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author
Aayushi Pandey
Aayushi
Pandey
faculty
Přírodovědecká fakulta
academic year of the stay
2024/2025
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the_nomad_glaciologist
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author
Aayushi
faculty
Přírodovědecká fakulta
academic year of the stay
2024/2025
traineeship
study stay
short-term mobility
other
University of Cambridge
How does Aayushi rate their stay?
university
city
accommodation
financial demands
about university
What made your university special? What were the facilities where you studied and the university equipment like?
When I first thought about attending the University of Cambridge at 11, it was a dream sparked by hearing about its reputation as one of the best universities in the world. This early admiration made it feel like a special place in my heart long before I ever had the chance to work there. During my internship in the Department of Earth Sciences, I worked in a serene and calm lab environment that allowed me to focus on satellite data analysis. The space didn’t require specialized equipment but all i needed was fast internet and large monitors to manage the several software programs I used simultaneously. My foreign supervisor made sure to arrange it before my arrival to make it smooth enough. What stood out most was the welcoming atmosphere. my colleagues were incredibly friendly. There was also good arrangement of coffee and tea which is essential for me to focus more!
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about your "adoptive" university? What made it special? What were the premises where you studied and the university facilities like?
During my time there, I was treated as part of the team. I had to apply for a university email, just like a regular student, which made me feel fully integrated into the community. This email allowed me to receive all sorts of updates, from conference announcements to social events like barbecues organized by the department. It was a great feeling to not be treated as an outsider, but as though I were genuinely part of the university. I was always kept informed about weekly department meetings, which helped me stay in the loop and gain valuable insights into what others were working on. They even included me in their group photo for the 2024/2025 session, which made me feel truly connected. Overall, the experience was fantastic, and I felt welcomed and well-supported. So I would definitely recommend to other interns.
What is student life like at university?
I was doing there just my traineeship.
Did you study in English or in the language of the host country? What language requirements does the university have?
At the University of Cambridge, communication was primarily in English, as it is the main language of instruction. Although there was no official language exam requirement for my internship, a good level of English proficiency was expected to ensure effective communication and participation in the academic and professional environment.
about the city
What was your impression of the city? How would you describe it? What is interesting to see here?
Cambridge is a wonderfully student-oriented city, with its numerous colleges creating a unique and vibrant atmosphere. The blend of historic architecture and serene, calm surroundings made it a place I quickly grew fond of. The city feels both active and peaceful there's always something happening, yet it never feels overwhelming. One of the things I loved most was the architecture, which tells the story of centuries of learning and tradition.
Among the many beautiful sites, King's College Chapel stood out as a breathtaking place, embodying the grandeur and historical significance of the city. It was awe-inspiring to stand inside and appreciate the incredible craftsmanship. Similarly, the University Library became one of my favorite spots in Cambridge. There’s a certain quiet energy there something about the space, the books, and the ambiance gave me a profound sense of belonging and curiosity. It’s hard to describe.
Overall, Cambridge has a special charm both intellectually and aesthetically that made my time there unforgettable.
about finances
In your experience, how far does the scholarship go? What percentage of your expenses did it cover? What is your opinion on prices in the country in general?
This was one of the more challenging experiences for me, as Cambridge is extremely expensive. While I did grow to appreciate its charm, it was difficult to manage on Erasmus funding alone. The scholarship barely covered my accommodation. To save on transport, I bought a secondhand bike and cooked for myself, but overall, the cost of living was still higher than I expected. Despite the financial strain, the experience was absolutely worth it in the end. My scholarship just covered 40% and the country is generally kind of expensive.
Please advise your classmates on how to save money—Where to shop? What services can be used to save money?
1. Accommodation:
I highly recommend getting a room in a shared flat. It’s much more affordable than living alone, and you’ll split utility bills, too. Start looking for a place as early as possible to get better options and avoid last-minute pressure.
2. Groceries:
For groceries, I found Aldi to be the best choice. It’s cheaper than most supermarkets and still has good quality food. Lidl is another good option if there's one nearby.
3. Buying a Bicycle:
A bike is a great way to get around and save on transport. Check Facebook Marketplace for second-hand cycles. you can often find great deals. However, be cautious and always verify the seller and the condition of the bike.
4. Avoiding Scams (Housing & Bicycles):
When searching for housing, be very careful. I almost got scammed, and my flat mate actually did, so stay alert! If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Avoid paying deposits or sending money before seeing the place or item in person. Use official platforms when possible.
Other Services:
Use student discounts (e.g., UNiDAYS, Student Beans, or your student card).
Look for second-hand items on apps like Vinted or Depop.
Use budgeting apps like Revolut or Monzo to track your spending.
Being smart about where you spend and planning ahead really helps. Don’t be afraid to ask other students for recommendations, too we’ve all been there!
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about accommodation
What type of accommodation did you choose? Would you recommend it to others? If not, what type of accommodation do you think is best based on your experience (dormitory, private apartment, private dormitory, shared room, etc.)?
After struggling for days, I found a great place through SpareRoom. I ended up staying in a very nice accommodation offered by Bianca Shelvin, who rents to students at a very reasonable price. If anyone is going to Cambridge and needs housing, I’d be happy to connect them with her.
about experiences
Did you use Erasmus stay to travel around your country/Europe? What are your best travel experiences? What would you not recommend?
During my stay, I mostly took shorter trips using my bicycle, which was a fun and budget-friendly way to explore the local surroundings. Cycling allowed me to discover nearby towns, parks, and hidden spots that I wouldn’t have seen otherwise.
Towards the end of my stay, I had the chance to visit Snowdonia and the Lake District, both were absolutely incredible. The natural beauty, hiking trails, and peaceful atmosphere made them unforgettable experiences. If you enjoy nature and outdoor activities, I highly recommend Snowdonia in particular. It’s a must-visit!
There’s nothing specific that stood out as a bad experience, but I’d say to plan your trips in advance and check the weather, especially if you're cycling or heading into the mountains. Being unprepared can turn a great trip into a stressful one.
Language and culture: what cultural differences did you notice? How did you cope with the national language? Was it also the language of your studies? Do you feel that your language skills improved during your stay?
During my stay, I didn’t notice many major cultural differences, which made it quite easy to adjust. Since the national language was English, the same as the language of my studied I didn’t face a language barrier. The only thing that took a little getting used to was the local accent, which could be hard to understand at times, especially in fast conversations.
However, being in an English-speaking environment really helped improve my language skills. Constant exposure through daily conversations, lectures, and casual interactions made me more confident and fluent over time. I especially noticed improvements in my listening and speaking abilities.
final rating
Why here? What makes this location special? Why would you send your friends to your country/city?
For me, going to Cambridge was something truly special. I had my early education in a small village school in India. When I was 11, I told my mother that one day I would like to go to the University of Cambridge. She smiled and said, Why not? as if she already knew it would happen. Sadly, she passed away too soon. But every time I stepped into the university, I felt like I was living her dream. I believe she would be proud and happy, wherever she is now. That personal connection, along with the university's inspiring atmosphere and academic excellence, makes Cambridge a place I would absolutely recommend to others.
live-saving tips
If I went again, I would definitely remember to pack...
It’s funny..I checked the UK weather before arriving and saw it was rainy and cold, so I barely packed any summer clothes. But once I got there, the weather changed drastically, and I had almost nothing suitable for warmer days. I ended up having to buy summer clothes there. So next time, I’d definitely pack for all kinds of weather. And yes a raincoat is absolutely mandatory!
Before leaving, I would like to know that...
things take time to settle, and it's okay not to have everything figured out right away. From finding accommodation to adjusting to a new routine, the first few weeks can feel overwhelming but it gets easier. I also wish I had known how fast time would fly! Planning trips, making friends, and saying yes to new experiences early on really helps you make the most of your stay.
Another thing I wish I had known earlier was how important it is to be cautious when looking for housing. scams do happen, so always double-check before making payments.
What surprised me most was that...
how quickly I went from ‘this is impossible’ to ‘okay, maybe I’ve got this.’ :)
The hardest thing for me was...
adjusting during the first few weeks especially finding accommodation.
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