PakSoc Fresher's Handbook 2024 by CU PakSoc

-WELCOME MESSAGES -WELCOME MESSAGES -MEET THE COMMITTEE -MEET THE COMMITTEE -LIFE AT CAMBRIDGE -LIFE AT CAMBRIDGE

Don ’ t hesitate to reach out to any of us with questions or if you'd like to be connected with someone at your college or studying your subject :) CAMBRIDGE

Hello, AsSalamualaikum, and welcome to the University of Cambridge!

Firstly, a huge congratulations on meeting your offer! Starting your journey at Cambridge is a massive achievement, filled with opportunities for learning, growth and forging lifelong friendships!

Transitioning to university can be challenging, so here at PakSoc, we aim to provide a supportive community that feels like a home away from home. And so, we hope this handbook will serve as a handy guide to help you settle into life at Cambridge. Rest assured, you're not alone; we're here to support you!

CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PAKISTAN SOCIETY CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PAKISTAN SOCIETY

Moving to a new place can be daunting, but don’t worry, we are here to help you every step of the way! Here are a few tips to help you settle in:

1. CITY ORIENTATION: Take some time to explore Cambridge. Familiarise yourself with essential locations like supermarkets, libraries and your department buildings. Our members are always happy to give a tour or share their favourite spots in the city.

2. ACADEMICS: The academic environment at Cambridge can be intense, but remember that everyone is here to support you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your tutors, supervisors or fellow society members if you need any academic help or advice.

3. STAY CONNECTED: Follow us on social media and join our mailing list to stay updated on all our events and activities. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions or suggestions!

We look forward to meeting each and every one of you and sharing a memorable year together. Cambridge is a place where you will grow academically, socially, and personally. PakSoc is here to ensure you have a fulfilling and enjoyable experience!

Bohat Saara PakSoc Pyaar �� - PakSoc Committee 24/25

CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PAKISTAN SOCIETY

ECONOMICS

CLARE

RAYYAN KHAN CO-PRESIDENT

GEOGRAPHY

SIDNEY SUSSEX

SABRINA MOHAMMAD CO-PRESIDENT

ECONOMICS DOWNING

LAND ECONOMY FITZWILLIAM

INAAYA SALIM VICE PRESIDENT

KASHMIR

SAJEEL BHAT TREASURER

EDUCATION DOWNING

SAMAN BUTT SECRETARY

CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PAKISTAN SOCIETY

MEDICINE TRINITY

RAMEEN NAUMAN CHARITY OFFICER

ZAINUDEEN TAKOLIA WELFARE&ACCESSOFFICER

LAND ECONOMY ROBINSON

ENGLISH LUCY CAV

MEDICINE MEDWARDS

EESA SHEIKH EVENTS OFFICER

ALYANA KHAN INTERNATIONAL REP

ECONOMICS SIDNEY SUSSEX

IMAAN AWAN CHARITY OFFICER

ENGLISH PETERHOUSE

FARHAAN SHAIKH SPONSORSHIP OFFICER

AMES MEDWARDS

FAIZAN ASLAM SOOFI CULTURE & EDUCATION OFFICER

MPHIL ST JOHNS

AILA AHMED CONTENT CREATOR

HARZIQ ALI POSTGRAD OFFICER

Mubarak Ho! Hello all and congratulations on meeting your offers! You should all be incredibly proud - all your hard work has paid off and you are ready to start your journey at Cambridge!

As you begin this exciting chapter, know that we are here to support you every step of the way. Whether you're looking for a taste of home, academic guidance, or just some friendly faces, our society and committee are here to help you make the most of your time at Cambridge!

Don't hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or need support with settling in. We can't wait to meet you all during Fresher’s week!

RAYYAN, SABRINA & INAAYA

CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PAKISTAN SOCIETY

POSTGRADUATES POSTGRADUATES

Firstly, Mubarak Ho on getting in!

Cambridge is definitely a wonderful place to be a postgraduate. Although it might seem odd to have separate halls or combination rooms than undergraduates, it is genuinely a positive distinction.

As a postgraduate, you get to very closely interact with people across various stages in their careers — from students fresh out of their undergraduate degrees to mid-career professionals. I genuinely believe you learn more about your field of study and about life from the people you meet than your lectures, especially as a postgraduate student with less contact hours — so make the most of postgraduate events and societies like Paksoc, especially the postgraduate-specific events!

NAFISA - RECENT MPHIL GRADUATE

CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PAKISTAN SOCIETY

WELFARE OFFICER WELFARE OFFICER

Hi everyone, I'm Zainudeen and I'm Welfare Officer for Cambridge University PakSoc!

I manage all of our welfare events and make sure that we prioritise the welfare of all our members, nourishing the warm environment that we have. I also lead our access programmes which widen opportunities for

ZAINUDEEN

CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PAKISTAN SOCIETY

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Hello everyone! I'm Alyana, this year's international rep. I was raised in Karachi which meant having to move far away from home to attend Cambridge.

Hey newbies, I ’ m Inaaya, your Vice President this year! I was born and raised in Dubai, so we ’ re both familiar with adjusting to a new environment! re sure it will be no different for

INAAYA

ALYANA

CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PAKISTAN SOCIETY

PakSoc Membership will give you access to discounts for our events throughout the year, particularly beneficial for our flagship events such as the Cambridge x Oxford collab, Eid Garden Party and much more!

PakSoc Membership also excitingly allows you to recieve discounts at popular food spots in Cambridge when you present your membership pass! Perfect for eating out to get through Week 5 Blues or to celebrate any occasion!

Some of our food discounts include...

Zi ’ s Piri Piri - 15% off The Grill Peri Peri - 15% off Kan Zaman - 10% off Heavenly Desserts - 20% off (min £10 spend)

Chaiiology - meal deals

CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PAKISTAN SOCIETY

We are bringing back PakSoc families!!

PakSoc families provide a friendly and welcoming support system for undergrads to confide in. You will be allocated 2nd years as your ‘ parents ’ who have gone through the fresher phase, and are willing to offer their advice about any struggles you ’ re facing or any questions you may have - whether related to academics, college life or settling in!

Stay tuned for our unique merchandise launch ��

CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PAKISTAN SOCIETY CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PAKISTAN SOCIETY

Allama Muhammad Iqbal

Born in Sialkot, Iqbal completed his BA and MA from Government College Lahore, and earned another BA from Trinity College, Cambridge in 1906. He qualified as a barrister at Lincoln ’ s Inn and earned a PhD in philosophy from Munich. Returning to Lahore, he practiced law but is best known for his poetry and philosophy. Known as ‘ Shayar-e-Mashriq ’ (Poet of the East), his poem ‘ Taloo-e-Islam ’ (The Rise of Islam) became a freedom anthem. His lectures, compiled as "The Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam," called for a revival of Muslim intellectualism. Influenced by both Western and Eastern thought, he was politically active, notably delivering the Allahabad Address and serving in the Punjab Legislative Council. Although he died before seeing Pakistan ’ s creation, his legacy endures, with his birthday celebrated as a national holiday, honoring him as ‘ Mufakkir-e-Pakistan ’ (The Thinker of Pakistan).

Ali studied Law at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, earning an MA in 1940. In 1933, he wrote the seminal pamphlet "Now or Never: Are We to Live or Perish Forever?" which became known as the 'Pakistan Declaration' by coining the name 'Pakistan'. Addressed to the British and Indian delegates at the third Round Table Conference, the pamphlet advocated for a separate Muslim nation-state. Ali was in contact with Allama Iqbal during his time in Cambridge and actively participated in political movements leading to Pakistan's creation. After returning to Lahore in 1948, he protested against the borders of Pakistan. His disagreements with Jinnah and Liaqat Ali Khan led to his expulsion from Pakistan in 1948. He returned to England, where he died in 1951. Despite his bitter departure, he is remembered for curating a name for the vision that Indian Muslims pursued. He was buried in Cambridge and his legacy as a key figure in the creation of Pakistan is honoured.

CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PAKISTAN SOCIETY

Pioneers of Pakistan Conference

Our staple conference where distinguished professionals of Pakistani heritage give TED style talks followed by panel discussions and networking circles. A chance for our students to bridge into becoming young professionals.

Recently we hosted a formal at Emmanuel College, Cambridge followed by an insightful open discussion on Pakistan’s developmental agendas and economy hosted by Kamal Munir, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge.

POLITICAL COLLABS

Guest Speakers

Various empowering and thoughtful talks on Pakistan’s economic, social, political and environmental affairs.

CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PAKISTAN SOCIETY

PakSoc Ball

Eid Garden Party

Our annual garden party celebrating Eid AlFitr open to any students and staff! A chance to celebrate openly whilst away from home yet still enjoying standard Eid treats such as mithai, biryani, samosas and much more!

Our iconic ball hosted in collaboration with Oxford PakSoc! Our balls aim to implement Pakistan’s rich culture and offer a fun environment away from studying!

And much more!

We also host a range of chill welfares, cricket matches, fun socials and competitive challenge nights!

IndiaSOC X PAKSOC CRICKET match

Who wants to be a millionaire?

Sundari Fashion Show BIG Challenge Night

CAMBRIDGE

UNIVERSITY PAKISTAN SOCIETY

CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PAKISTAN SOCIETY

At CU PakSoc, we believe that giving back to the community is not just an obligation but a core value that defines who we are. Our mission is rooted in helping those who need it most, and this commitment is reflected in the various charitable initiatives we undertake throughout the year. From supporting education and healthcare to standing in solidarity with oppressed communities, PakSoc is dedicated to making a positive impact both locally and globally.

SAF is an organisation that shares our commitment to uplifting marginalised communities by providing access to essential services like education, healthcare, clean water, and emergency relief. To support SAF’s noble mission, CU PakSoc has organised multiple fundraising events and are proudly part of the SAF student network which holds annual networking events to share the inspiring SAF initiatives among student leaders across multiple universities.

We have consistently condemned the genocide in Palestine and actively contributed to charities like Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP). These organisations are at the forefront of providing humanitarian assistance, including medical aid, to those affected by the ongoing conflict. Recently, we organised an Open Mic Night which took place at the encampment in King’s College, to share song and poetry on the theme of “the power of resistance”. We also hold charity raffles at our flagship events and have raised over £1000 for MAP!

SHAHID AFRIDI FOUNDATION

MEDICAL AID FOR PALESTINIANS

CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PAKISTAN SOCIETY CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PAKISTAN SOCIETY

More recently, PakSoc has begun collaborating with the SKZ Foundation, a charity dedicated to addressing various social issues in Pakistan. By joining forces with SKZ, we aim to address the needs of children living in the slums through poverty alleviation, education, and healthcare. One key initiative with the SKZ Foundation is the upcoming medical conference on humanitarian medicine aimed at both medical and non-medical students.

THE UK SEPSIS TRUST

Another cause close to our hearts is the fight against sepsis, particularly within the British Pakistani community. We recognize the increased risk of sepsis-related mortality among British Pakistanis and are keen to support the UK Sepsis Trust in their efforts to raise awareness and promote early detection. By encouraging our members to engage with ongoing research and participate in awareness campaigns, we hope to contribute to reducing the impact of sepsis on our community.

Cambridge University Pakistan Society’s charity work is a reflection of our deep commitment to social justice, community support, and global solidarity. Whether through supporting education and healthcare in Pakistan, standing with Palestine, or raising awareness about critical health issues in the UK, we strive to make a meaningful difference. Our members are at the heart of these efforts, and we are proud of the collective impact we have achieved together. As we continue to grow, we remain dedicated to our mission of helping those who need it most, wherever they may be.

SKZ FOUNDATION

Independence day at the Pakistani Embassy with SKZ

CEO Dr Hifza Khan

PROPHETMUHAMMAD PROPHETMUHAMMAD

CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PAKISTAN SOCIETY

· Franco Manca

· Taco Bell

· Gardies

· Tortilla (Halal chicken)

· KFC

· Popeyes

· Byron (Halal chicken)

· Pizza Pilgrims

· Kineya

· GBK (Halal chicken)

· Honest Burgers (Halal chicken)

· Wendy ’ s

· Tiffin Truck

· Dishoom Permit Room

O U T ____FOOD STALLS!

*DISCLAIMERs*

- Check which restaurants are on the boycott list

- some restaurants only serve some dishes with halal chicken and some sauces may contain alcohol.

ensure to check the halal status with restaurant management

CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PAKISTAN SOCIETY SWEET

Y C E NTRE O P T I O N S Heavenly Desserts T4 Hefaure Creams & much more! & MORE OPTIONS ALL OVER CAMBRIDGE!

· Chaiiology

· The Grill Peri Peri

· Zi ’ s Piri Piri

M I L L ROAD

· Kan Zaman

· Al Casbah

· Pepe ’ s

· Samaan

· Bedouin

· DamasBridge

- Urban Chai

- Tawa Bites

- Efes Restaurant

- Little Petra

- Mina SteakhousE

CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PAKISTAN SOCIETY

SU P E R M A RKET S

NEWMARKET ROAD NEWMARKET ROAD

- Aldi, Tesco, Lidl (also many other stores such as Curry ’ s, B&Q, Sports Direct)

Cambridge is home to many supermarkets. Most students shop at Sainbury ’ s Here are some near the city centre: Mainsbury ’ s -CB2 3HX

SLocal ’ s - CB2 3AH

Eddington - CB3 1SE

BEEHIVE CENTRE BEEHIVE CENTRE (Halal options available)

- Asda, M&S foodhall (also many other stores such as B&M, TKMAXX, Homesense)

CITY CENTRE CITY CENTRE

-- Aldi Aldi (Histon Road) (Histon Road), Sainsburys, , Sainsburys, M&S foodhall, Tesco Express, M&S foodhall, Tesco Express, Waitrose Waitrose (Trumpington) (Trumpington)