Cambridge 21+
An outreach programme from the mature Colleges
The University of Cambridge has three Colleges specifically for mature students aged 21 and over: Hughes Hall, St Edmund’s and Wolfson. The three Colleges have come together this year to launch Cambridge 21+: an outreach programme aimed at UK students who will be 21 or over when they start their degree.
Last week a group of prospective mature students from all around the UK took part in the residential element of this programme. This followed the online element earlier in the year in which the participants joined webinars on a range of topics including University Explained, Applying to University and Making a Competitive Application to the University of Cambridge. Participants also benefitted from online 1:1 sessions with Admissions Tutors.
The programme aimed to allow prospective mature applicants to better navigate the application process and to give them the support and confidence to apply.
“Having the time to properly look around and speak to staff and students helped me to get a real understanding of what it would be like to study at one of the mature Colleges. I was also able to get much more out of the Open Day after the residential and virtual sessions. I had a few concerns about applying for and studying at Cambridge, but the 21+ outreach has more than addressed these and I plan to apply this autumn.”
On Thursday, the programme began at Hughes Hall where participants were treated to lunch in the dining hall before receiving a guided tour of the College. They visited all the facilities but the highlight for many was the view over the cricket pitch on such a sunny afternoon.
A visit to Wolfson College followed where the participants attended a study skills workshop and learnt new tips for time management and self-reflection. A tour of the College and accommodation was followed by a break for tea and some delicious cake.
Early in the evening participants were welcomed to St Edmund’s College where they were shown to their accommodation in the Mount Pleasant Halls and given a tour of the College. They enjoyed dinner in the dining hall with students from all three mature Colleges and engaged in a question-and-answer session afterwards. The remainder of the evening was spent winding down in the student bar with a late night trip into town for those wanting to experience even more of Cambridge’s student life.
On Friday the participants enjoyed a buffet breakfast together before being briefed on how to get the most out of the University’s undergraduate open day. They spent the day exploring the University’s departments and Colleges on their own. The group reconvened late in the afternoon for a relaxing punting trip where they were able to discuss their experiences at the open day and learn more about Cambridge’s colleges from the experienced guide.
The participants found the event extremely useful and really valued the conversations they were able to have with current students.
“It has been an extremely informative and helpful event in which I had the privilege to experience what the life at the University of Cambridge is like, and the meaning of being part of its wonderful community. I really loved each and every session”.
“It was an amazing experience. I was able to learn a lot on both days and the hospitality was lovely. I feel very encouraged and excited to pursue submitting an application for next year’s intake.”
Look out for detail’s of next year’s Cambridge 21+ programme on the Hughes Hall, Wolfson and St Edmund’s College websites.
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