In the final week of Lent, I proudly bestowed upon my friend the well-deserved title of ‘Fitzbillies Fiend’, a prestigious accolade reserved only for the ravenous few amongst us. I’m proud to say that he wore it as a badge of honour, although perhaps this was only to console himself that his sweet-tooth-spending-habits were causing the hole in his wallet to grow at the same alarming rate as his red velvet cake purchases every Tuesday after lectures.

“The mere thought of a tantalisingly sweet treat to celebrate so much as a mediocre supervision or tedious lab is enough to excite any Cambridge student”

Even so, I understand him perfectly. The mere thought of a tantalisingly sweet treat to celebrate so much as a mediocre supervision or tedious lab is enough to excite any Cambridge student. To make matters worse, I have yet to actually find someone to refuse any offers of going to Jack’s or Knoops, and I have woefully learnt that I lack the clairvoyance to shield myself from the horrors that await me in my bank account.

The very essence of Cambridge life is the constant state of balancing on a knife-edge, teetering above the abyss of falling behind, all-nighters, and burnout. With the pressure never too far from tipping into overwhelm, we tread yet another thin line – the one that distinguishes between innocent self-indulgence and frivolous spending. In the wider context, this phenomenon is symptomatic of our increasingly acquisitive society – people will spend something in order to feel something, mistaking the price as a marker of how much their mood will improve after said ‘retail therapy’. With university being an environment of perpetually-high stakes, small rewards, such as sweets, to quell stress and anxieties surrounding exams and deadlines become all the more attractive – and seemingly better value for money.

Besides the fact that they contain copious amounts of sugar, these pastries and desserts are also abounding with nostalgia. We grasp at the remnants of the childhood and adolescence slipping through our fingers through various tastes and smells, placing increasing value, too, on how aesthetic they look. And of course, everyone knows that you’re way more productive with a golden apple crumble cupcake as a study buddy.

“Everyone knows that you’re way more productive with a golden apple crumble cupcake as a study buddy”

Whilst still not the sweet ambrosia of the gods, these treats act as gateways into social conversation, forging bonds and making life-long memories. Very rarely is a gaggle of students not spotted crowding around Jack’s, or a desk in Café Nero left unaccompanied by a mini loaf cake. What was once a mundane purchase has now transformed into a whole affair, a quasi-ritualistic staple of university culture. Status signalling plays a role in this too – each purchase screams ’I’m stressed and broke, but not too broke for a £5 cookie.’ Even then, with students not having the biggest budgets, an occasional treat is still a little luxury within reach, a new and improved ‘lipstick effect’. And, in a world where sweets and treats of every kind are available literally anywhere, swooping up a limited edition baked good from your favourite niche bakery can feel like finding a golden ticket. This slippery slope leads to the culture of splurging and treating yourself, perfect for students simultaneously hooked on and deprived of academic validation.

So, where are the best places in Cambridge to buy yourself a pat on the back?

Whilst nothing will ever dethrone the giant that is Jack’s Gelato, with its iconic mystery flavours and unbeatable variety, Aromi is a very close second, boasting sumptuous homemade gelato and prized pistachio delights. For those in search of something more rich and satiating, a trip to Fitzbillies, Norfolk Street Bakery, and Heavenly Desserts would truly be worth your while, lest you miss out on delicate macarons, fluffy waffles and light crepes or, perish the thought, the iconic Chelsea Bun.

Overall, the solution just lies in our discernment – are these dear purchases a genuine necessity, or just another cheap dopamine rush to satisfy an idle temptation? Indeed, it boils down to an exercise in discipline. This is not to say that we should deprive ourselves of those decadent goodies – everyone needs an extra pep in their step every once in a while – but practicing moderation ensures that you get the best of both worlds: happier taste buds and a smaller cavity in your wallet. So go out and treat yourself – you deserve it!

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