When I was pooled to Medwards my immediate reaction was hesitation. I had never even considered applying to a college for women, crossing them off the list without a second glance when it came to choosing a college. I had been in mixed education my whole life and a lot of my closest friends at home were guys so the thought of attending a college for women didn’t exactly excite me about university — I wanted a ‘normal’ university experience and I couldn’t see that happening at a college for women. However, in the end I decided to give it a go, as it felt superficial to turn down going to Cambridge purely based on college; I am so glad I went.
The Offerholders event was a big part in why I accepted the offer. Being able to meet current students and see what it was like to be in the college really made me realise that Medwards was an amazing place. My college mum and the other first years I met made me feel so welcome and answered any questions I had about what it was like being at a college for women and what it was like being at Cambridge in general. It refuted all stereotypes about Cambridge and Medwards that I had and for the first time since receiving my offer made me feel really excited about having the opportunity to come here!
Medwards is the most supportive environment I have ever been in. The friends I have made in the short eight weeks I have spent here are some of the best and the closest I have ever had, from the beginning of my time here I felt at home and at ease and felt that this was somewhere where I could be happy and I could be myself; it’s not gossipy or cliquey as the stereotype of all-girls schools is. I’ve had many conversations with my friends here about how glad we are that we were pooled to Medwards, how we can’t imagine spending our time at Cambridge anywhere else. The college is large enough that it’s easy to find people like you but it’s small enough that it feels homely and not overwhelming. It’s quite an outgoing college meaning that you end up with friends from other colleges and whenever you go to an event you can almost always guarantee that there will be good representation of Medwards girls.
Being pooled here is the best thing that could have happened for me and I can’t emphasise enough how great Medwards is!!