Magdalene Outreach Residential 2016

Participants lived and worked like students, staying in student accommodation, eating in the College Hall and interacting with current undergraduate students throughout their stay.

Students were able to choose to take part in a large range of academic sessions, with dedicated options for the sciences and the arts/humanities. A range of practical sessions at museums and departments were on offer, including trips to the Department of Physics and the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. Students worked alongside a top medic looking at designing artificial knees, tackled architectural construction, and examined the design and construction of wings at the Department of Engineering

Students attended lectures from some of Magdalene’s Fellows and Researchers, on topics ranging from ‘The Chemistry of Fire’ and ‘The Mathematics of Life’, to ‘Life in a Medieval Muslim Town’ and ‘Such internet, many lolcat, very emoji wow: Linguistics for the 21st century’.

Residential participants gained a greater insight into the applications process, observing mock interviews where current undergraduate students relived their Cambridge interview experiences. Participants also had the invaluable opportunity to discuss the admissions process with tutors and current students in depth.

When not in academic sessions, participants visited other Cambridge Colleges, enjoy socialising with each other and took a nighttime tour of the city. The participants created a fantastic atmosphere, with a great deal of discussion about their interests and what they had learned. Students were also treated to an informal ‘formal hall’ dinner in the Great Hall at St John’s College where they enjoyed a fantastic three-course meal in a beautiful setting.

The residential culminated in a lecture from the Master of Magdalene College, Lord Rowan Williams, who led an inspirational session on the concept of ‘Empathy’.

Here is what a few of our participants had to say about the 2016 Magdalene Residential.

'I really enjoyed the residential and thought that it was an eye-opening experience to see Cambridge in a different light to the assumptions made by the majority. The student helpers and staff were very helpful and friendly, making us feel comfortable staying here.' – Zakiyyah

‘I had an amazing time and learnt so much. Before coming I felt Cambridge was just for posh geniuses who do nothing but study, but now I realise there is much more to it than that, and how much of an amazing place it is! – Luke

‘It was a wonderful experience which I won’t forget. It has encouraged me to apply to university and built up my confidence about moving away from home.’ – Ellie

'The best part for me was definitely the atmosphere created by everyone.' – Hannah

'I was very sceptical and viewed Cambridge University with stereotypical eyes and now I see that it is in fact perfect for me.' - Catrin

The Magdalene Residential is free of charge, with participants only paying for their travel to and from Cambridge. Applications for the 2017 residential will open in January. Please contact our Schools Liaison Officer at acc... @magd.cam.ac.uk for more details.