Life as a mature Archaeology student

Meet Archaeology student, Alessandra who came to the UK from Brazil. She studied an Access to Higher Education course, before applying to St Edmund’s College as a mature student.

Your journey to Cambridge

I was born in Brazil, but my journey to Cambridge really began when I was eleven years old. My mum moved us to England in search of better work opportunities, and we settled in Bournemouth for three years. I didn’t speak a word of English and didn’t know anyone, but I fell in love with the country almost immediately. England’s history captivated me – the castles, the ruins, the archaeological sites. Coming from Brazil, a much younger country, it felt like stepping into another world. That’s where my fascination with archaeology began, helped along by an incredible history teacher who made the subject come alive. From that moment, studying archaeology became my childhood dream.

When I turned 18, I was determined to return to England, go to university, and become an archaeologist. But life took a detour. My mum and I had to return to Brazil due to family issues, and although it was difficult, she told me something that stayed with me: “Finish school, and when you’re 18, you’ll have the freedom to return and pursue your dreams.” So, I did exactly that.

Back in Brazil, I finished school while working part‑time jobs, mostly teaching English to children. It helped me save money, but it also kept my English alive. By the time I was 17, I was working constantly, saving every bit I could. When I finally turned 18, I bought my ticket back to England. I returned to Bournemouth with just enough money to survive for a month and a place to stay for that same month. That was it, but it was enough.

Because of changes in immigration rules, I couldn’t apply to university straight away. I needed to have lived in the UK for five years. So, I worked, gained experience, and slowly built my qualifications. I completed my A‑levels in Maths and English with the help of private tutoring, passed my IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam, and eventually earned the three qualifications I needed. After that, I enrolled at Bournemouth and Poole College to complete an Access to Higher Education Diploma. I worked throughout and self‑funded my studies. Whilst I didn’t have any financial support, I was lucky to have the emotional support of my parents throughout.

The Access course was transformative. It taught me how to write academic essays, introduced me to the humanities, and gave me the confidence I needed. It set me up perfectly for university.

Why did you choose St Edmund’s College?

When I started looking at Cambridge colleges, St Edmund’s immediately stood out. I loved that it was a mature college and very international. That mattered to me as an international student. The atmosphere felt warm, friendly, and genuine. It wasn’t right in the busy city centre, but still close enough to everything. It felt like a hidden gem.

I applied directly to the College, had my interview with my Director of Studies, Karine, and everything just clicked. It felt like the right place for me.

Life at St Edmund’s

College life has been wonderful. I’ve made great friends, and the staff are some of the most welcoming people I’ve ever met. Because the College isn’t huge, you really get to know people, it becomes a home away from home. That sense of community is what makes Eddies so special.

One of the people who has inspired me most is Dr Parul Bhandari, one of the Fellows and a tutor here. She has been incredibly supportive, always warm and encouraging, and seeing someone so young achieve so much is deeply motivating. She’s the person I’ve spoken to the most, and she’s been a great example of what it means to thrive here.

Academic life and opportunities

My course has been everything I hoped for. The supervisions are insightful, the professors are passionate, and being taught by people who love the subject as much as I do is incredibly inspiring. When someone speaks about your favourite topic with such depth and enthusiasm, it pushes you to grow.

I’ve also had the chance to take part in fieldwork, a month‑long excavation in Dorchester. My tutor recommended it and helped me through the application process. I even received research funding from the Tutorial Office, which covered part of the cost and travel. It was an unforgettable experience, working alongside students and professionals in the field.

My dissertation focuses on the Winfarthing Burial, a seventh‑century elite woman buried in East Anglia with extraordinary grave goods, including gold necklaces. There are fascinating questions around her identity and faith. Was she Christian, pagan, or navigating both worlds during the conversion period? I’m exploring the role of women at that time, especially their involvement in early monastic life and the church. It’s a topic that feels both historically rich and personally meaningful.

How St Edmund’s is shaping your future

Being at Cambridge has reshaped how I think. It teaches you to question, to analyse, to see the world differently. It gives you tools that go far beyond your subject: critical thinking; independence; confidence. It’s a complete remodelling of who you are.

After graduation, I want to gain work experience and put my degree to use. I’m excited to see where archaeology takes me, but I’m also open to the unexpected.

Advice for future students

Dream big. Truly. Cambridge was never something I thought was possible for me. I applied with no expectations. I was simply enjoying my course and my life. But if you have a dream, follow it. You have nothing to lose.

Make the most of every opportunity. Cambridge isn’t just an education, it’s a journey of self‑discovery and growth. Embrace it fully. Reach out, ask questions, make connections. They are invaluable.