2022 Induction; event photographs by Shawn Mwenje, second-year undergraduate at Cambridge
First-Year Induction 2023
The Black Advisory Hub is excited to host the 2023 First-Year Induction programme! This programme was designed in consultation with students, who noted that incoming Black students would value an opportunity to network and be informed about life in Cambridge and available support before they arrive at the University.
The induction programme is open to all incoming Black-identifying students, whether undergraduate or postgraduate, domestic or international.
This year's programme:
- Pre-arrival online introduction: Thursday 21 September, 1-5pm
- In-person meetup for undergraduates: Wednesday 25 October, 5.30-7.30pm in the Student Union Lounge
- In-person meetup for postgraduates: Thursday 26 October, 5.30-7.30pm in the Student Union Lounge
The online introductory session provides you with an overview of essential services as well as loads of opportunity to ask questions of our student facilitators (see their introductions below!) on your subjects, student life, and living in Cambridge before you arrive. The in-person event is an informal opportunity - with refreshments - for you to meet each other, share initial experiences and pick up some further tips. Invitations to the in-person events are circulated following the online induction.
Please note that in order to empower incoming Black students to share their hopes, anxieties and questions for their upcoming degree, these induction days are for Black-identifying University of Cambridge students exclusively. If you have any questions at all about your participation in these or future events, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the Black Advisory Hub team at contact@blackadvisory.hub.cam.ac.uk.
Meet the 2023 team of student facilitators!
Subomi Ade-Aladu
Hey guys! My name is Subomi, I am a third-year reading Human, Social & Political Sciences at King’s College, and I’m a Nigerian from Essex. I love reading, theatre, tv shows and music and I’m involved in Cambridge Theatre. I am also part of my College JCR as coordinator. A 'fun' fact about me is that my favourite film of all time is Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, which is undeniably a classic!
Abigail Agyemang
Hey there! My name is Abigail Agyemang and I’m about to start the second year of my PhD here in Cambridge. I’m based in the Department of Psychology but also the Faculty of Education (my research project is interdisciplinary). My research project is focused on investigating Mathematics Anxiety in Black Caribbean and White working-class secondary school-aged students. Prior to this, I completed an integrated Master's (MSci) in Psychology at Royal Holloway, University of London. I also spent a few years working as an assistant psychologist, nursery assistant and private tutor.
I’m from London but my family heritage is rooted in Ghana, West Africa. Therefore, as someone from the diaspora, I joined the Cambridge University Ghanaian Society (CUGS) within the first few weeks of starting at Cambridge and sat on the executive committee as secretary and junior treasurer during my first year. It was a lot of fun and I met so many new people within the society but also outside of it too, such as through my College’s MCR, my departments and the Economic & Social Research Council cohort.
I find Cambridge to be such a fascinating place. Everyone I have met so far has been really welcoming and friendly, which really eased my nerves when I started as I didn’t know anybody. There are so many social activities to get involved in! When I’ve not got my eyes glued to my laptop reading journal articles for my research, you’ll either find me at Jack’s Gelato, diamond-painting in my room or attending a Formal (dinner) in my College or as a guest at someone else’s!
Mercy Akinyele
Hi, I’m Mercy and I’m a third-year Engineering student at St Catharine’s College. I’m a Nigerian from Manchester and I love reading, travelling, learning languages and playing netball. I play netball for the University and was the league secretary for College netball last year. Therefore, I’m a big fan of College sport and I’m so excited to talk to you guys about it! I’m pretty good at French, but right now my language focuses are on Spanish and Yoruba. I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone.
Tyra Amofah-Akardom
Hiya!
My name is Tyra, and I’m an incoming PhD student in Education. I have just completed my MPhil in Education (Knowledge, Power, and Politics) at Fitzwilliam College, where I also did my undergraduate degree in Education (Policy & International Development). My research focuses on Black Feminism in 'elite' British and American university spaces. Understanding universities as colonial cities that become battlegrounds for the nation-state, I explore how Black female student activists use love as their weapon of choice in political action.
My research is very closely associated with what I do with my spare time at Cambridge. Over the last few years, I have had the pleasure of exploring the experiences of Black students at Cambridge through the Black Advisory Hub, for which I am the student co-chair, and the Black Cantabs Research Society, for which I am the incoming president. Outside of Cambridge-associated things, I spend most of my time reading, listening to music, and having fun with the people I love.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Cambridge! Whatever feelings you have about starting here are so valid. But I hope this event helps clarify things and get you excited for this new journey!
Esther Anthony-Ajileye
Hey everyone! My name’s Esther and I’m about to enter my third year reading Land Economy at Jesus College.
I live in Kent, but I’m originally from Nigeria (more specifically, I’m Yoruba)! I’ve really discovered a love for access and outreach, and so you often might find me in a meeting, sitting on a Q&A panel or working on some sort of project. I also love to read, lift weights and spend time with my friends and family! Fun fact: I took both English Literature and Maths during my A-Levels!
Éireann Attridge
Hello hello - my name is Éireann (said Air-run) and I am a second-year PhD candidate in the Faculty of Education, conducting a mixed-methods project on social mobility and higher education in the UK. My project is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council. I studied Education as an undergraduate at Cambridge before working in higher education for a few years, doing a Master's at another university, working again and then starting my PhD. I'm a student at Wolfson College and a staff member in other Colleges/Faculties (so our paths may cross while I'm wearing my staff-member hat).
Besides studying and working at Cambridge, I enjoy powerlifting, listening to music and music podcasts and cooking/eating. As an undergraduate, I was on the committee for societies and sports such as the African Caribbean Society, Cheerleading Society, Sign Language Society and my JCR (doing access work) - so I'm happy to talk about making the most of Cambridge in and outside of the lecture hall.
Jordan Byrne
Hi everyone and welcome to Cambridge! I’m Jordan and I am currently completing my thesis for the MPhil in Education, Knowledge, Power, Politics as a member of St John's College. I am originally from the West Midlands, but my family heritage is Caribbean - Barbadian and Jamaican, specifically. My research interests are interdisciplinary in nature and explore education, culture and belonging. In my spare time, I have been heavily involved in student life here in Cambridge, co-founding the Cambridge Black Postgraduate Society last year, for which I am the current co-president, as well as working on various projects with the Black Advisory Hub. Outside of this, I enjoy dance, listening to music and exploring the cultural scene: museums, concerts, food festivals – you name it!
I’m excited to be a part of this year’s induction and encourage you to ask as many questions as you like, no matter how big or small.
Ayoife Dada
Hey! I’m Ayoife, a second-year reading Engineering at Homerton College. I am interested in data analysis and machine learning, so I hope to work in tech in the future.
Last year, I played University and College football, and I joined the African Caribbean Society committee. I also enjoy playing chess and reading philosophy books.
Fun facts about me are: I know how to solve a Rubik’s cube, and I support Arsenal FC!
Lauren Guye
Hi everyone! I’m Lauren and I’m a second-year student reading English at Gonville & Caius!
I live in London, but I’m originally from Dominica and Jamaica. In my spare time, I like to draw, dance and watch movies with my friends. I also sit on the JCR for my college, and additionally, I’ve really enjoyed being involved with fundraising work this year. I love travelling, and this year I hope to be able to teach English abroad!
Yusuf Izhac
Hi, my name is Yusuf and I am a going into my second year reading Medicine at Fitzwilliam College. I grew up in the UK, but I am originally Sudanese. In my spare time I enjoy reading books and listening to podcasts on all sorts of topics and playing football. Fun fact: I used to compete in cross-country running races across the UK. I am excited to work on this year's induction event and hope to make it as welcoming as in previous years.
Nene Obiajuru
Hey everyone!! I’m Nene and I’m a second-year from London reading Biological Natural Sciences. I am Ghanaian and Nigerian (Igbo Kwenu!!!) and growing up in such a culturally rich environment has allowed to embrace and appreciate my own culture as well as the cultures of others. In my free time, I enjoy creative writing, kickboxing and spending time with family and friends. I am also the current Cambridge University African Caribbean Society welfare officer, and I have a great passion for improving student welfare. A fun fact about me is that I can speak Igbo!