As a fresher, Michaelmas term was the time to try a wealth of different societies. From signing up to the occasional obscure sporting team after accidentally making eye contact with an ambassador at freshers’ fair to checking out the close-knit college societies in an attempt to get to know my flatmates – we’ve all done it. But growing up in a school environment with a diverse range of students from minority backgrounds, I often wondered how this might change at Cambridge. How would I be able to maintain and foster my British Indian heritage without feeling out of place?

Above all, it was the presence of cultural societies that completely transformed my perspective. Feeling plagued by the Week Five blues, I went out to a small Sikh Society gathering to watch a Punjabi film. As I left, I turned to my friend. Telling me “I miss hearing Punjabi,” he had opted to stay for longer. When speaking to members of various cultural societies, many students echo this sentiment of appreciation for a safe cultural space which reflects their identity. Sophie Ennis, joint social secretary of Northern Society, tells me “it’s been really helpful and affirming to chat to people about issues like imposter syndrome, accent bias and homesickness, or even just minor things like the lack of good chips and gravy in Cambridge, or the price of pints compared to up North.” The presence of cultural societies helps students to ground themselves in a new generation of Cambridge students who not only acknowledge but actively celebrate the idiosyncrasies of their home accents and languages.

“Not only acknowledge, but actively celebrate, the idiosyncrasies of their home accents and languages”

But that’s not to say that reconciling a multicultural identity with everyday life at Cambridge is straightforward. I find that cultural societies are often seen as safe spaces which are separate or incompatible with Cambridge as a historically privileged institution. For many, this archaic exclusivity still seems to pervade among notorious, age-old societies, which disregards the university’s growing inclusivity and progression. One Camfess user quips that “we all know the requirement [to join a drinking society] is to be a tall, average-looking white man who plays sports,” while another criticises the “‘tap on the shoulder’ system” of such covert clubs.

Jane Mills, the vice president of the Afro-Caribbean Society, explains why cultural societies deserve recognition within the Cambridge experience. “Ultimately, students who are members of a cultural society are likely representing a small minority within their respective universities. This only amplifies the need for them even more.” She continues that “the ability to connect with people who share similarities in background, interests and even values is something a lot of students desire.”

“At the heart of cultural societies is acceptance and appreciation of differences”

At the heart of cultural societies is acceptance and appreciation of differences, not only as a minority in a diverse cohort of Cambridge students but also as a minority who may have a disconnect to their culture in comparison to others of the same background. Arjun Judge explains how, as president of Sikh society, he ensures that all students are welcome. “Regardless of individuals’ levels of Sikhi knowledge, background or faiths; even something simple like quickly explaining any Sikh terminology that comes up during discussions goes a long way in ensuring no one feels left out!” In response to how cultural societies might be alienating for those less familiar with their ancestral identity, Rin Ishida, social secretary of the Anglo-Japanese society, tells me: “even at events designed to be inclusive, some people might default to speaking their native language, which can unintentionally exclude those who don’t speak it.” To combat this, Rin tells me that “we changed the name [from Japanese Society to Anglo-Japanese Society] to improve inclusivity and ensure that no one with an interest feels excluded.”

Eloise, events officer of French Society, sees that cultural societies are appreciated for multiple reasons. “I know for some it’s more of a fun social opportunity, whereas for others it really is a ‘safe space’ […] In any case, I think they’re important, especially in a university that’s not extremely culturally diverse; their existence lets people make their own choices as to whether they want to join or not.” I would agree; having the reassuring presence of a cultural society to turn to can transform your university experience. It’s a slice of home to fall back on in times of loneliness and a support system that minority groups have not previously been able to access so easily.

Cambridge is not singularly characterised by elitism and polarisation. Yes, it is present, whether subtle or blatant; conversations around the North and South divide, racial differences, and accent discrimination are constantly held across forums. But Cambridge is also a mosaic of increasingly diverse cultures and developing traditions. I see Bollywood nights, the forthcoming Baldwin-Buckley union talk, and a plethora of relaxed and friendly cross-cultural events. “We don’t have any membership fees, and try to run as many free events as possible,” says Emily Lynch, co-president of the Irish Society. All of these cultural spaces are just as intrinsic to the Cambridge of today as the perpetuity of its hallowed halls and gilded cutlery.

We live in a British society that is becoming increasingly polarised, oftentimes dominated by a regressive minority which equates British identity with whiteness or the English language. It is important now more than ever that cultural societies continue to thrive at universities like Cambridge. They represent my idea of British identity: they do not fit into neat boxes but are dynamic conduits for cultural exchange, acceptance, and diversity. I, like many multicultural students here, am proud of my British-Indian heritage, and these societies allow every aspect of an individual’s identity to flourish.