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This was the first time I've been out of the country, so of course the past two months have been a major transition period; I spent a significant amount of time getting lost, adjusting to the culture (esp. "are you alright?" yes, why?), the food (mushy peas? toad in the hole?), and the many university traditions. Overall, however, I am very glad to be here. It's a rare opportunity to be able to remove yourself from the US and just absorb an entirely new way of learning and living.
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Debra Lin
New Hall
Physical Nat Sci
Materials Science
FOR THE FIRST TIME I HAVE WIKI ACCESS!
Things to Know:
- There is no Cambridge University Centralized Center. Go to your college for administrative info. Departments for academic info. Porters for all else.
- Internet access is hard to come by initially. Breathe, don't panic, it'll be sorted out. In about a week depending on your college. You may want to get a heavy dose of internet usage before you come.
- This is a biking community where most people have bikes, however drivers, especially lorries and buses don't really excercise much caution on the road. Be safe and aware at all times. There is also a heavy fine for not having lights at night. These cost about 14 quid over here...
- If you want a bank account, start early and have all of your information on hand. All of it. Admissions letter, proof of address, passport, College letter.
- Cell phones (sorry, mobiles). Pay As You Go. Mobile World does NOT work outside of the UK.
- It gets cold. I freeze.
Academics
- Supervisors are your friends. Ask questions, you don't have to get everything on the questionsheets right the first go. Don't not put too much stress on it.
- You are apparently expected to do 40hrs of work a week.
- There will be a lot of holes in what you are expected to have covered. Don't worry, find a friend and get their notes or ask your supervisor for information.
- Outside reading is expected.
After You're Somewhat Settled:
- RyanAir.com! Flights around Europe one way starting at 1p! Sounds good but don't forget to include tax and handing of 15 quid.
- Join a bunch of societies. Go to their equivalent of an Activities Midway. Tons of societies, loads of freebies, and you get to meet a bunch of random people.
Food:
- Hall food varies. New Hall is one of the better ones. However, if you don't really like creams, oils, butters, you want to find another source of food.
- If you like to cook, go to Tesco's for bulk, Sainsbury's for fresh stuff, Asda's for cheap stuff, Iceland's and Aldi's for cheap frozen, preservable stuff.
- Know your floormates. They'll watch out for you, explain the culture somewhat, let you use their laptop if you don't have one, and best of all, they'll feed you!
- You will not find free food often. But there is a lot of free alcohol.
Will add more later perhaps.