The first year of university poses a fresh start for many. For me, I was ready to leave my awkward secondary school self behind. At Cambridge I would make heaps of friends, become an instant academic weapon, have multiple societies on the go (one of which I would obviously run in second year), and basically set the foundation for the inevitable success I would achieve after graduation. Move aside Emily Maitlis and Claudia Winkleman, there’s a new Cambridge baddie in town.

“Move aside Claudia Winkleman, there’s a new Cambridge baddie in town”

In this instance, ignorance was not bliss, and my fantasy came crashing down on me like a big comical anvil. Listening to the student hall echoes of people hanging out with friends, I sat alone in my room, reading another bout of humbling essay feedback whilst sadly eating three days of meal prep at once. The thought which dominated my mind? ‘What on earth went wrong? ’

By the time Michaelmas was over I was happily galloping back home. And, after six weeks of reconnecting with myself (and multiple tubs of quality streets), I was able to connect the dots as to why my dreams didn’t come true. It’s because my dreams had absolutely no relation to who I actually was.

I was never the naturally charismatic person who everyone was drawn to, or the person who could balance a multitude of extra-curriculars, and I was definitely never the person who was described as academically gifted. Changes which contradict the fundamental nature of who you’ve always been don’t happen overnight. Sometimes they don’t happen at all. And that’s ok.

So, with Lent term beginning and ‘2025 rebrand’ videos bombarding my feed, I’m aiming for another fresh start. But this time one that honours the reality of who I am. I want to branch out socially, but I think BNOC status is out of the question. I’m still going to become an academic weapon, but for me right now that just means receiving feedback better than ’overall, an ok essay’. As for being the next successful Cambridge baddie? Well, I said ‘not overnight,’ not never.

“Now I’ve shared my first term sob story, I’ll share the recipe that got me through”

Now I’ve shared my first term sob story, I’ll share the recipe that got me through. I present you with the cosiest, easiest, and cheapest rosemary and potato soup. Whether you find yourself having lots of those lonely dorm room dinners, or whether you’re happily surrounded by a flurry of friends, I assure you this recipe is a winner.

INGREDIENTS

Butter

One Onion

Garlic

Ginger

Potatoes

One can of Butter Beans

Rosemary

Mixed Herbs or Herbs de Provence

300ml-400ml Vegetable Stock

Salt and Pepper

STEPS

Start by prepping your potatoes. Wash, peel, chop, and set aside.

Cut up your Onion, Garlic, and Ginger. Size doesn’t matter too much as they will be blended later, although the smaller you cut them the quicker they’ll cook.

Melt some butter on a medium low heat in a pan. Then, add your onion with a sprinkle of salt.

Cook until the onion softens. Then, add your garlic and ginger. Cook on a medium low heat until the ingredients have sweated down and have a bit of colour. Stir regularly to avoid the ingredients sticking. Add more butter if needed.

Turn up the heat and add vegetable stock to your pan. Once bubbling add your potatoes, butter beans, rosemary, mixed herbs and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Boil everything on a medium high heat for around 15 to 20 minutes until mushy.

Add to a blender or use a stick blender and blend in the pot.

Enjoy with some crusty bread or extra veg on the side. I like to add a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and a drizzle of honey on top for a bit of extra flavour.

Want to share your thoughts on this article? Send us a letter to letters@varsity.co.uk or by using this form