I remember sitting on the train, looking outside on the beautiful greenery that surrounds Cheltenham. I was buzzing with excitement. For a year I had been thinking about life at College, my dorm and what amazing friends I would make.
When the taxi came to a stop outside Sidney Lodge, I already felt at home. Walking into my room, I was so thrilled and looking forward to meeting my dorm-mates.
During my first week, I often felt homesick, which was completely normal! But all the amazing girls in House and the comforting House Mistresses helped me settle in super-fast and made Slodge my second home.
My favourite thing that we did during the start of term was House Music. It is a great opportunity to bond with pupils in all year groups, and brought everyone together over late night rehearsals, and the celebration of winning!
Making friends in CLC is so easy. There are girls from all over the world, with hundreds of different hobbies and interests. We also had a barbeque, where there where huge inflatables that we could play on. All of these exhilarating activities connect you with people who become your second family.
The best thing about House are the people. All the girls become your sisters.
Only eleven days ago I arrived at my new home at Cheltenham Ladies' College in Cheltenham. When I was on my way to CLC for the first time ever, I was so petrified with loads of questions occupying my head like ‘will there be nice people?’, ‘would the food be nice?’ and many more but deep inside I was excited to meet new people.
All the hours of ordering and trying on uniforms, and practicing what I would say to everyone was about to lay out in front of me. Having attended an all-girls school called Godstowe in High Wycombe, I knew this was a huge change for me going from primary school to senior school. I couldn’t wait!
One thing I always got told was that first impressions matter. So, when I knocked on the St Austin's door and a huge smile popped up on my face, I realised that while first impressions do matter it’s the memories that stay with you. Making friends was easier than counting to 10. If you are nice there will be so many people who will want to be friends with you.
My first school day was so thrilling but also confusing. I had so many lessons to go to, and the school is massive, but the pupils and teachers were there to help me without being annoyed. One thing I love is how accepting everyone is, teachers and all. I quickly realized that everyone was in the same position as me. It was comforting when upper year students reminded us that whatever emotions we were feeling, the people around us were feeling the same way. We are not alone.
If I had to pick my favourite lesson I’ve had so far, it would be math! I've found it very fun learning new things in a relaxed setting and the help from my teachers has amazing.
By the time the first weekend came, I wanted to have fun with my new friends. On that Sunday, we had a BBQ and Inflatables Day. With a ball pit and jumpy castles, it was a fun and exciting day for all. Prior to this we also had a delicious barbeque - thanks to the magical kitchen team for making all that happen.
Settling in can be different for everyone but in my case even though my dorm members had already arrived, it was quick, easy and fun. Everyone was so happy it almost felt like a dream!
In the second week of term we had House Music, which is a time at CLC where you get to show of your singing and dance moves skills. This has to have been my highlight so far because it was so fun seeing everyone performing their different songs like, Diamonds by Riannah and more.
Starting at a new school can be tough but it is up to you to take the opportunities that are put in front of you. Get out there, make new friends and stay positive!
And lastly, to end with a favourite quote of mine:
The difference between school and life? In school you’re taught a lesson, then given a test. In life you’re given a test that teaches you a lesson - Tom Bodett
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The deadline to join us for Year 9 in 2027 (13+ entry) is approaching: Register by Friday 17th October 2025.
Find out more here.
Open to all year groups looking for entry in 2027 onwards:
Saturday 11th October: General Open Day