Hello future MMLers!
I’m Claire, your MML rep, and a 2nd year German and Russianist at Pembroke.
MML is one of the most varied and interesting degrees at Cambridge because not only are you learning
languages but also the history and culture behind these languages. Obviously I can’t speak for the
languages I don’t study, but whatever you’ve chosen you’re bound to find it exciting and challenging
all at the same time.
If you’re anything like me, this new transition is seeming pretty scary at the moment, and it is a huge
change. This isn’t helped by the fact that there are loads of stories circulating about how Cambridge
is horrible and the work load will break you etc… The truth is: yes, it’s tough, but it’s not impossible,
and if Pembroke have picked you, the likelihood is that you’ll be great.
Even so, here are a few tips which I wish I had known before starting:
1) If you’re starting a language from scratch, it’s always helpful to go into it knowing a few things.
I don’t mean spend the last few weeks of summer freedom cramming grammar from a
textbook, but even learning a few words on Memrise or Quizlet can be so helpful. Remember,
what you do now means less to do in Michaelmas!
2) If you’re just doing languages post- A level, it might be useful to go over your A level notes
before you start (that is, if you didn’t burn/rip/throw them away out of post-exam joy),
because after a summer of speaking no German, my language skills were a little rusty, and
that’s being quite generous.
3) Try and read the core texts in the target language as soon as possible, even if you don’t
understand everything, it saves so much time.
4) During term time, DON’T think your life can only revolve around work. Part of being at
Cambridge is learning how to balance your time effectively. I can’t emphasise this enough,
obviously spend time working, but also spend time making friends, trying out new societies or
continuing with passions you had at school. You need things to take your mind off work, and
there’s no point graduating with a First if you haven’t gained anything else from your uni
experience.
5) The chances are you picked and were picked for this degree because you have a vague interest
in it. Try to keep that going and enjoy the course as best you can, if there’s a niche element of
Spanish film or Russian art which interests you, PURSUE it. Loving your subject makes working
for it so much easier, and no one will think you’re a nerd or anything, your new friends will
probably like listening to you talk about your interest.
So there you have it, from someone who was terrified to go to Cambridge for their first year, but who
is really quite looking forward to their second. If you ever have any questions/just want to talk to
someone about MML problems (or anything else), feel free to send me an email at cpmb2@cam.ac.uk.
Just always remember that even though it’s hard sometimes, there is so much support and so many
people who want you to do well. You are good enough to be here, and you’re going to have an amazing
time.
See you all in October!
Claire