Before starting at Cambridge, I had grand visions of the many activities me and my newfound friends would undertake. Of course, we did many things: The Regal saw us as regulars; we got into as many bops at other colleges as we could; and we weren’t too averse to a night spent dancing at Revs. Yet, nothing came to excite me more than a ‘Welfare Walk’ now does. As much as me and my friends would like to think we coined the term, we know this is not the case – but we are loyal disciples of the concept. As Michaelmas turned into Lent, and the workload increased, we found ourselves taking ‘Welfare Walks’ more often (although not to the neglect of our Revs nights). If I were to endorse any activity to others at Cambridge, it would be this.

“If I were to endorse any activity to others at Cambridge, it would be ‘Welfare Walks’”

The Cambridge workload is intense, and many myths float around about this hindering a thriving social life or close friendships. Most of us have had to cancel a plan here and there to finish an essay, but I have found that my friendships at Cambridge became stronger as we’ve tried to balance this life together. Even if it’s just for a 20-minute walk, we still try to see each other, keeping things low-maintenance when necessary in this high-maintenance academic environment. Cambridge students are never too busy for friendships or a social life; when it comes to managing extra commitments and exams, sometimes I found myself needing to enjoy the simpler things with my friends.

After the intensity of Michaelmas, which saw socialising trump working, the all-encompassing feeling of work and nearing exams gradually forced activities to dwindle into these spontaneous, often late-night, ‘Welfare-Walks’. The middle of Easter term felt reminiscent of a type of limbo; societies, formals, and club nights were suspended as the library became the new Saturday-night craze. Between sessions of revision, my friends and I would always take strolls through the city. Whether it was just around the centre of Cambridge, or one instance of walking to Girton and back at midnight (it is truly not as far as people seem to think!), it was the way we afforded ourselves a moment of peace at a time offering nothing but stress. At weekends, we endeavoured to do the same, going to Grantchester or Coton when we could. It’s highly likely that I owe my sanity during Easter term to these ‘Welfare Walks’ and the people that shared them with me.

“‘Welfare Walks’ with friends have made me appreciate the group of people I have around me even more”

Now, spending time walking (and incessantly chattering) with my friends has become not just a last-minute decision, but something I look forward to. Going on ‘Welfare Walks’ are free to us and even if we don’t want to talk (which admittedly is not a regular sentiment) we just share earphones and listen to music as we walk.

A new proclivity towards this simple activity – when we don’t have time for much else – has taught me a lot about how my life and friendships have changed for the better since the beginning of my first Michaelmas. I no longer feel as though I must force myself to go to everything to ensure I stay close to my friends. Instead of constantly feeling the need to impress, I now feel more comfortable than ever with the friends I have made. If I need to, I can say ‘no’ to things I would not have been able to miss last year, even if I wanted to. ‘Welfare Walks’ with friends have made me appreciate the group of people I have around me even more. We can comfortably walk together in silence when we need a break, and to me, it shows how strong our relationships are.

When I’m in a state of vacation boredom I look forward to the return of bops, formals and college bars but I miss nothing as dearly as my friends and our ‘Welfare Walks’.