St John's
Thinking back to our first day at St John’s College, none of us could have imagined how the next three years would unfold. The whirlwind of Fresher’s Week felt like an entire term: jam-packed timetables, overflowing inboxes filled with emails from societies no one could remember signing up for, getting to grips with the Cambridge lingo, and experiencing our first ‘supos’ as we found our way around the castle walls we now called home.
"What makes John’s so special?” For starters: we have lived in historic buildings older than the United States, we’ve shared in unparalleled sporting success, and we have witnessed the College transform for the 'seventh best party in the world.' Yet, it is often the smaller moments that remain most unforgettable: the late-night debriefs, the catchups over coffee, and the quiet walks along the Backs. Ultimately, what makes John’s so special is its community. To arrive as strangers and to leave with friendships and connections that will last a lifetime is a true blessing.
From the gardeners who keep the grounds beautiful year-round to the Porters who greet us with a smile even when handing out their third replacement key of the day, and from the ever-friendly catering staff to the student services team for whom no problem is too big: we are truly grateful to everyone.
We have certainly experienced it all: Balliol trips, fighting for seats at the buttery, finding a last-minute costume for an Ent, attending sports swaps and birthday formals, diss deadlines and exam cramming, late-night academic ‘lock-ins’ and late-night trips to Kikis. Each experience, fast moving but unforgettable, across lows and soaring highs, has made the College our home.
Our College motto, ‘Souvent me souvient’, is a call to 'remember me often'. We know we can speak for all of us: we will never forget our time at St John’s.
Flo Richardson and Gabriel Bath
