Lucy Cavendish College hosts another successful Bridging Week

To make sure our students thrive academically and personally from the very first week of their Tripos, all new undergraduates are expected to attend a Bridging Course immediately before the start of their first term. The programme is uniquely designed to support the transition to College and to the University of Cambridge.

The College’s fifth Bridging Week took place just before the start of term when it welcomed its entire cohort of 134 first-year undergraduate students to Lucy Cavendish for a programme of academic and social activities.

The College’s wonderful group of student helpers were on hand to meet new students, answer questions, lead College tours, and organise many fun social activities.

The week began on Sunday the 24th of September with registration and a ‘staff marketplace’ where representatives of each College Department could explain their role in the College and help students with any queries.

Most students felt apprehensive but excited and both them and their parents were pleased to see friendly faces in both the student helpers and College staff. Students were encouraged to socialise at mealtimes and many were already starting to find groups to hang out with and get a feel for the friendly community Lucy prides itself on. This became further evident in the events the student helpers put on in the evenings, like the pub quiz and movie night. The bustling café provided the freshers not only with a chance to make friends but once again proved to be an ever-welcoming centre of the College.

During the week, students undertook tours of the College, attended a welcome from College President, Professor Dame Madeleine Atkins, and other introductory talks, gaining essential information about what life at Lucy Cavendish and Cambridge is like. The week then moved on to themed sessions including essay writing, time management, wellbeing, academic skills, and learning at Cambridge.

Thanks to the student helpers, they also had an opportunity to explore Cambridge beyond Lucy Cavendish, with tours to integral locations in Cambridge such as the University Library, Ryder and Amies, lecture sites, and a climb-up Great Saint Mary’s Tower to experience the view from above the city.  

The students had the opportunity to experience mini-supervisions, or meet with their Director of Studies for subject-specific sessions. We had also planned a career and enterprise session, as well as a ‘Life in the UK’ introductory session for International Students. They were encouraged to try sporting activities at the Friday pop-up event, led by the University Sports Centre team who created a great atmosphere for the students and discussed sports they might like to get involved with.

The new students found the week very valuable, with many reporting increased confidence, feeling of preparedness and excitement to begin studying. They particularly valued the opportunity to make friends, ease nerves, and get settled in Cambridge in advance of term.

“The week was lots of fun and  I found it the best way to get settled into Cambridge.”

“Those who helped at bridging were lovely. Everyone is so welcoming at the College and Bridging week definitely ‘eased the transition’”.

Thank you to the Student Office for organising this amazing programme of events.