Nicoletta’s Cambridge Experience

I’m not going to lie… as an introverted person, during the day of my arrival in Cambridge, I felt nervous and uncomfortable. Leaving my comfort zone has always been a struggle for me. When I woke up the morning after arrivals day, I opened my curtains and felt captivated by the view out of my window. The fusion of the autumn-coloured bricks of the Cambridge buildings and the greenery of the trees soothed my overwhelmed soul. I felt like the environment around me was supporting me so I thought to myself, “Yes, I do belong here.”

As soon as classes began, my time in Cambridge started flying by. A classroom full of passionate students and a deeply passionate tutor contributed to the sense of fulfilment I experienced during this wonderful learning experience. The small class sizes allowed the discussions to flow and I was able to connect with my peers and make lasting friendships.

The people I met on my course made the experience a truly special one. So many different individuals, from different cultures, blended in so beautifully. I really appreciate how well-intentioned the people here were, both the students and the mentors. I learnt so much about different cultures and in fact realized that, as humans, we are not so different at all despite where we come from. And although it might at first seem scary or impossible, we can all adapt to a new environment.

Now I am not going to lie… I will miss waking up in the morning to the beauty of Cambridge, anticipating learning about Hobb’s Theory of State and Society, eating Aromis’s pizza for lunch and punting on the River Cam, with the people I met here that I now call my friends. It’s an experience I will cherish forever and never forget.