It was an early start to the day for the students who had chosen to go on the optional trip to London. We headed over to Cambridge train station, pastries and coffees in hand, to catch the 9.32 train to Liverpool Street Station. Once there, we did as the Londoners do and took the tube to South Kensington to begin our metropolitan adventure.
The students then had a choice between three of the best museums in the country: the Victoria and Albert Museum; the Natural History Museum; and the Science Museum. They made the most of the free access and close proximity of these museums in the beautiful surroundings of leafy South-West London.
At lunchtime, the students were free to explore some of the varied cuisines London has to offer. Many students took the short walk to Knightsbridge to sample the shopping in the legendary department store Harrods, whilst others found sunny spots to sit and relax in with friends.
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After lunch, we boarded a vintage red London bus for a rooftop tour of the City. Led by a brilliantly knowledgeable tour guide, we found out lots of facts about the history and evolution of both the centre and its sprawling suburbs. Particular highlights included Trafalgar Square, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Houses of Parliament. At the end of the tour, we took a short guided walk in the Tower Bridge area, stopping for many photo opportunities! This walk came to an end at our restaurant of choice for dinner: Zizzi’s Italian.
A special mention must go out to our birthday boy and girl, the twins Arnau and Clara, who we very much enjoyed surprising with cupcakes and singing at the end of our meal! At the end of the day, we were all excited to get home to bed. A stroll back through the City in the setting sun took us to the train station for our journey home to Cambridge, where we all got an early night!
The majority of the students remained in Cambridge for the duration of Sunday to attend our very busy and very informative Academic Fair, which was held in the hallowed halls of the Cambridge Union. The day kicked off with a presentation about applying to Oxbridge, followed by subject-specific workshops and talks. Students were also encouraged to use any free time in between these sessions to have consultations with our mentor team, who are all currently studying at Oxbridge.
The mentors offered general consultations, personal statement consultations, and mock interviews, which are also available to be booked on every other day of the course. Being able to pick the brains of those who understand and have navigated the challenges of university applications is a unique opportunity that would otherwise be hard to come by.
The day was topped off with a creative and fun outdoor painting session on Queens’ Backs. Fuelled by tasty sweet treats, the students released their inner Warhol and decorated canvases with marvellous designs. Those who were in a more sporty mood, motivated by the World Cup Final, played football and rugby into the evening.
Fourth, fifth and sixth photo by Catarina Rodrigues.
