Cambridge: Orientation and First Observations

July 11, 2017

I arrived at my dorm in Cambridge yesterday morning and things have been pretty hectic since. I have a quite detailed orientation schedule for times and events, but no map or directions to where orientation events are held. I’ve spent a good bit of time walking around the city looking for signs or asking people for directions. I also can’t access Google Maps on my phone because I didn’t think to get an international data plan. I definitely recommend biting the bullet cost-wise on international data! Luckily, I haven’t been late for any orientation event.

My first event was a fire safety demonstration which was pretty straightforward – leave all your belongings behind, call 999 (British 911), take the stairs. Next, we toured two of the University’s libraries: Pembroke and Kings. The libraries are beautiful and may even rival Boston Public Library’s reading room. After library tours, we took a walking tour of Cambridge. The leaders showed us a few of the University’s colleges, the clubs that students go to (where we get free entry and drinks), and some local landmarks. Lastly, we had a health and safety talk and learned about resources available to us.

Unfortunately, the orientation has been a little disorganized. But all the information we needed was provided and once we get in the swing of things, I don’t predict any major issues. I can’t wait to start classes tomorrow!

Written By

Nicholas Napolio

At Northeastern, I study political science with a particular focus on American public administration, public law, and queer politics. While abroad in Cambridge, I plan to immerse myself in British politics and further my understanding of American politics by comparison. I am taking courses on European legal history, British criminal law, and gender & sexuality informed by British culture. These courses are similar to courses I have taken at Northeastern but will allow me to study the differences between American and British conceptions of each. In addition to coursework, the University of Cambridge offers social and cultural opportunities such as pub tours, trips to London, and weekly banquets.