A day as a student of the University of Cambridge

When I was a child, I heard about the two most prestigious high excellence and top education quality universities I am visiting today - Oxford and Cambridge. The first one on my travel list is Cambridge, where I went on the 7th of November for the Science Conference.

However, this article will be mainly about my adventures at the world most famous University of Cambridge, its city, where I found the best in the world dark chocolate fudge at the Fudge Kitchen and had a chance to travel through time at Fitzwilliam Museum exploring the world starting in Ancient Greece and finishing with Picasso works. Is all of that possible? Yes, if you find yourself in this authentic town many poets and writers used to write about and call ‘’an asylum’’.

’’I find Cambridge an asylum, in every sense of word’’– A. E. Housman

For an average girl from Vilnius, walking or even planning a journey to such a famous place as Cambridge is such a fulfilling experience. My little dream came true. Somehow after coming to study in the UK, I found myself entering the world of British culture, architecture and becoming part of this fascinating world.

Enjoying autumn colors in Cambridge

At the moment I’m standing on the bridge, 5 minutes from the University of Cambridge, where I and my friend are on the way to the conference. Despite the fact, we are running late and it is freezing cold, the morning sunshine elevated our energy and let us stop for a millisecond and capture this moment!

History of Cambridge

Cambridge is widely known as a university city on the River Cam. After my first steps on the land important for trading in Roman Ans Viking ages, I followed my intuition and reached the town. Amazing buildings starting form 11-13 c. century was growing in my periphery, suggesting I am in the right direction. Interestingly the oldest building is St Benet’s Church which you can notice just next to Corpus Christi Collegeclose to the market. This church was built in 11 c. by Saxons after the period of Vikings’ arrival and today tells every tourist the right direction.

How to get to Cambridge?

The easiest way to get to Cambridge is from London, Victoria. I found the ticket less than for £ 10 and in 2 hours I was at Cambridge Parkside. Usually, before my journey I plan and create my ‘’Must Visit List’’, but this time I haven’t done any‘’additional reading’’. Why not ask the universe for a surprise?

Antiquities and artwork at Fitzwilliam Museum

I and my friend Marta had to meet at the bus stop, Parkside, therefore I had 4 hours of free time. As our main aim of this trip was Polish Perspective Conference at the University of Cambridge I decided not want to waste any second and become a real tourist and visit the most famous art and antiquities museum on Trumpington Street in central Cambridge - Fitzwilliam Museum.

At one moment I checked best places in Cambridge and saw a fascinating Fitzwilliam Museum, established in by Richard Fitzwilliam. Today there are 5 pillars, different departments for an individual with a variety of interests. This place is attracting tourists with the range of interests as its display includes:

• Antiquities,
• Applied Arts,
• Coins and Medals Manuscripts
• Printed Books
• Paintings, Drawings, Prints.

There I found different areas for Roman and Greek passionate history as well as an artistic valuable exhibition which caught my eye. I was so impressed to see an old version of the piano, medieval music scores and a chance to listen to wonderful pieces of music coming from the 16th century, which I used to read in the music school.

For those who like winter and the North Pole

After this, I had a little time to check-in at another museum – the Polar Museum, which was small, but let me feel the cold from the North. Could I live in the North Pole? Who were Eskimos and others? I got so many questions… How those people survived there? Could I live in Winterfell?

Architecture of Cambridge

I was surprised that Cambridge is full of churches. I food that it is due to the fact that Cambridgeshire is part of the Anglican Diocese of Ely.

In the center, we have St Mary’s Churchland, on the left Senate House. Our day finished on a walk around Cambridge with the final destination at our YHA hostel, which is a perfect place to stay for a student who is keen to meet new people from around the world. We met an amazing French gentleman, a vegan couple, a student from Spain as well as our future friends coming for the same conference! What a tiny world!

YHA Cambridge Hostel

The price of this hostel is reasonable (£36) and the location is perfect if you want to visit the town. It took us 30 min to get to the University, which is in the city center. Also, as there were 4 of us in the room we found new friends and enjoyed our breakfast or evening talks in the kitchen where we could use all the facilities, share food and drink tea together. You can find this hostel at 97 Tenison Rd, Cambridge CB1 2DN.

A day at the University of Cambridge

The next day was the beginning of the adventures at Cambridge University. The University of Cambridgeis the world's fourth-oldest surviving university. I was so lucky to be able to enter its old lecture rooms and visit it not from the tourist’s perspective, but as a student coming for the lectures and having the most luxury lunch at one of the oldest dining halls. I was so surprised when I found a vegan option!

During the Christmas holidays, I and my family I used to watch Harry Potter, which later became one of the traditions. This time I felt as a Hermione during the Christmas meal in Hogwarts, while having lunch (vegan!) at Cambridge University.

Exploring St John’s Campus

In order to be on time, we woke up early in the morning and arrived at St John’s Campus. No wonder why Forbes described Cambridge as one of the most beautiful cities in the world in 2010. We passed through the Cambridge market and found a huge park in front of us. Does it mean we are on the right track to St John’s College? Google maps said we are and guided us Friday morning towards’’ little Hogwarts’’.

Our lectures took place at St John’s College, which was founded by Tudor matriarch Lady Margaret Beaufort and established in 16 c. While we're walking towards the St John’s Campus we passed through a few bridges, which makes this place even more magical. If you come to Cambridge, don’t miss St John’s College Bridge of Sighs, which is the perfect spot for a photoshoot. Also, the view of Wren Bridge is one of the most romantic places and it makes you feel as if you are an actor from the 17c. Britain.

Finally, when we found the place of our conference we were amazed by the autumn colors and the medieval architecture covered in British politeness and manner. However, as both me and Marta love traveling and going beyond the program of the conference, we escaped during the break for a quick tour around Cambridge.

Recommendations for a tourist

However, if you want to have a guided tour the best time of the year would be September, when there are weekend tours provided for tourists. You may get a chance to join the Bridge the Gap walk, five-mile College route and many others. For more details check the University of Cambridge page.

Best fudge place ‘’Fudge Kitchen’’

Just around the corner, we found a wonderful Christmas market with people selling their handmade masterpieces from the crafted clothes, jewelry to glass decorations. Next, we decided to find the best fudge place ‘’Fudge Kitchen’’ which was recommended by the brilliant French gentleman with a great sense of humor. Everyone who knows me would say that I am a chocolate addict, therefore trying a range of different fudges(raspberry, salted caramel, dark chocolate, and many others) was the most exciting part of this experience! Despite that the price of the fudge might be too high for a student, the value of the product was like a taste of happiness from heaven. My neurons and brain had a boost of dopamine without any doubts!

Soon our adventures had to finish, therefore we made the last photo and headed towards the Cambridge Train station towards Worcester, where our sweet home is waiting for us.

Have I missed Worcester?

Not really, as the authentic Cambridge captured my heart forever.

Who knows, maybe I will come back there soon?

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