As this year’s Mastercard Foundation Scholars are putting the final touches to dissertations and attending graduation ceremonies, Damilola Oyeyemi shares her advice for those travelling to Cambridge at the end of next month – and all future Mastercard Foundation Scholars in Cambridge.
Hello, incoming Mastercard Foundation Scholars!
Receiving your offer letter from the University of Cambridge, and one of the world's most prestigious scholarship programmes, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, is a special moment.
Perhaps the excitement still feels unreal. You may find yourself asking, "Why me?".
The answer is simple: Why not you? This opportunity did not happen by chance. It is the result of years of hard work, sacrifice, resilience, and determination. Every late night, every setback you overcame, every application you submitted, and every moment you chose not to give up brought you here. You have earned your place.
This experience is different for everyone, but these are my personal lessons learned from a year in Cambridge. I would love to share them with you.
1. You belong here. Don't let imposter syndrome convince you otherwise.
One of the biggest challenges you may face won't be the coursework, it will be the voice in your head questioning whether you deserve to be here. At some point, almost everyone at Cambridge experiences imposter syndrome. You may compare yourself to classmates with impressive achievements or feel intimidated by the brilliance around you.
Remember this: the admissions committee and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program team chose you because they saw your potential. You earned your place through your hard work and accomplishments. Whenever self-doubt creeps in, remind yourself that you belong here just as much as anyone else.
2. Be fully present. Time flies faster than you think so make every moment count.
The Cambridge year goes by incredibly quickly. It may feel like you have all the time in the world when you first arrive, but before you know it, you'll be writing your dissertation, attending graduation, and wondering where the months went.
Don't spend your entire year worrying about what's next. Attend College events, explore the city, travel with friends, have meaningful conversations, volunteer and enjoy the experience beyond academics.
Some of your most valuable memories will come from the moments you didn't plan.
3. Learn to cycle. Sometimes the smallest skills give you the greatest freedom.
This might sound like an unusual piece of advice, but learning to cycle will completely change your Cambridge experience. A bicycle makes it easier to get to lectures, College events, libraries, and even nearby villages. More importantly, it gives you independence. If you don't already know how to ride a bike, make it one of the first things you learn after arriving. You'll thank yourself later.
4. Spend your stipend wisely. Financial discipline creates opportunities and peace of mind.
Receiving a monthly stipend is a privilege, but it also comes with responsibility. It can be tempting to spend impulsively, especially with so many exciting opportunities around you. Create a budget, distinguish between your needs and wants, and save whenever you can. Good financial habits will reduce unnecessary stress and allow you to enjoy your experience without constantly worrying about money.
5. Ask questions without fear. Curiosity is a strength, not a weakness.
Don't be afraid to speak up in class, ask your supervisor for clarification, or seek advice from professors and peers. Cambridge is filled with people who are passionate about sharing knowledge. Asking thoughtful questions is a sign that you are engaged and eager to learn and not that you know less.
7. Comparison steals joy. Focus on your own journey.
You'll meet people with extraordinary achievements, and it's easy to feel like you're falling behind. Resist the urge to measure your progress against someone else's. Everyone arrives at Cambridge with different experiences, strengths, and aspirations. Instead of comparing yourself with others, focus on becoming a better version of yourself each day and celebrate your own progress.
Finally, remember that Cambridge is not the finish line. It is the beginning. This University will challenge you intellectually, stretch you personally, and transform the way you see the world. The degree you earn is important, but the person you become during this journey is even more valuable.
Congratulations once again. You have already achieved something extraordinary. Now embrace every challenge, every lesson, every friendship, and every opportunity. If you’re anything like me, you'll look back on this year and realise that it didn't just change your career, it changed your life.