Why Go?

Hopefully most of you are feeling really excited about the Cambridge residential but a few of you may also be feeling a bit apprehensive? This page is designed to alleviate any fears and get you eager to go.

You’ve had 5 weeks off school, chilling out at home or on holiday, watching TV and catching up with your mates. Lessons seem a million miles away and quite frankly that’s how you’d like it to stay.

So why would you want to interrupt this peace and harmony with 4 hectic days in Cambridge?

• It free!

The HEAPS Cambridge Residential is completely free to attend. All accommodation costs, meals and reasonable travel expenses will be paid. You will just have to find your own personal spending money for the 4 days.

• Experience what university is actually like

You will never get a better chance to feel what it’s like to be a student before you actually begin your studies. You will be living in the beautiful St Catherine’s College, taking meals in the dining hall and sleeping in your own university style bedroom. You will be participating in an intensive programme of learning similar to that undertaken by first-year students, attending lectures, tutorials and seminars plus group-work and independent study to mirror the undergraduate student experience.

• Enhance your UCAS application

You will learn more about the UCAS application process, have the opportunity to partake in activities that will enhance your personal statement and then have the chance to create the first draft. You will also have an opportunity to find out about University interviews, think about how you would answer some typical questions, and even have your own personal mock interview.

• Improve your grades

Many of the lectures will directly help with your A-level work plus focus your mind and prepare you for the most important year in your school life so far

• Improve your social life

You’ll meet the other HEAPS students from schools all over London plus speak to current university students who will share with you the benefits of going to a top university such as Cambridge.

• Have fun!

Throughout the week there will be a range of non academic activities offered, including stargazing from an observatory, discovering the shops of Cambridge, punting down the river Cam (see picture), and more.