Tell us a bit about yourself.
I have completed the first two years of my Modern and Medieval Languages degree and am about to go abroad for my third. During term time, my life is generally split fairly evenly between conjugating Portuguese verbs or reading seventeenth-century French plays, and making the most of the abundant opportunities to get involved in Cambridge’s extra-curricular activities. For me, this has mostly been by playing for a number of Selwyn’s college sports teams and carrying out my JCR role as Green, Ethics and Faiths Officer.
Why did you apply to Cambridge?
Why not?! My philosophy is that you don’t win the raffle if you haven’t bought a ticket – and the prize is better than your average tombola: Cambridge is the top-ranked university in the country, and a beautiful city to live in.
And what do you like about Selwyn?
I was attracted to Selwyn because of the more modern and welcoming feel I got when walking around the college, and I can confirm that my first impression has been proven right! Situated slightly away from the central core of the more historic colleges, there is a real community feel in Selwyn between both students and staff. The pastoral care that the college offers all its students is second to none and the newly-renovated bar and cafeteria are excellent spaces where you can relax.
What one piece of advice would you offer to prospective students?
If you have a genuine interest in a specific subject, you are the type of person Cambridge is looking for. It doesn’t matter that you haven’t had the opportunity to travel the world, or that your dad hasn’t given you work experience in his million-pound company, or that you have never worn a bow tie in your life. It doesn’t matter that you don’t think of yourself as a “typical” Cambridge student – there’s no such thing, as the variety of different people on the Students of Selwyn page showcases! I would unreservedly encourage anyone who enjoys learning to consider studying at Cambridge.