Marshmallows, Market Squares and Mentors

Over the past few days, Cambridge College has welcomed a wonderfully diverse and energetic group of students from around the world. Some had been travelling for days, others arrived bright and early with plenty of energy to spare, and a few were greeted at the gates by old friends from last summer. From the moment they stepped onto campus, there was a real sense of anticipation. Whether checking in, joining a table tennis game in the arena, or getting to know one another over a game of Uno or a friendly chat, students have wasted no time settling in. Despite a few signs of jetlag here and there, the atmosphere has been calm, upbeat and full of promise.

The weather has been a bit unpredictable, with bursts of sunshine and the occasional shower, but it hasn’t slowed anything down. Students and staff alike are enjoying the fresh air and making the most of the cooler mornings, especially as a heatwave is expected in the coming days. The campus itself has had a fresh energy since the students arrived, and as they grow more familiar with their surroundings, there’s a definite sense of community beginning to take shape.

Academically, the past few days have been a great introduction to the broad range of subjects on offer. In the opening sessions, students got to know their tutors, college mentors and managers during morning assemblies and icebreakers. Classes then moved into their own pace. In Sciences and Technology, students kicked off with a classic challenge: spaghetti and marshmallow towers. With a winning height of 68cm, it was a fun and creative way to begin exploring structural design principles. Later in the week, the same groups worked on designing paper structures to protect a raw egg — only one survived the drop from a 4-metre balcony, but spirits were high and laughter was plentiful.

In Business, one class explored the rise of Airbnb and compared it to traditional hotels, while another looked at sustainable business ideas, including student bike rental schemes in Cambridge. Medicine students began their journey by learning how to take patient histories, discussing topics like appendicitis and migraine treatment, and were later introduced to anatomy and public health. The Social Sciences groups covered classical conditioning and cultural norms, with thought-provoking discussions about identity and perception.

On Wednesday, students enjoyed their first industry day — a standout part of the week. Art & Design students were joined by Elton and Jack from Chocolate Films, who guided them through the basics of filmmaking before heading out to capture their favourite Cambridge spots on video. Science and Technology students, meanwhile, were introduced to drone programming and robot construction by Hyett Education, a session that was equal parts hands-on and intellectually engaging. Business and Social Sciences classes participated in a joint session led by guest lecturer Katie Hart, who brought together neuroscience, psychology and marketing in a fascinating discussion about online versus in-person events. Later, Stephen from Bright Futures Experience led a masterclass on entrepreneurship, branding and negotiation skills. For Medicine students, it was a big day too — they completed an emergency first aid course, learning CPR and how to use an AED, with certificates arriving next week.

Excursions have already introduced students to the heart of Cambridge. With college mentors leading the way, small groups toured iconic local landmarks like King’s College, the Corpus Clock, and the Bridge of Sighs. There was time for shopping, riverside walks and — of course — a stop at Jack’s Gelato, where the current favourite flavour is Miso. Students took the chance to bond over shared experiences, and already small groups have formed around shared interests and curiosity about one another’s cultures.

In the evenings, a rich variety of wellbeing and social activities has brought the whole college community together. Society nights featured creative writing with Miranda, badminton in the sports hall with Becky, sketching Cambridge with Jules, and a lively circuit training session. Boardgames and card games — from Twister to Jenga — have been an easy way for students to wind down while getting to know each other. Tuesday’s Photography Challenge saw students head out around the city in groups, following clues and taking creative photos at key landmarks — with a playful briefing by mentors and manager Hannah setting the tone. Prizes are still under wraps, but the creativity shown has been brilliant.

Other evening highlights included football in the park, bracelet making, and a secret film evening complete with quizzes and film soundtrack debates. Milo’s embroidery-based bracelet workshop was particularly popular, and the football session on Parker’s Piece was full of energy and sportsmanship. After a full day of lessons, activities like these give students space to relax and connect, and many have already said these moments are becoming their favourites.

As the first week draws to a close, the group here at Cambridge College has made a fantastic start. With curiosity in the classroom, laughter around the dinner tables, and friendships growing every day, it’s clear that this summer will be a memorable one. With the sunshine on the way and even more to explore, we’re all looking forward to what comes next.