In a recent exploration of student life at Cambridge University, many students emphasized the importance of staying connected to their roots and heritage while navigating the challenges of university life. As new students, often referred to as freshers, embark on their academic journeys, the balance between embracing a new identity and maintaining ties to family and home becomes crucial.
Cambridge plays a significant role in shaping students’ identities, offering them a platform to redefine themselves. Yet, this transition can sometimes lead to a disconnect from their previous communities. A recent poll conducted by Varsity revealed that student communication with home varies widely, with responses ranging from daily contacts to those who never reach out. While daily communication was the most reported frequency, national statistics present a more modest picture: only 17% of parents maintain daily contact with their children, according to a 2021 survey. Notably, 41% of parents expressed a desire for more frequent communication.
Eve, a second-year History student from Liverpool, finds solace in her regular communication with family. She connects with them every three or four days, describing the experience as “quite comforting.” Eve emphasizes her strong sense of identity, stating, “Far from losing my sense of the scouser-self, I feel more aware of my heritage since moving to university.” With only 7% of students at Cambridge hailing from the North-West, Eve has discovered a unique bond with fellow Liverpudlians.
International students face even greater challenges in maintaining contact with home. Choon Wee, a third-year Law student from Singapore, initially struggled to stay in touch. He acknowledges that his communication habits improved in his third year after feeling guilty about not connecting enough during the earlier years. “In my first year, I was trying to adjust to life here, and in my second year, I was just busy,” he explained. A survey by Sky Mobile of 2,000 UK parents and students highlighted similar sentiments, revealing that 46% of students cited coursework as a primary reason for limited communication.
Despite the challenges, students recognize the importance of sharing both struggles and successes with their families. Choon Wee contacts his parents during difficult times, recalling a moment when they provided support across time zones during a late-night call. He described the bittersweet nature of maintaining this connection: “When I hang up the call, I just feel a little bit worse than I was before.”
Eve echoed similar feelings, noting that conversations with her parents often serve as reminders of what she misses back home, even as they motivate her toward her goals. The emotional impact of these calls is scientifically supported; studies indicate that hearing a loved one’s voice can trigger an uptick in oxytocin levels, contributing to feelings of comfort.
For some students, proximity to home can provide a different experience. Eleanor, a second-year Engineering student with family in Cambridge, visits home once or twice a fortnight. She appreciates the respite from university life, stating, “It’s nice to kind of get out of the zone of uni and just back to normal life.” Eleanor enjoys the practical benefits of being closer to home, such as parental assistance with laundry and celebrating special occasions in person.
The diversity celebrated within the university community is rooted in the connections students maintain with their families and cultural backgrounds. As students like Eve and Choon Wee navigate the complexities of university life, their commitment to honoring their heritage helps ground them and enrich their experiences.
Ultimately, remembering one’s roots can significantly enhance a student’s journey, fostering resilience and a deeper sense of identity. As they forge ahead, students who respect their past while embracing their current realities may find the most fulfilling paths forward.
