Experiencing the ‘Mill Hill’ life

Continued overleaf

The boarding experience at Brentwood is like no other - I visited many schools before making my decision. And here’s how I made it: as I stepped into Mill Hill when I first visited, I immediately knew this place would feel like home. Why? Simply the atmosphere: welcoming and friendly. Mrs Monro welcomed me with the kindest smile, and the girls were keen to meet me. I clearly remember my Dad and I looking at each other in silent agreement that this was the right place for me.

When I moved in that September, I was excited, nervous and scared all at the same time. But the most comforting thought was that I was never going to be alone.

“Mill Hill girls support each other in every way and are always willing to help, and this is truly unique to this house: the sense of community and belonging is striking.”

This is why settling in was easy for me, and all the other new girls - there was always someone to talk to about anything, always someone to make me laugh or spend an evening watching movies with.

The most worrying thing at first must be the fact that you have to share a room with a person you haven’t even met before. But I quickly realised that having my own room wouldn’t be half as much fun! My roommate and I bonded straight away, and within weeks we developed an understanding relationship - we could stay up until 2am talking about anything and everything, or give each other space and stay silent. At the end of the first year we begged to live together again.

One guarantee is that you will never be bored in this house, I can promise that. It’s hardly possible when you’re surrounded by 25 bubbly, funny

ww

w.b

ren

two

od

sch

oo

l.co

.uk

/bo

ard

ingMoving abroad and joining a boarding house in

England is a major life decision for a girl of any age. Different culture, unfamiliar place, new people - it is exactly what “leaving your comfort zone” is.

“As scary as it might sound, it really is an adventure: an experience that shaped me as an individual.”

At 13, I was sitting at home in Moscow, attentively reading the Mill Hill Handbook and studying the Brentwood School website, wondering about what life as a boarder in the UK would be like. Today, I reflect on my four years of boarding and smile as I remember all the joyous moments with the girls. The things you take away from Mill Hill as your time here ends are warm memories, valuable experience and special friendships.

Issue 4Jun 2017

“My four years at the School and the boarding house have flown by, but the memories and the friendships that I have formed over this time will stay with me forever.”

and enthusiastic girls - there’s always chatting and gossiping, and singing and dancing in the common room is not a rare sight in the evenings. In addition to that, every girl gets to try something new - whether it’s playing whist in a House Competition or go karting on one of Mill Hill’s outings.

Every year Mill Hill and Hough (the boys’ boarding house) organise a number of trips, including the annual trip to Alton Towers Theme Park, the cinema and theatre trips, shopping and more. These are just a few of the numerous opportunities to make memories, and I don’t think I will forget singing ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” in the Novello Theatre while pointing at Mr Monro, our Housemaster.

Being a boarder also gives you several advantages at School - we are all encouraged to make the most of the School’s facilities, for example the gym.

As for me, living just across the road was a great benefit when coming in for the 6am swimming training sessions.

Most girls would participate in sports, music or performing arts; Brentwood has co-curricular activities to suit everyone, and there is always the possibility to start your own club or society if it isn’t provided already.

“The School and the boarding house provide us with opportunities for personal growth and skill development

- and this is why I see my experience at Mill Hill as a journey to becoming who I am today.”

My four years at the School and the boarding house flew by, but the memories and the friendships that I have formed over this time will stay with me forever. After all, there is a reason why we say

“once a Mill Hill girl, always a Mill Hill girl”.

Kristina Tovstik, Mill Hill, 2013-2017

ww

w.b

ren

two

od

sch

oo

l.co

.uk

/bo

ard

ing