For Jess Gotterson (English 2024) an old adage rings true for Gonville & Caius College: the people do really make the place.

Caius may be a 677-year-old institution of academic excellence, but it is also home for so many undergraduate and postgraduate students – and bonds alumni for life. Once a Caian… is not just the name of the College’s annual magazine.

Jess felt welcome at Caius by personal interactions at open days – she wrote about her experience in Varsity, Cambridge’s independent student newspaper – and now is one of those who impart their wisdom on prospective students.

“Even though all of the colleges have an amazing reputation, I wouldn't put that at the top of what I was searching for,” Jess says. 

“I think it’s more about the people, how I felt talking to the current students and student ambassadors. The student who showed me around is someone I remember so brilliantly; she was the person who convinced me.

“She was doing English and I wanted to talk to her and it seemed like she really wanted to talk to me – not because she had to. She wanted to know about me and it felt genuine and trustworthy. She was honest, answering questions about what it was like to live here, about how hard the work is sometimes, and financial support. Not holding back on the negatives was important.”

Jess is now one of those access ambassadors sharing their experience of Caius, two years on from applying herself, and a year on from matriculating at the College.

When showing Old Courts, Caius’ historic city centre site, Jess is keen to also talk about West Road – a 10-minute walk from the centre and home to undergraduate freshers. She would show pictures of her Harvey Court room on her phone, persuading aspiring students to take a look at accommodation which is next to the University’s Sidgwick site, home to many of the arts and humanities teaching spaces.

For Jess, Cambridge was not a long-held ambition, until being suggested by teachers and visiting as part of outreach schemes. Caius has initiatives of different types aimed at different age groups, and Jess is from Norfolk, which is linked to Caius through a University scheme. It was Caius’ Cambridge Higher Aspirations Scheme which encouraged Jess to apply.

She had a residential trip to the College, an experience which allowed her to imagine herself as a student.

She adds: “The open day is amazing, but things are on show a little bit. It’s almost a better experience to stay overnight – if you get the chance, do it! I experienced the living facilities, the food, and the people. You get to experience exactly what it would be like, something one day doesn’t wholly prepare you for.

“I had been to the July open days, and seen a few of the colleges, but it wasn’t until after the residential that I chose to apply to Caius.”

Jess has spent the summer working at an outdoor activities camp. When she reunites with friends, some of whom she will not have seen since June, Jess will be reminded of what she has loved so much about Caius so far.

"It's been amazing; first year I just had the best time,” she adds. “I think the fact that I can't wait to come back is a good sign!”

Learn more about our Open Day on Friday 12 September: Open Days | Gonville & Caius