Page 8 - The Grange House Handbook

THE GRANGE

LETTER FROM A

LOWER SIXTH

Hello! My name is Sifat, and I am a Lower Sixth student originally from
India. Here’s a little bit about my transition to Millfield and tips I have
for anyone new moving here.

Before coming to Millfield, I was a day student at an American school
in Doha, and I could never have imagined myself at a boarding school
in England. The transition felt daunting, but thanks to the unwavering
support of my Housemaster, House Manager, and most importantly -
my peers, I adjusted far more easily than I had expected.

The Grange may be a small house, but that’s exactly what makes it so
special. Despite our diverse cultural backgrounds, all nine of us share a
bond that goes beyond friendship—we are truly a family. Moving into
a house full of unfamiliar faces was intimidating at first, and I won’t
deny that there were moments of loneliness. But I quickly realised
that support is always within reach. From house dinners and Saturday
movie nights to monthly activities like pottery, I found myself settling
in faster than I thought possible. Now, I can confidently say that the
girls here are my sisters.

One of the greatest strengths of a small house like The Grange is
the depth of connection we share. If I ever have a problem, I know I
have at least eight girls ready to listen, support, and uplift me. That’s
the essence of The Grange - a house built on inclusion, empathy,
and unwavering support. And of course, our Housemaster, Assistant
Housemaster, and House Manager are always there to guide and care
for us, making The Grange an incredible place for first-time boarders.

If I could give you three pieces of advice, they would be: Never be
afraid to reach out. The sooner you realize that there is no judgment
here—only encouragement and understanding—the easier boarding
life becomes. Everyone is eager to support one another, and once
I embraced that, everything felt so much smoother. Second, bring
snacks! Some of my favorite memories from my first week were sitting
in my room, sharing Pop-Tarts, and getting to know my housemates.
Food has a magical way of bringing people together! Lastly try new
things. One of the worst feelings is looking back and regretting missed
opportunities. Be open to stepping out of your comfort zone—you
might discover a sport, hobby, or passion you never expected to love.
Good luck!

Best wishes,
Sifat

8 HOUSE HANDBOOK