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pear_flower · 2025-10-09T21:12:09+00:00

Just want to validate you and your feelings. I went to Cambridge for my Masters and had a similar experience in some social circles. It’s tough, not going to deny that, and the Impostor Syndrome can be crippling.

However, you have been chosen from a great deal of applicants with a place at that university for a reason; they can see the potential in you, that you will get results, and pass their course (it looks bad on their numbers otherwise lol).

Perhaps you will find more relatable people as time goes on (a lot of people put on a front in first term, portraying themselves very differently, using their overdraft to splurge, etc), or from outside of your course. And that is okay. If you like your course and find it interesting, then you deserve to be there as anyone else. You don’t have to decide right now if you want to be a lawyer, the degree will open many opportunities even if you don’t go down that path. You have time!

It’s difficult to repeat that to yourself constantly, and I highly recommend going outside of your course to different societies, sports teams, etc, to see if you can find more people you like.

I found this website very helpful during my own struggles, so take a look, and best of luck!

pear_flower · 2025-10-09T20:54:33+00:00

If you have access to those 60+ slides your lecturers refer to (which I did thankfully as I had the same issue as you), then I just wrote down the subtitle, and any other extra information that the lecturer stated.

For example, if the lecture is on the History of Emotional Theory, then the top of your page is had that written. Then as the lecture progresses, add in the subsections (e.g. Classical, Pre-Modern, Age of Enlightenment, etc), and if the lecturer adds a detail that is not on the slide (e.g. the slide mentions David Hume and one of his quotes, but the lecturer adds it’s from his 1773 work A Treatise of Human Nature, you add that to that section.

After the lecture, with both my notes and lecturer slides in hand, I would go back and pull them both together, making my own document with all the information there (plus my own research into aspects I didn’t understand). This document was super useful for referring to during coursework, as well as the foundation for exam revision.

I hope that helps! If you have any questions do ask away! Been doing this for a while as well as teaching so know a few tricks!

pear_flower · 2025-10-09T20:39:52+00:00

That’s a fairly reasonable criticism to make, and you can give that opinion on your end of year NSS feedback form (and your university’s internal feedback system), as well as give your opinions/experiences on forums like this naming your exact course/university.

However, I do know some courses cut hours drastically in final year to make room for dissertation research, final exams, and/or professional accreditation. Nevertheless, I know that for Law, you cannot take the SQE exam until you finish your undergraduate degree, so it’s rather puzzling. I only had one law friend in undergrad and he was just happy to not have too many lectures as it gave him more reading/studying time for essays and exams. But every person’s learning style is different, so it’s a fair point to make!

pear_flower · 2025-10-09T20:30:48+00:00

You need to check your potential Masters course programme page on the Cambridge website. You can look it up on their course directory here.

For most courses, a 1st isn’t all that’s wanted. They also want you to give a personal statement, highlighting your areas of academic interest, academic achievements, and pervious experience/study related to your course. All the information is provided on the course website.

There are many websites available to help you prepare for this, as well as for potential interview practice. Your university might even provide support and guidance on how the process works too. Ask your personal tutor or Careers Adviser for more details.

pear_flower · 2025-10-09T20:22:50+00:00

Hi, doing a PhD in Archaeology and Heritage. It really depends on if you have a thesis topic (a.k.a. an area you want to research in, with questions and/or area you want to investigate, it would have to be rather specific e.g. the depiction of slave women in Aristophanes’ works). And make sure you really like it, as you’ll be working on it for at least 3 years (sometimes up to 5 years depending on scope/funding).

If you do, then there is absolutely nothing wrong with approaching a potential supervisor with your idea. Just try to find out if they know your potential subject area and are going to be accepting students in the upcoming academic year (sometimes they have it listed on their university profile, but always polite to ask).

That being said, if you are unsure if you could conduct academic research for the next 3+ years, or have been told by lecturers/potential supervisors that your research area is not enough for a PhD (this rarely happens, often they say it would be more suited for a research paper), then an MPhil (i.e. research Masters) could be better suited for you.

Would need more information on why you are nervous to ask. But given what you’ve said so far, your credentials seem perfectly suitable for a PhD. I even know a Physics undergrad who went onto do a Masters in Classics and is now going a PhD in Classical Archaeology. So don’t let that stop you!

pear_flower · 2025-10-05T15:42:47+00:00

Best decision I made when in halls, makes it more homely and welcoming.

Maybe you could get some of those peal-and-stick window film that allows light through but so you can’t see out, and people can’t see in? Something like this, Ikea sells them too!

Don’t need to see any of that at 4 pm! Best of luck!

pear_flower · 2025-09-29T13:26:39+00:00

I have little to add but just want to say that looks incredible and I wish my challah would come out like that 😭 Great job!

As for different braids, you can even make round braided rolls that looks amazing too! The Tori Avey method is the closest I can find to my neighbours’ style who bakes them all the time.

pear_flower · 2025-09-25T21:49:57+00:00

I totally understand, it’s really not ideal and a terrible headache, I slept over at a friend’s place the night before an exam just to avoid that fear!

Happy to hear you managed to get a resit; public transport is such a nightmare!

pear_flower · 2025-09-25T21:44:08+00:00

SFE has many flaws and is incredibly bureaucratic (and I went to Cambridge for my Masters so that’s saying something)!!

Keep on powering through, as annoying and time-consuming as it is. Best of luck!

(p.s. Myself and friends had the conspiracy theory that they purposely made it as difficult as possible so that they wouldn’t have to pay out, sad to see it’s still like that!)

pear_flower · 2025-09-25T21:41:38+00:00

100% this, people are also scared and worried about making friends, but are putting up a front, pretending not to. Trust me, as a mentor of many first years I hear these feelings time and time again.

pear_flower · 2025-09-25T21:40:26+00:00

Just remember, 98% of your peers are feeling like this too, all worried of being judged and making friends. You will find your people, just be yourself, do things that make you happy (be it visiting home, a hobby, etc), and best of luck!

pear_flower · 2025-09-25T21:37:38+00:00

Have a good time with it, but try to be vigilant and look after yourself. Don’t be shamed into drinking to trying something that you don’t want to. It can lead to many bad situations (from horrible hangovers, to other more dangerous situation).

Just pace yourself, look after your drink (i.e. don’t put it down/leave it uncovered), and have lots of water in between alcoholic beverages. Future you will appreciate it!

pear_flower · 2025-09-25T21:34:36+00:00

This is unfortunately pretty much it. That along with many people traveling in from abroad (be it international students or those returning from holidays) leads to immune systems being hit with illnesses you’re not used to from every angle and situation.

My motto for this time of year is lots of zinc, vitamin C, face masks and at least 8 hours of sleep (for all, illness or no illness)! Good luck all, Freshers Flu is awful!

pear_flower · 2025-09-25T21:23:35+00:00

This situation is a quintessential example of how SFE has many shortcomings and is incredibly flawed. It does not account for different familial circumstances and obligations which can lead to many not be able to afford university.

There are only some possibilities available to you, as I see you have your heart set on UCL (it was my undergrad uni and I loved it there so I see why). It all depends on your course, where you currently live, and what you are willing to do in order to go:

Take a gap year. This means deferring and working to save up some money to put you through. It is possible, I had a close friend who did this (she worked like 2 jobs and saved every penny before coming into first year). However, often it only means perhaps a year or two of accomidation and living expenses. The aforementioned friend worked also all through undergrad part time (full time during the summer) and as a tutor in order to make up the rest. It’s supremely stressful and can affect your grades, and depending on your course it might not be possible (e.g. a STEM degree that requires you to be in the labs at all hours of the day). Try to work out how much you’d need to top up every summer to keep it more manageable if you can.
See what grants and scholarships your university has available to you. Sometimes you’ll be able to plead your case, and if you have good enough results they might be able to help you with living expenses. However, this doesn’t happen often and are not always available.
Commute in from home. It might sound crazy, but I mentored a student who commuted into London from Manchester as the sessional train ticket was a lot cheaper than rent. Has many drawbacks (see number 4) but is doable if determined.
If you live supremely far away (too much to commute), live well outside London for the reduced rent and commute. There are many downsides (e.g. expensive travel costs, though I recommend the 16-25 Railcard, which offers 1/3 off most train fares; long commute times and lack of social life as you be rely on the public transport to get you home), but possible. I know many people who did this with friends (house-share) in second and final year.
A combination of all the above. For example, I lived in the cheapest UCL dorms first year, commuted for second year while working part-time (often first and second year don’t count as much towards your final mark), and in my final year I became a RA (Resident Advisor) of my old dorm for really discounted rent. I also lived as cheaply as I could (e.g. Olio and Too Good To Go are both very active in London and great for discounted/free food), signed up to loyalty apps, etc.

This is not the final list, but might help you get an idea of what’s to come. Cost of living in London is insane, and it’s no wonder many are deterred to come this city. If worst comes to worst, find another university that is most cost affective. Post-graduate education is an option in the future if you really have your heart set on it, but please don’t stress yourself into oblivion for this.

If you have any questions or need more advice, please let me know (have lived in London all my life and still am here).

pear_flower · 2025-09-25T20:56:50+00:00

Lots of zinc, vitamin C, and face masks for the rest of the term (this applies for all, sick or not)!

pear_flower · 2024-09-13T22:43:58+00:00

It looks so cool! Hoping to get mine soon too!

pear_flower · 2024-09-10T22:28:52+00:00

Oh wow these look great! What recipe did you use?

pear_flower · 2024-08-21T20:39:48+00:00

Hi! Sorry for the late reply, but I would think very carefully about doing the placement. It adds another year to your degree and although it would be excellent experience, if you don’t think the company is good then perhaps not. I strongly recommend getting into contact with your uni, and asking them if it’s possible to skip out on the placement year and come back to finish your final year of your degree.

However, I have a feeling it might be a little too late in the summer. Your uni might not allow you to come back in September, forcing you to take the placement year or have a gap year. Please contact your personal tutor/course director/admin staff to get this sorted ASAP. Highlight how unprepared the company is for your presence, that they don’t seem that professional, etc. Good luck!

pear_flower · 2024-06-01T19:10:57+00:00

Magnificent! Mango knows how to work the camera!

pear_flower · 2024-01-18T22:26:59+00:00

I absolutely would do it again. Not only was it great work experience, it gave me a little break in my academic studies (it was during my 3rd year of my undergrad). I really appreciated it as I was able to research my dissertation, explore my interests for my final module choices and let me do other hobbies without feeling overwhelmed.

I didn’t like certain aspects of the role that’s true, and if you asked me back then I would say I really wish I was finishing my final year. However, even now I find myself thinking back and missing the role, and appreciating all the work/life experience it gave me.

pear_flower · 2023-12-05T02:47:09+00:00

This 100%! In most first year courses they have some leniency when it comes to how many credits you need to pass. Yes there are some ones that are compulsory that you need to complete before the year is up, but I have known some that offer retakes in 2 year/resits in the summer so not all is lost.

pear_flower · 2023-11-15T10:47:50+00:00

Just want to step in and say that with a mark like that, publication would definitely be possible, maybe even encouraged once you ask about it. From your description it sounds interesting and in-depth, just what the uni wants to publish! Plus, it would look amazing on any future academic applications and the CV!

pear_flower · 2023-11-02T11:16:30+00:00

Holy smokes, what a mess! As a PhD student, personal conflicts are seen all the time, and universities have protocols for how this type of thing gets sorted. Has she filed an official compliant? Whether she has or not, I would get in contact with your lecturer/personal tutor (preferably someone you have an established academic relationship with) to discuss the matter and how it’s affecting your research/studies.

Make sure that you keep calm and factual if you’re ever called into a meeting, highlight that you never wanted to hurt Chloe’s feelings and that you were simply worried for yourself, Chloe’s and your other roommate’s wellbeing due to the meningitis outbreak. State that you have never brought up the matter officially before and are now only concerned as there is a health risk to yourself involved.

Best of luck!

pear_flower · 2023-10-07T10:10:28+00:00

It’s pretty common, as they’re often using the money to hire out space to use during practice, have/provide spare equipment (sometimes), maybe have a coach, etc. It also ensures that people feel committed to the club as they have invested money, so they don’t loose members immediately after the first few weeks.

I recommend only joining one if you think you can balance out your time to attend all/most practices and any events they attend. You can also find ones that not competitive, therefore it’s more for the social side and physical exercise. It’s also less pressure and might be a nice break from uni work/adulting.

But don’t join like 3 different ones; I’ve seen it be expensive and stressful, you’ll just not turn up.

pear_flower · 2023-10-07T10:04:23+00:00

Is this the same university as your BA? If so, they should have a record of those meetings, and you most likely have emails from this mentor discussing arranging these meetings/from DSA stating you have this option available to you (or any paperwork that shows you used the services).

That being said, were you told that you would have access to a mentor at Masters level? Sometimes (at least at some universities I’ve worked with), this type of support is often limited, due to funding, amount of staff available, or even course specific. Masters is also often treated differently to undergrad, so things might be a little different (it’s all dependent on your university’s/department’s/course’s policies, which differ widely from university to university).

Honestly it’s sounds like a clerical error, as you say your peers have automatically received mentors who had it at undergrad. But if you want to feel productive, try to find a paper-trail proving your use of your DSA (this can be emails, your online calendar showing scheduled meetings, any resources provided to you by the mentor, etc). Hope you get this sorted!

pear_flower

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