A STUDENT from Beaworthy has been trying out life as a Cambridge undergraduate as one of 370 participants in the 2013 Cambridge University Students' Union (CUSU) Shadowing Scheme.

Rebecca Rose, 17, studies at Exeter College. At Cambridge she teamed up with a student from Girton College, attending lectures, supervisions, and social events, for a taste of what undergraduate life at the university is really like.

The 2013 Shadowing Scheme was the biggest in its 13-year history. Organised annually by CUSU, the scheme aims to give bright young people from non-university backgrounds the opportunity to experience life at a top university.

Rebecca, who is interested in studying law, wanted to take part in the shadowing scheme to get behind the popular image of the university and find out more about Cambridge.

Rebecca said: 'This visit has shown me that Cambridge students are a friendly bunch of normal people.

'Although hard work is definitely needed, there is a family feel within colleges and students have access to the best resources and teachers.'

Vicky Hudson, access officer for CUSU and one of the organisers of this year's scheme, said: 'I am passionate about the shadowing scheme because it gives students a chance to get past the stereotypes and find out for themselves what Cambridge is like.

'One of the great things about going to Cambridge is that you meet a range of different people from all kinds of backgrounds, and study the subject you love with other people who love it too.

'The shadowing scheme is one of the best ways of showing potential students the real Cambridge and I'm delighted that this year we were able to welcome almost 400 young people to the university.'

Priority for places on the shadowing scheme is given to young people with a strong academic track record, but who attend schools with little experience of sending students to Cambridge or Oxford, and who have few family members with experience of Higher Education.

'Shadows' stay in a Cambridge college, attend lectures with their undergraduate mentors, and try out social activities with the university's student societies. Cambridge's 600 societies cover almost every interest, from journalism, American football, and radio production to rowing.

The scheme is also a great opportunity for students to meet and make friends with other young people from all over the country who are aspiring to a place at one of the UK's top universities.

Next year's shadowing scheme is open for application from October 2013 at http://www.applytocambridge.com">www.applytocambridge.com Schools and youth organisations can find out more about CUSU's outreach work at http://www.cusu.cam.ac.uk">www.cusu.cam.ac.uk