure, by all means apply - if you don't get an offer, decision made, but even if you do you don't have to accept it.
Also, yes people work hard but like we were out getting drunk in the club a couple of times a week and if you also want to do the big party city stuff then that's an excellent excuse to visit friends studying elsewhere, which is easy with the short terms. My brother was in Cardiff and my sister in Southampton for uni and I had a more varied social life than either of them, which for them was solely drinking and clubs - I got that (with the benefit of an easy walk home) plus everything else on offer. The course will be a significant amount of your time anywhere you go at this level of uni and I'd really prioritize that - Cambridge only has short terms giving you half the year to make the rest what you want it if you felt you needed it.
Also, yes people work hard but like we were out getting drunk in the club a couple of times a week and if you also want to do the big party city stuff then that's an excellent excuse to visit friends studying elsewhere, which is easy with the short terms. My brother was in Cardiff and my sister in Southampton for uni and I had a more varied social life than either of them, which for them was solely drinking and clubs - I got that (with the benefit of an easy walk home) plus everything else on offer. The course will be a significant amount of your time anywhere you go at this level of uni and I'd really prioritize that - Cambridge only has short terms giving you half the year to make the rest what you want it if you felt you needed it.
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