Freshers’ Handbook ‘24
Welcome to our Tamil society and massive congratulations for your offers!
AT Cambridge, tsoc is a warm family where we come together to experience some cultural fun, regardless of our backgrounds. we also host bigger events throughout the year, discuss more serious topics and generally exist as a place where everyone can feel free to be themselves, even though we are far from home.
this handbook acts as a guide to introduce you all to our wonderful tsoc and give you some valuable advice and insight into getting settled - in the most Tamil way possible - ranging from a sneak peak into our socials, to our hot spots for cultural food in Cambridge.
WE cannot wait to welcome and get to know you all, and elves at our upcoming events!
Vanakkam guys, Anbudan TSoc
Vaanavil - TSoc Ball
Our flagship event in lentAn evening full of performances, food and an amazing dance floor!
Events
TSoc’s Got Talent
annual games night/ ice breaker evening where freshers come together to get to know one another and all of us on committee! Keep an eye out for more info coming soon
Fresher’s Meet & Greet
TRY AND SPOT THE COMMITTEE AS BABY FRESHERS !!
A talent showcase of music dance even magic and more with a bit of friendly competition - a fun way to end michaelmas!
Our vibrant garden party after exams to finish off the year on a high with food drinks, games and a performance from tsocs very own band!
Roja - Garden Party
Meet The Committee! Fav Song?
EnnoduNeeIrundhaal
Hi, I’m Shanjeev and I’m a second year studying engineering at Selwyn. I’m glad to say that I’m one of your presidents this year and I can’t wait to welcome you into the society!
Hi guyss my name’s Lithikga, a second year medic at Downing college and one of your presidents this year - looking forward to meeting you all!!
Hi my name is Sadhana!! I’m currently in my second year studying medicine at Peterhouse, and i’m TSoc committee’s secretary for this year.
PalaanadhuPalaanadhu
Fav Song?
Heyy everyone! I’m Lashmitha, your treasurer this year, and I’m a second year medic at Homerton :)
Hi everyone! I'm Jananee, the events officer and a second year medic at Selwyn!
Hi guys ������. I’m Shanjai, one of your events officers and a second year engineer at Lucy Cav.
KangalIrandal
ThuliThuli
WaterPacket
KannoduKanbathellam
Vanakkamguys;)I’mNavamee,a secondyearlawyeratLucyCav andTSoc’sPublicity& Communicationsofficer-super excitedtomeetyouallsoon!
Hiya,I'mPavmigaandI'masecond yearmedicatStJohn’scollege!I'm yourpublicityandsponsorships officerforthisyear!!
Hi everyone, I'm Anoushka and your welfare officer for this year! I'm a second year medic at Magdalene college.
KozhiVedaKozhi
Advice from the committee
HavingsurvivedayearatCambridge ourcommmembersshare theirmostimportantwordsofadviceforyourupcomingyear!
“Look forward to the weekly events and meeting the rest of the community! You might hear this piece of advice a lot, but honestly enjoy first year as much as you can. Get involved with everything that comes your way - sign up to at least three societies (academic, sports and cultural) and then stick to two you enjoy as the year goes on. It will give you a good work life balance and force you to get away from work which is crucial for university. As you now have more independence make sure you stay organised with a timetable (I use Google Calendar) as a lot of commitments may start to overlap so it will just make your lives easier :) “
#TSOC
“My biggest advice for freshers would be to make sure you make the most of your first year and all the opportunities you’re given! there are so many new things to try through different societies so sign up to any you’re interested in during freshers week and then stick to a few you enjoy throughout the year. Don’t neglect your studies but make sure you find the right balance between work and fun!! Also fresher flu is not a myth lol - bring cold meds and rasam!! Good luck to yall, no doubt you’ll do amazing and remember we’re always here to help!”
“Handling the workload that comes with being at Cambridge along with adjusting to being more independent as a uni student can get very difficult at times. Make sure you stay on top of managing work right from the beginning, and also prioritise building strong friendships that you can rely on for support if you’re finding things difficult!”
“My advice would be to stay organised - stay on track with lecture material and any work you supervisors set. But also remember that it’s ok to fall behind (it’s inevitable) but try your best to not get discouraged by this and just continue to work at your own pace. Your supervisors are also here to help and clear any doubts, so use your supervisions wisely! Most importantly, leave free time for yourself (e.g. spend time socialising at societies or doing your hobbies) and enjoy the uni life :)!”
LASHMITHA TREASURER
“In terms of advice, I’d say make sure you go to the freshers fair and abuse it to get as much free stuff as possible and just join as many societies as possible and try out taster days for as many clubs as you can. Talk to loads of people and have fun mainly - there’s really no need to be serious and locked in from the start. Just be open-minded and be adventurousmaybe not too adventurous though. Mainly just have as much fun as you can and there’s nothing to be worried about.”
“My first piece of advice for the Freshers this year is to plan your week (when to do your work, go to society events etc.) so that you don't have to do last minute essays. I would also say that if you don't finish understanding/learning content of one week, don't spend the next week going over that as you'll fall behind on new content - you always have the holidays to catch up! And my last piece of advice would be to use the holidays really well and properly catch up with all the work you've missed and revise it! I'm sure you'll all ace first year and good luck!!”
Even though it’s first year, bare in mind that it is still Cambridge and you do have to work very hard - surround yourselves with smart, hard-working people so you also feel motivated to be on top of things! If you’re missing Tamil snacks, Midan is right by Lucy so come along to top up - also, don’t forget to bring a good variety of traditional clothes for upcoming events, there’s always a lot going on. Don’t be afraid to bring non-Tamil/non-brown friends along too. You guys will be amazing this year - work hard but also play hard!!
“Starting university can feel overwhelming with the change of workload and environment. Don’t worry if it takes a while to settle in as everyone is in the same boat. Joining societies can be helpful to make friends and be a nice distraction.”
NAVAMEE PUBLICITY PAVMIGA PUBLICITY
“I understand the transition can be difficult and settling in Cambridge can take some time. So please don't hesitate to ask for help, especially college and society parents who've been through your experience. They'll provide you with the best resources and support to ensure you enjoy your time here without burning out!”
Restaurants
RatedthebestIndian restaurantinCambridge, withauthenticfood,100% vegetarianoptionsandavery prettyinterior-justoutside thecitycentrebyLucyCav
6. Dishoom (Permit Room)
ABombay-styleall-day bar-cafewithflavourfulfood andgreatservice,butslightly onthepriceyside-verycentral, oppositeTrinityCollege
5. Coconut Fusion
Sri-Lankanfusion
restaurantwithahome-made, uniquetouch-abitofatrek though,asitisquitea distancefromthecitycentre
TSoc Families
TSOC families are. a great way to get in contact with members of all years and colleges - the “parents” you are assigned act as mentors to help you navigate your time at cambridge and your family will surely be a welcoming group to hang out with and take part in our family events with!
#TsocAnbu
Families are allocated considering things such as interests, hobbies, course and college. - keep an eye out on our socials for a sign up form very very soon!
Packing List
Extension lead
Room decor - Use
Freeprints!!
Bedsheets, pillows, duvet, covers, mattress protector
Speaker, cards/games
Hangers
Pans
Bowls & Plates
Mugs & Cups Cutlery
Washing Up Liquid
Dishmatiic
Storage Boxes
Laptop/Tablet
Water Bottle
Pencil Case Traditional Clothes
Chopping Board
Tea Towels
Tupperware Foil
Baking Tray
Can/Bottle
Opener
pods/detergent
Towels
Shower Slippers
Cambridge Dictionary
Camcard: Your college card that you use around college and as your student ID
DoS: Your director of studies, who is in charge of all of your academics
Fellows: College academics
Plodge: Porters Lodge. Much like a reception area for each college and where your mail arrives in Pidges (Pigeon Holes)
Buttery: where you go to get food in college
Formal: Dinner in a college hall where you dress fancy and wear gowns
Blues: Students who play against Oxford in varsity matches.
Supos: Supervisions, which are small group teaching sessions organised by college (like tutorials at Oxford)
Bumps: Rowing race between colleges where the aim is to bump the boat in front
Babbage: where majority of the science subjects have lectures
Sidge: Sidgwick site. Where a lot of humanities lectures happen
Gardies: La Gardenia. Greek food that you usually get after a night out
Jacks: Most popular ice cream place that has unique flavours that change all the time
Bridgemas: Cambridge Christmas
May week: Week affer exams finish in Easter term and is filled with may balls and other summer events
If you want to show your support for tsoc today-
MEMBERSHIP - £8 LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP - £10
Not only will you be a part of putting on our bigger, better events... you will also have access to exclusive discounts ON TICKETS & MEMBERS ONLY EVENTS! Scan the
