#14 Jan Lodge (LH 16-17)

Based on my own experience, Goodenough is something completely unexpected in central London. It’s magical, it’s nearly too good to be true. I think this is something that surprises and motivates people to become part of this community.

I chose to live at Goodenough as it’s more than just accommodation and it gave me an opportunity to socialise with interesting people. Another crucial aspect for me was the fascinating location, right between King’s Cross station (which I needed as my partner continued to live in Cambridge during my year at Goodenough) and the LSE where I was based.

I’m now back in Cambridge where I’m a PhD Candidate in organisational theory at the University of Cambridge, Judge Business School. I have a particular interest in social enterprises and have recently conducted research in to social housing organisations in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, prisons and re-entry organisations, capital punishment, and child marriage in Indonesia.

One of the things I loved about College life was being able to dine with fellow students. This always brought up many fascinating topics and long conversations. The Port Talks were also good for encouraging debate. I remember one particular Port Talk on Traditional Chinese Medicine, which was a great evening but it sparked a very heated debate, given all the medical students in the room. Most of them weren’t buying into the healing properties of TCM, so I think the port was essential to calm everyone’s mood right down…

Thanks to my time at the College I appreciate London far more than I did before. Given my great experience at Goodenough, every time I go back to London, even if I don’t have time to visit the College, it feels a bit more like home,

For those who are coming to Goodenough for the first time, I recommend that you take the first two-three weeks to go to every event in College that you can and really soak up all the different interactions with people (even if COVID-19 means you have to do it online). You may feel like you have many other things you need to do, but try to use the first few weeks to build your relationships, which will really help make Goodenough your base. Also, take advantage of the pizzas and the salad bar – they are amazing!