2025 – The Northern Society- 2026
Presidents Welcome
Elise Ainsworth
President, The Northern Society
Hello and welcome to our new website for the Cambridge University Northern Society! We’re a group made up of many friendly northerners who all want to use their experience of applying and moving to university in Cambridge to help others in the same position.
As a society, our initiatives take on two main challenges: firstly, we want to help those from the North already at Cambridge feel settled and supported. Through regular society events – including pub trips, college brunches, chippy trips and quizzes – Cambridge’s northern students have a space to meet, chat and hopefully offer a bit of ‘home from home’. Also, by bringing in speakers throughout the year, we hear from those who are successful in their respective fields and are proud of the North.
With only 14.4% of UK applicants and 13.9% of UK offer holders coming from the North of England (University of Cambridge – Undergraduate Admissions Statistics: 2023 cycle, p.16), there is a clear problem in how northern sixth-form students feel out of place applying or taking up their places at the university, and that’s what we hope to change. As a result, our second challenge is taking on the misconceptions about Cambridge being unwelcoming to northern students (as many of us were told by family and friends while we were applying ourselves). We hope to do this through going to northern state schools and talking about our own experiences at Cambridge, working with colleges here who have ‘link areas’ in the North. Our new ‘Prospective Student’ membership allows you to ask us any questions or share any worries you have about the process, and learn more about life as a northerner in the city and uni.
Let us know if you’d like to get involved with any of these schemes or if you have any ideas for society events; we’d be so happy to hear from you!
Love from Elise x
JOIN US
Explore Life with The Northern Society
The Northern Society is more than just a group of students; it is a home for shared identity, friendship, and pride in our heritage. Throughout the year, we host a range of social gatherings, formals, and outreach events that bring together Cambridge’s northern community and help prospective students feel that they belong here too.
Whether you are a new member settling into life at Cambridge or an alumnus looking to stay connected, we invite you to take part in our growing network.
2025 – The Northern Society- 2026
MICHAELMAS TERMCARD
2025 – The Northern Society- 2026
Meet The Committee
2025 – The Northern Society- 2026
Rebranding & vision
Alyssa Denise Walsh
Creative Consultant
The rebranding of The Northern Society marks an important chapter in the Society’s evolution. It seeks to unify our heritage, values, and visual identity under a clear and enduring direction. The new presentation reflects the integrity and pride of northern students while embracing a design language suited to the professionalism of the University of Cambridge.
This rebrand is not a departure from our traditions but an affirmation of them. It strengthens the Society’s foundations and ensures that our message of community, representation, and authenticity continues to reach future generations of students.
2025 – The Northern Society- 2026
Yorkshire Evening Post
Press Feature
2025 – The Northern Society- 2026
Prospective Students
Thinking of Applying to Cambridge?
Our members know exactly what it feels like to start the journey from the North. Speak with current students, get honest advice, and discover how to make Cambridge feel like home.
2025 – The Northern Society- 2026
Member Spotlight
Our member spotlight aims to celebrate the achievements of the members of Northern Society. From academic achievements and creative work to activism, leadership, and personal journeys. each feature highlights the talent, resilience, and pride of northern students across the university.
2025 – The Northern Society- 2026
Alumni Spotlight
Our member spotlight aims to celebrate the achievements of the alumni members of Northern Society.
2025 – The Northern Society- 2026
Guide to the Cambridge Colleges
The Guide to the Cambridge Colleges is an ongoing Northern Society project designed to help new and prospective students understand the unique character of each Cambridge college.
Drawing on the experiences of current and past members, the guide will offer an honest, friendly, and informative perspective on college culture, accommodation, dining, facilities, and traditions.
Our aim is to create the first student-written northern perspective on college life at Cambridge, combining practical advice with reflections from students who know the experience first-hand.
2025 – The Northern Society- 2026
Guide to The Pubs Of Cambridge
The Cambridge Northern Society are working hard to answer the most pressing question of all – what is the perfect Cambridge pub crawl?
Over the next year, we will be investigating what the pubs of Cambridge have to offer..
2022 – The Northern Society- 2023
Northern Spotlight
Created by our 2022 Committee, the Northern Spotlight series celebrates the stories, voices, and achievements of remarkable Northerners. Each feature highlights individuals whose work, resilience, and creativity embody the spirit of the North.
The Northern Society 