Julia Carolyn Dinan (8 Jun 1990 - 8 Jun 2022)

Going back to Cambridge around a year after Julia's death felt bittersweet, but the memories it stirred up were overwhelmingly positive. My own time studying there was complicated and painful, but getting to know Julia was one of the brightest spots.

The city keeps changing, but some things stay the same. I saw someone in a ball gown and an ancient-looking coat securing their bike right under a 'no bicycles' sign, and remembered our failed attempt to crash Girton ball.

Walking past Spalding, its entrance closed off for building work, I thought of the times we sat on the ledge outside the common room window and sometimes clambered over to Julia's room next door.

They're redoing the roof of the chapel at King's now, adding solar panels. I hope they'll do roof tours again once it's finished – I still have photos of a bunch of us up there. Julia was scared but determined, and her excitement over the view and the weird bits of architecture and centuries-old graffiti we got to see outweighed the fear.

In the chapel itself, looking at photos of some of the amazing women linked to King's, a Fleetwood Mac song played over the speakers, an artist I always associate with Julia. It was the happiest of coincidences, a reminder that she's another one of those amazing women, and that all of us who had a chance to know her were incredibly lucky.

In loving memory of Julia x

Julia lit up my life at uni - i'd visit her impeccably curated room (a faulkner novel here, some man ray posters there, and creative flair on display everywhere) at king's college at all hours of the night - until she'd gently but firmly kick me out when i'd inevitably overstayed my welcome. She could make me laugh like no one else - she was wicked and caring all at once, effortlessly inspired. I will miss our shorthand silliness and her wonderful warm smile.

Julia was the sweetest, most thoughtful & funny friend as well as an artistically multi-talented creative megagenius. I'll always remember her flooding our shonky little yellow house with the sound of Fleetwood Mac on the accordion as well as cartoons, friends and amazing parties in cardboard horse costumes. Much loved and hugely missed xxx

Missing you and thinking of you.

I am reminded of you every day dearest Julia when I look at your print on my dresser and all the imaginative thoughtful presents you always gave me. You were so gifted and you were loving and caring as well. I will always miss you and I won’t forget you.

In memory of Julia Dinan - our friend, housemate and tenant.