Cambridge moments: the start of something transformative

I had often imagined what it might feel like to study at Cambridge. Yet, when I finally arrived to begin my Master of Finance (MFin) at Cambridge Judge Business School, it wasn’t the grand, cinematic moment I had envisioned. Instead, it felt peaceful, real. As if the dream had quietly woven itself into my everyday life. It’s only been a few weeks. The transition has been both humbling and exhilarating.

The first step into a new world

The programme began with orientation, a whirlwind of introductions, nervous laughter and countless new names. I remember standing in a crowded hall, surrounded by people whose journeys had crossed oceans and cultures to be here. Every conversation held a different story, every handshake marked a new beginning. Amid the chaos and curiosity, I slowly began to find my rhythm. Stepping out of my comfort zone was both terrifying and liberating. I wasn’t just starting a degree, I was stepping into a new version of myself.

Walking through history

Each morning, as I walk through the cobbled courtyards to class, I’m reminded that these are the same paths once walked by Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin and Stephen Hawking. The air here feels thick with history, as if every whisper of the wind carries the echoes of discovery.

In my first month, I visited the Fitzwilliam Museum and stood before an original Picasso painting, its weathered canvas glowing softly under the dim lights. Later, at the Whipple Library, I attended a talk on the history of printing and  saw Newton’s own handwriting and signature behind glass. For a moment, time seemed to fold in on itself. I felt connected not just to the past but to a legacy of endless curiosity.

Finding my circles

The Fresher’s Fair was a burst of colour, energy and possibility. I’ve joined several Student Interest Groups (SIGs), taking on leadership roles as Co-Chair of the Cambridge India Business SIG and Company Secretary of the Private Equity/Venture Capital SIG. Through the India Business SIG, I had the privilege of hosting and moderating a conversation with Mr Atul Kulkarni, the celebrated Indian actor. Speaking with him on stage and later in person was surreal. It was one of those quintessential Cambridge moments that make you pause and smile.

Cambridge Judge is a vibrant hub of ideas and opportunities. Alumni sessions, financial modelling boot camps and leadership workshops fill our schedules but it’s the generosity of the people that leaves the deepest impression. People like Dan Murphy, an alumnus who volunteers his time to teach us new skills, remind me of the kind of professional and person I aspire to become.

Beyond technical skills, our classes focus on shaping us into mindful professionals and empathetic leaders. CV reviews, coaching sessions and even a 360-degree assessment have helped me gain a clearer understanding of myself. One of the most unexpected highlights? An improvisation workshop led by the drama department. Who would have thought business students could learn so much about confidence and adaptability from theatre?

Finding home, away from home

This is my first time living away from home and yet, Cambridge never lets you feel alone. During Diwali, I helped organise our official celebration, which brought together over a hundred guests, including the Dean and faculty members. Under the soft glow of lamps, the hall shimmered with laughter, warmth and the comforting scent of home-cooked food. It felt as though a little piece of India had found its way into these ancient walls. That night reminded me that home isn’t a fixed place it’s something we create in the company of others.

Becoming part of something timeless

Matriculation day will forever be etched in my memory. Dressed in a black academic gown, I stood in line with my peers, signing my name into a centuries-old register. In that moment, I officially became a member of this timeless university. Candlelight flickered across wood-panelled walls as chapel bells rang in the distance. The Latin grace filled the air. For a fleeting second, it felt like I was part of something vast and eternal.

Looking back, looking forward

I paused to look back on these first few weeks, I can hardly believe how much has changed. From a quiet town in Haryana, where dreams once felt far beyond reach, to the storied halls of Cambridge, this journey feels nothing short of magical.

Each day reminds me that growth begins with discomfort and courage often starts with curiosity. The MFin programme is shaping me not just as a finance professional but as a thinker, a learner and a global citizen.

As autumn paints the college lawns in gold and crimson, I feel deeply grateful for the mentors guiding me, the friends walking beside me and the endless possibilities ahead.

Cambridge, with its history and heart, has already begun to change me in ways both subtle and profound. Something tells me, this is only the beginning.