Within my first two weeks of arriving at Cambridge, I found myself in conversation with the former Prime Minister Sir John Major. In your first two weeks, you could find yourself walking alongside the greats of British politics (such as Larry the cat) on a private tour of No.11 Downing Street and the Foreign Office.

The opportunities offered by the array of Cambridge political societies are phenomenal, and yet often students find themselves reluctant to get involved in the political scene. This is the danger of political stereotypes.

In Cambridge, one of the most socially liberal cities in the UK, people don't even blink if you're gay, bisexual, transgender, religious or not, yet to be Conservative produces cries of disgust. Political stereotypes are hampering our ability to debate and critically analyse one another's beliefs, and even precluding us from questioning our own ways of thinking.

At lectures and in supervisions we are trained to break down established modes of thought, yet when it comes to politics we are lazy. All too often we are happy to fall back on perceived wisdom, and unquestioningly deride views contrary to our own. 

For the Labour Party, the effects have been all too clear. The stereotyping of moderate Labour politicians as Blairite/Tory scum has allowed a toxic culture on the left of British politics to develop, where death threats and bricks through the window are starting to become the norm.

Labour, despite its apparently vast membership, has been reduced to an unelectable force. As a Conservative, I lament the demise of an effective opposition because it is such an essential tool in holding the government to account. 

In the wake of Brexit, a new prime minister and the rise of the extreme right across Europe, now more than ever politics cannot be ignored. 

As a fresher, my way of getting involved in politics was to join Cambridge University Conservative Association (CUCA). While I always enjoy the socials, which I have found to be among the best in Cambridge, what I really relish is the opportunity to engage with those at the top of politics.

The policy discussions are always genuinely formative, even if the hangovers the next day aren't so welcome. It has also given me the chance to experience real politics, by speaking to people on the doorstep who certainly aren't afraid to challenge my views and experiences.

This term, the speaker events are the best in living memory. Attendees can hear from the former Education Secretary Nicky Morgan, whose opposition to grammar schools has made national headlines, the Government Chief Whip, and perhaps most excitingly the CEO of Vote Leave, who was instrumental in the biggest political event of recent times. 

Importantly, CUCA is not only a political society. Its socials are so renowned that members of all political parties and none are regular attendees. What other society offers unlimited free cava to freshers, the opportunity to meet people from 'the other place' at socials in London and all the port you can drink for £3? Don't let the stereotypes prevent you from seeing CUCA for yourself.

We are given fantastic opportunities at Cambridge. Let's not waste them.