Aspiring medical students had the opportunity to experience life at Gonville & Caius College this summer as part of an access residential programme organised by Caius Medical Society.

The 19 visiting students were all in Year 12 and from widening participation backgrounds. They stayed at Caius’ Harvey Court site – home of the College’s freshers’ accommodation – and received insights from current students into the Medicine application process and what it is like to live in Cambridge.

The students had talks on the various stages of the application process, talks from supervisors and also enjoyed social activities, including a guided punt tour along The Cam and a treasure trail around the city.

The residential was planned by Caius MedSoc President Fozy Ahmed (Medicine 2020), who was accompanied by fellow Caius students Aroun Kalyana (Medicine 2020) and Melissa Jones (Medicine 2020). Caius Fellows supported with talks, and funding was provided by the Caius Medical Association, an alumni group which seeks to build a sense of community before and long after graduating from the University of Cambridge and leaving the College.

Fozy, pictured, says: “The main thing we were trying to achieve was to allow students from widening participation backgrounds the chance to not only learn in a detailed about the medicine application process, but also what it’s like living and studying in Cambridge.

“There were talks from medical Fellows, mock supervisions – and they really enjoyed the small-group teaching. It was a bit more of a holistic experience than you might get from a day trip or an online talk.”

It was also made clear to the visiting students that undertaking a medical degree at Caius is a realistic ambition for the most academically able, regardless of background.

“A big misconception is that it’s going to be more expensive coming to Cambridge. We’re very lucky with colleges being very happy to give financial support to people that need it,” Fozy adds.

Feedback received was overwhelmingly positive, with some participants’ only regret that the residential had not been longer, or that they were only able to experience one supervision. Fozy thanked the College for their support, particularly Caius’ Schools’ Liaison Officer David Rennie, and hopes it becomes a biennial or annual event.

The residential was one of a number of outreach initiatives by Caius MedSoc, which has been hosting a series of online talks on Wednesdays throughout August and is hosting a mini-lecture series in September. For more details visit Caius MedSoc on Instagram, where you can sign up for the talks.

Fozy’s position has allowed him to reflect on his own experience of the application process and the reality of studying at Caius, which was initially impaired by restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Fozy is from north-west London, attended Queen Elizabeth’s School for Boys in Barnet and his Mum is a GP. “She was my main inspiration,” says Fozy. “She tried to put me off medicine! But when she saw I was committed, she was supportive.”

Like the students who sampled Caius, Fozy is making the most of the student experience. In addition to Caius MedSoc, he is the incoming vice-captain for Caius’ men’s rugby team and a social officer for the Cambridge University Islamic Society (ISoc).

“These things make the whole experience more enjoyable, because it’s not just work,” says Fozy, who says time management is integral.

“Doing Medicine you might think it’s a hindrance to get involved in too much, but it’s important to be transparent with people around you. There have been times I’ve had to sacrifice other commitments and focus on work.

“Especially in term time, it’s about planning your weeks – your social time – and working around that. It makes me more productive in whatever I do.”