Lizzie wrote this at the end of her third year studying Human, Social, and Political Sciences (HSPS) at Christ's College Cambridge. She is from Leeds, Yorkshire, where she took A-Levels in History, Biology, and Government and Politics.
What attracted you to Human, Social and Political Sciences and what courses did you apply for at other universities?
I had initially planned to apply to study Law at university! But as I began preparing for applications, lockdown hit and I was left with more time on my hands. In this time I started reading around Law but realised all the most interesting parts were the political parts. After working out that the political side was what interested me, I began looking on the Cambridge website and found HSPS. The breadth and the focus on the foundations of political ideas appealed to me and I decided to change all my applications bar HSPS to Politics.
Why did you choose Christ’s?
I didn’t know much about the influence that a college has on your Cambridge experience, and thought of it more like a halls of residence when I was choosing, so I ordered a prospectus and sticky noted the pages of the colleges I liked the look of. This included looking at where they were in the city and how big they were as well as how pretty the picture was! From this shortlist Christ’s was top of the list as it was top of the alphabet, so not really knowing much (and Covid limiting open days), I chose Christ’s largely because it began with a C!
Has the College lived up to your expectations?
College has more than lived up to my expectations, I doubt I will live in such a beautiful and amazing place again.
What was being in the final year of the course like? Was it very different to first year?
Final year is a lot more focussed. There is more choice so you are able to specialise and focus in on the areas you want to spend the most time on. This includes the option of doing a dissertation that allows you to spend a lot of time working on your specific area of interest.
What papers did you study this year and why did you choose them?
I wrote a dissertation on the way the position of metro mayors was created in England, as this focussed in on my interest in regional politics. I chose to write a dissertation as I wanted the chance to focus on research and I also studied public policy as this was an area I wanted to go into and have now got a job in. I also studies international security as I really enjoyed studying international relations in first and second year. Finally as I did the straight politics track I took the compulsory paper conceptual issues in politics and international relations that acts as a summary paper for the whole degree.
Where did you live this year? What did you think of it compared with where you’ve lived in other years?
This year I lived in a large room in the Blyth building. The room was a "set", meaning it had a connected but separate bedroom and living working space! This was amazing to create separation from where I lived and slept and was a nice change to have such a big room after having smaller rooms in first and second year.
Where is your favourite spot in College and why?
The Buttery! It’s an amazing spot for coffee, drinks, lunch, studying or a chat. The Buttery really feels like a cosy and comfortable spot in college and the team that run the Buttery are so welcoming and friendly.
Did you take part in any particular activities or attend events for May week?
I spent all three years involved in the boat club at college. It was amazing to learn a new sport, that is often so expensive and difficult to learn without the financial or opportunity constraints that exist outside of college rowing. Christ’s College Boat Club is the most amazing community with fun chances to race, go to social events and formal dinners and make the most amazing friends within the club. I’m already excited to be going back for their alumni events!
Looking back over your time at Cambridge, what do you feel like you have gained from being here?
I think I’ve gained access to amazing opportunities, made friends with amazing people and had the opportunity to learn in the most beautiful place I could imagine.
What are your fondest memories?
Playing sardines around college with friends. After term ended, some friends and I were still in college whilst it was quiet. In the game we played a version of hide and seek around college, it was the perfect way to spend an evening.
What will you miss most about Christ’s?
Having now moved to London the thing I’m missing most is the peace you get walking into college from the busy high street. As soon as you walk through the great gate you hear the noise of the street drop and it feels safe and peaceful.
Do you have any plans for what you’ll do post-graduation?
I’ve now started working and have taken a job at the civil service working for the Department of Health. I’m really happy in the position as working in policy was a goal of mine so it’s amazing to feel like you are a part of the policy process and decision making in government!
Do you know what others in your year in your subject are planning to do?
People doing HSPS can go on to do so many things, a lot are now doing Masters degree, working jobs in loads of different industries or taking a well deserved moment to create a plan for what they want to do next!
August 2024
Please be aware if you're considering an application that our student writers describe their experiences. Although the majority of the information stays the same, some details may change from year to year. Do read the student profiles in combination with our undergraduate admissions pages for full information.
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