Patrick Dolan

3 weeks ago | varsity.co.uk | Patrick Dolan

In the next instalment of his column, Patrick Dolan reflects on how he feels lucky to call somewhere new home, even if it’s just temporarily It’s easy, after living somewhere for a few weeks, to become naturally desensitised to your surroundings. Londoners often forget they were born in a city that millions dream of visiting. At Cambridge, it’s easy to get buried in the workload and lose sight of how awe-inspiring and coveted a place it is.

1 month ago | varsity.co.uk | Patrick Dolan

It may sound like a broken record coming from an MML student, but there’s simply no denying it: the year abroad has given me more time than I’ve ever had at Cambridge. Studying in Spain this year has granted me the novel privilege of being able to work at my own pace. Of course, this level of freedom is not necessarily a universal experience, but it is also not uncommon, especially relative to Cambridge.

1 month ago | varsity.co.uk | Patrick Dolan

In the next instalment of his column, Patrick Dolan reflects on the varying paces of life in Spain, and contemplates on experiencing two university systems “Mañana” is one of the first words you learn in Spanish. At first, it just means “tomorrow.” But as you become more immersed in the culture, you soon discover that “mañana” is the jokey go-to response when you ask someone in Spain to do something. That said, I think the “mañana” culture is more complex than simply being laid-back.

2 months ago | varsity.co.uk | Patrick Dolan

While friends back in the UK have begun to see glimpses of summer, here in Madrid, we’ve been condemned to countless consecutive days of downfall. Seeing people sitting outside by the Cam or the Thames with a pint in hand makes me more than a little jealous. With the sun slowly making its way here in the next few months, I’m deciding to adopt a positive outlook on the miserable weather.

Feb 24, 2025 | varsity.co.uk | Patrick Dolan

Visual by Erika Bunjevac and Patrick Dolan for Varsity In Spain, there’s a famous saying, ‘De Madrid al cielo’, which translates to ‘From Madrid to the heavens’. After spending just a month here, I can’t think of a better phrase to sum up my experience. The city is alive with energy, and its rhythm is contagious. I was right in thinking Madrid has a completely different vibe compared to Barcelona. While it lacks the sea, it more than makes up for it with its constant buzz.