What’s your favourite way to de-stress? Curling up with a good book? A Netflix binge? Or perhaps escaping to a beautiful seaside town with friends for an unforgettable weekend? Well, for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars at the University of Cambridge, we decided to turn the dial up a notch – retreat style!
From Friday, January 10, to Sunday, January 12 2025, the scholars embarked on a memorable getaway to Sheringham, a charming seaside town in the United Kingdom. The retreat which occurs annually was an opportunity to shake off the stress of the intense Michaelmas term and recharge for the Lent term ahead. (Cambridge operates on a unique calendar of Michaelmas, Lent, and Easter terms – trust us, it’s a whole vibe!).
Sheringham is renowned for its serene beaches, lush landscapes, and old-world charm – a perfect escape from Cambridge’s rigorous academic whirlwind. At the start of the journey, scholars shared their expectations for the retreat and they were as varied as a buffet at a College Formal Hall. Some couldn’t wait to explore the town, others looked forward to bonding with peers after weeks of being buried under a mountain of books. One scholar, with a twinkle in their eye, just wanted to "get a proper taste of snow," given that Cambridge is notorious for its dry winters. Did these hopes and dreams pan out? Oh, you bet they did!
Scholars pose on Sheringham Beach
Upon arrival, scholars received their room keys and settled in. When it came to bonding, the room allocations hit the jackpot for the ladies, with more shared accommodations allowing plenty of late-night chats and laughs. Meanwhile, the gents had their share of camaraderie too.
The first evening kicked off with a hearty dinner, followed by a cozy movie night. The choice? ‘Red One’, a sci-fi Christmas caper starring none other than Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Picture this: Santa Claus, Christmas, and high-octane action – terrific, isn’t it? As the curtains rolled, scholars couldn’t resist belting out ‘Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town by Mariah Carey. Christmas in January? Absolutely! After all, Santa – and Dwayne – didn’t only save Christmas; they saved our Christmas, which for some scholars had been hijacked by academic pressure.
The second day began with a breakfast and a productive brainstorming session. Scholars discussed launching a social initiative in Africa, with a brilliant idea to pool small funds to create a collective impact. The scholars also decided to host monthly academic sessions featuring research presentations by Cambridge scholars and external researchers.
Later that day, the group ventured to Sheringham Beach, and oh, what a sight it was! The wind in their hair, the sound of crashing waves, and a few brave hearts who decided to dip their toes in the icy waters. It was a memory worth freezing for.
Following the beach visit, it was as though someone rang an invisible "snooze bell." Everyone instinctively headed for their beds. Perhaps they were recharging for the much-anticipated games night – or secretly plotting their strategies to dominate the Monopoly board. When the sun dipped, it was game time! Scholars threw themselves into the fun; poker, Heads up, Monopoly, pool, dance competitions, and even a little TikTok creativity. It was so refreshing to see everyone ditch the books and spend over five glorious hours embracing their inner child.
As the retreat came to a close the next day, it was clear that the scholars left Sheringham refreshed and united in their purpose. The heartwarming laughter, the friendly banter, and serious discussions about driving social change; the weekend was really a perfect blend of fun, bonding and inspiration.
Hmm… How about a retreat after Lent term? Oops! It’s officially thesis o’clock!