Reflections of a Recent Pembroke Graduate

Michaelmas term is fast approaching, which can only mean one thing – an onslaught of Freshers will be arriving imminently to Oxford and Pembroke. Starting university can be a big transition for anyone. We thought we’d ask one of our fresh graduates, Rohit Ghosh, to reflect on his time at Pembroke, looking all the way back to his own Freshers’ week. He’s picked out eight highlights in the Pembroke and Oxford calendar that our newest arrivals can look forward to… 

Reflections of a Recent Pembroke Graduate by Rohit Ghosh

It feels like just yesterday that I packed up my bags, handed my room key to the Porters, and finally left Pembroke College to enter the big and scary “real world”.

But when looking to the future, it’s difficult not to look back and reflect on all the things that have led up to where you are today. And so, from a recent graduate to the newest generation of Pembrokians, here are (in my opinion) the eight best bits of life at Pembroke! 

1. Freshers’ Week

Moving to university can be such a daunting experience – for many, it is their first time away from family for such a prolonged length of time. But every year, the JCR Committee makes every effort to ensure that Pembroke’s latest arrivals feel comfortable and transition smoothly into college life.

From cocktails and mocktails in the staircases and scavenger hunts around the college, to exciting nights out and more chilled non-drinking events – you will certainly find your place and make lasting memories, no matter what you choose to do. I met a lot of people and made many friends during my Freshers’ Week – several of whom I am still close with to this day. And ultimately, I will never forget my first week at Pembroke College.

2. P-Party

And literally days after Freshers’ Week ends, we have the next highlight of the year at Pembroke: the very first ‘bop’ (“Big Organised Party”). 

The theme is the same every year: a P-themed party for a P-themed college. Upon entering the college bar, expect to be met with penguins, panthers, Pooh-bears and people in their PJs, as everyone is encouraged to dress appropriately for the occasion. And after an emotional sing-along to Angels (get ready for a lot of those throughout your time at Pembroke), make your way over to Spirit bar, the JCR, or back to your room for a cup of tea to end the night on a high.

3. Oxmas

Christmas in Oxford – aka “Oxmas” – is quite a unique experience. First of all, it necessarily takes place in late November to coincide with the end of Michaelmas Term. But this doesn’t stop the Oxmas spirit from thriving throughout the week.

Between the Oxmas dinner, the Christmas concert and (my personal favourite) the world-famous JCR pantomime, the events only get better and better. To round it all off, the JCR hosts the ever-popular Three Kings Carol Service, where we spread Christmas cheer to various colleges in the area, followed by a somewhat accurate re-enactment of the Nativity in Chapel Quad. All in all, an iconic way to finish off the first term of the year!

4. Halfway Hall

Halfway Hall was definitely one of the highlights of my time at Pembroke. 

It is an occasion to reflect on how far you’ve come and to look forward to what comes next. It’s one of the few events where the entire year group gathers in one place. You sit with your friends for a delightful three-course meal and a night of wholesome speeches and an unforgettable awards ceremony (expect many a well-intentioned roast). The warm and nostalgic atmosphere of Halfway Hall is something that very few events are able to replicate; it’s definitely a fitting way to celebrate the midpoint of your time at both Oxford and Pembroke.

5. Darts Night 

Sometimes, Hilary Term can feel a little bit dreary. The weather isn’t great, people are in the thick of it with their work, and everyone’s just waiting around for the highs and hype of the summer. But the JCR Darts Night undoubtedly lifts the mood for the final night of term.

A throng of gladiators enter the ring (the JCR), each to a specially chosen theme song. Then, a free-for-all battle royale commences, as each year’s hopefuls battle it out on the darts board in the hopes of winning an official Pembroke pink blazer. While I have personally never even come close to winning, the energy of Darts Night is electric, and I always look forward to shooting my shot every year (pun very much intended).

6. May Day

Oxford undoubtedly celebrates the first day of the month in style.

In the early hours of May morning, thousands gather around Magdalen College’s Great Tower to hear the choir sing as the sun rises. And afterwards, Oxford turns into a carnival as street dancers take to the, well, streets… Music can be heard at every corner of the city centre. My personal highlights include the Morris dancers by the Radcliffe Camera and the free breakfast and coffee offered by St. Aldates Church (Pembroke’s next-door neighbours!). I would definitely recommend that everyone stay up for May Day at least once during their time at Pembroke!

7. Summer Eights

Anyone who knows me also knows that, for the life of me, I simply cannot row. But during the week of the Summer Eights rowing races, anyone and everyone – both rowers and non-rowers alike – is invited to come down to the boathouse and cheer on their friends as they vie with other colleges to become “Head of the River”.

With the boat club offering reasonably priced (?) Pimm’s, our small section of the river transforms into a blur of cheers, excitement, and our signature chanting of “yeahhh, Pembroke!” The entire event screams “Pembrokian spirit” – even our unofficial mascot, the Pink Panther, occasionally makes an appearance. And, with the Women’s First Eight winning the much-coveted “double Headship” this year, I predict that next year’s Summer Eights is going to be even more exciting… 

8. The Garden Party

But the Garden Party is perhaps my favourite event of the year. Every Trinity, as the weather gets sunnier and more summer-y, the JCR and MCR join forces to host a lovely afternoon of food, drink, and live music (courtesy of the Pembroke Jazz Band and more!) on Chapel Quad.

The theme is always different – this year, we settled on a Western theme, as cowboys and cowgirls hit the prairie… or I suppose the Quad. Cowboy hats in hand (and on heads), we spent the day line dancing and sipping our themed cocktails and mocktails, rounding off the event with a classic group performance of Angels. A sunny afternoon, great music, and a cowboy hat or two — what more could you possibly ask for?

Photo credits: Amelia Lowis

Honestly, I have only really scratched the surface of all there is to do and see at Pembroke. By only picking out eight highlights of my time here, I have necessarily had to overlook countless others: Halloween, the Pembroke Pimm’s Party, college marriages, the list is endless.

But that’s why my final piece of advice to any incoming Pembrokians is to take full advantage of all there is to do while you’re here at Pembroke. The three to four years of university can pass by so, so quickly – so it’s important to make the most of it, as much as you can!

[Note: since the publication of this article, the College has sadly been informed that the author could not stay away from Pembroke and will indeed be returning in October for a Master’s…]