Sixth-formers from all over the UK took part in the Cambridge University Students Union (CUSU) shadowing scheme, which ran across three two-day slots during February, ending last Saturday. Coming from as far away as Cornwall, North Wales and the Isle of Man, some braved heavy falls of snow, which saw the closure of some public transport routes, to reach their destination.

The scheme matched 235 sixth-formers to current Cambridge students by subject interest, and they spent their time shadowing their partners to supervisions, lectures and social events – from late-night comedy at the ADC theatre to debating at the Student Union. Shopping, eating out and partying made for a fully-rounded student experience.

Feedback revealed that most participants saw the scheme as a great chance to find out about the courses they were interested in – and the Cambridge teaching style and work load. Some had feared student life at Cambridge would be almost exclusively work-focused with little time for enjoyment or socialising.

The notion of Cambridge being “all work and no play” was shattered by the range of social activities the “shadows” took part in during their visit. “There’s more to student life at Cambridge than just studying,” said one Londoner. “There’s a lot of enjoyment and socialising to get involved in,” said another.

A third said that he had expected to find Cambridge full of “geeks” and “nerds” – a view he had picked up from his peer group at his south London school, where his teachers have identified him as a real high-flier. “This image is incredibly wrong and needs changing – Cambridge is a fantastic place,” he emphasised.

Entries for the first CUSU shadowing scheme diary-writing competition (deadline 22 February) are arriving daily. They reveal a huge diversity of backgrounds and experiences. For some, the two-day stay in Cambridge was a significant step towards independence. A pupil from Newcastle said it was the first time she had been away from home on her own – and, much to her surprise, she had not felt homesick.

A sixth-former from Kent, who came to London from Nigeria less than a year ago, went to the cinema for the very first time during his visit. Another shadow said she had drunk her first cup of coffee in a Cambridge café – and would never forget the momentous occasion.

Charlotte Richer said that the profile of the scheme’s participants had moved still closer to its criteria in terms of family and school background and academic potential. “We had 1,009 applicants for 240 places so we were able to select people who best matched our criteria,” she said.

 

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