Introduction
At the end of term, your supervisors literally say to you, “This is not a holiday; you are not going home for a holiday.” It makes work feel like a 24-hour thing. But we made it out the other end. Good luck if that is coming for you!
Hello, guys, and welcome back to my channel. If you’re new here, my name is Abby, and I make productivity and corporate lifestyle videos. Today, we are talking about my honest opinion of Cambridge University. We’re going to be looking at all things—from social lives, workloads, and teaching to classism. It’s literally everything.
Background
I studied at Cambridge from 2018 to 2022. I studied chemical engineering, completing a bachelor’s and a master’s. It was an integrated master’s program, meaning I applied for the master’s initially and was always going to do it as long as I got the grades. I recently graduated in June 2022 and have been wanting to make this video for ages.
Academia at Cambridge
The teaching style at Cambridge is quite different from other universities. Of course, we have lectures like every other uni, but the unique aspect is the supervisions. These are small group sessions with one professor where you go over weekly assignments, essays, or question sheets.
For STEM subjects like chemical engineering, the workload is intense. First-year students have 12 lectures a week, including Saturdays, along with three practicals and four supervision question sheets. The workload is relentless, with Sundays often spent catching up.
Second year is known to be the most relaxed, with fewer contact hours and more work-life balance. However, third year is infamous for being the hardest, with heavy content, early exams, and a grueling design project. Fourth year, in contrast, is much more manageable, with a mix of coursework and shorter exams.
Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance at Cambridge is challenging. The pressure is immense, and the environment feels like a bubble where work is constant. Supervisors often remind students that holidays are not for rest but for work. While there is support available, such as college nurses and tutors, the academic pressure can be overwhelming.
Social Life
Social life at Cambridge is vibrant but influenced by classism and access to opportunities. Sports teams play a significant role in the social scene, with certain teams offering more access to events and tickets. Despite this, I had a great social life, enjoying Wednesday student nights and formal dinners, which are unique to Cambridge.
Culture and Colleges
Different colleges at Cambridge offer varying experiences in terms of accommodation, events, and access to resources. Choosing the right college can significantly impact your university experience.
Opportunities and Networking
Cambridge provides numerous opportunities, such as entrepreneurship labs and prizes, as well as access to inspiring speakers through the Cambridge Union. The networking opportunities are unparalleled, with high achievers applying to top jobs and sharing their experiences.
Reflections on My Time at Cambridge
Cambridge has benefited me immensely, not just academically but also in terms of personal growth. It taught me resilience, critical thinking, and perseverance. While the experience was incredibly challenging, I don’t regret it. The respect and opportunities that come with a Cambridge degree are invaluable.
Conclusion
Overall, my time at Cambridge was life-changing. It was hard, but it shaped me into a more confident and capable person. If you’re considering Cambridge, know that it will push you to your limits, but the rewards are worth it.
Thank you for watching, and I hope you found this video helpful. If you enjoyed it, please like and subscribe. See you next week!
