Arrivals day is always an exciting time at any ORA campus. Although Eddie’s is now the last remaining ORA campus in Cambridge, Sunday was no exception to the usual excitement. Despite the wet weather, new students arrived in buoyant spirits, looking forward to the prospect of an unforgettable fortnight.

There was, as always, students travelling from an incredibly broad range of countries. Students joined us from Trinidad and Tobago, Thailand and Mauritius, among other places. Some had already spent time with us at St Edmund’s, while a few others joined from the other 16-18 campus at Cambridge, St Catharine’s.

Parents and students alike were welcomed by Programme Director Craig Davidson, before goodbyes were said as students waved off their families. Then it was time for the latest cohort of ORA St Edmund’s students to get to know one another a little better over dinner. After a brief tour of campus and induction, they continued this process with our counsellor team over some ice-breaking games, including the British playground classic of Bulldog.

It was excellent to see everyone bonding over the stories of their journeys to arrive in the UK, and it really seems that this group are bursting with energy to begin their programmes. Counsellors and junior deans also took the time to get to know everyone’s names, making sure that the whole group felt settled and comfortable in their new home.

By curfew, students were tired from their journeys and a busy evening of making friends. Ahead of them is the prospect of a superb two weeks of learning and fun, we look forward to all that this has to bring!