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Undergraduate Study

 

Let me introduce you to an aspect of Cambridge that’s definitely one of my highlights of my two years here.

Cambridge has a lot to offer in terms of activities outside of work, and this is one of them. Founded in 1815, the Cambridge Union is the oldest debating society in the world, and the most famous society at the University of Cambridge. I joined as a member and do not regret it at all. Many famous speakers such as Stephen Fry, Quentin Blake and other political figures have visited the Union at some point and given a speech. It is a fantastic society that provides lots of food for thought for those interested in current affairs, political matters, debates and more.

The Union also hosts a series of events and entertainments for students during term time. For their 200th anniversary, the Union hosted a bicentenary ball on February of 2015. I’m going to talk a little about my experience as an avid ball-goer of the event!

Firstly, this is not your usual party in that it is a formal, black-tie event. Guests were required to dress up in formal ball gowns and bow ties, which meant that this special ball was quite glamorous and fancy. The Union was also lit up and fully utilised, unlike its previous balls where only 2 or 3 rooms were used. This time, all of the historical Union building was open to use, which meant that the ball covered enough to keep everyone busy throughout the night.

The food was decent- doughnuts, sweets, fudge, meringues, burgers, you name it, you got it. It was more decadent than the usual food from May Balls, because this was a special event after all. The music was good, although the ball was interrupted by an unexpected fire alarm somewhere between the main acts.

Overall, I enjoyed the evening a lot. It was a historical night, after all, it’s only once that the Union gets to be 200 years old!

 

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