Cairns returned to the University in the late autumn of 1837, enrolling himself in the classes of Latin, Greek, and Logic.  Although he maintained his intimacy with his uncle’s family, he now went into lodgings in West Richmond Street, sharing a room with young William Inglis, son of the minister at Stockbridge, then a boy at the High School.  Here is the description he gives to his parents of his surroundings and of the daily routine of his life:  “The lodging which we occupy is a very good room, measuring 18 feet by 16 feet, in every way neat and comfortable.  The walls are hung with pictures, and the windows adorned with flowers.  The rent is 3s. 6d., with a promise of abatement when the price of coals is lowered.  This is no doubt a great sum of money, but I trust it will be amply compensated by the honesty, cleanliness, economy, and good temper of the landlady....  I shall give you the details of my daily life:—­Rise at 8; 8.30-10, Latin class; 10-1, private study; 1-2, Logic; 2-3, Greek class; 4-12.30, private study.  As to meals—­breakfast on porridge and treacle at 8.15; dine on broth and mutton, or varieties of potatoes with beef or fish, at 3.15; coffee at 7; if hungry, a little bread before bed.  I can live quite easily and comfortably on 3s. or 3s. 6d. per week, and when you see me you will find that I have grown fat on students’ fare.”

At the close of the session he thus records the result of his work in one of the classes:—­

“There is a circumstance which but for its connection with the subject of clothes I should not now mention.  You are aware that a gold medal is given yearly by the Society of Writers to the Signet to the best scholar in the Latin class.  Five are selected to compete for it by the votes of their fellow-students.  Having been placed in the number a fortnight ago, I have, after a pretty close trial, been declared the successful competitor.  The grand sequence is this, that at the end of the session I must come forward in the presence of many of the Edinburgh grandees and deliver a Latin oration as a prelude to receiving the medal.  Although I have little fear that an oration will be forthcoming of the ordinary length and quality, I doubt that the trepidation of so unusual a position will cause me to break down in the delivery of it; but we shall see.  The reference of this subject to the clothes you will at once discern.  The trousers are too tight, and an addition must be made to their length.  The coat is too wide in the body, too short and tight in the sleeves, and too spare in the skirt.  As to my feelings I shall say nothing, because I do not look upon the honour as one of a kind that ought to excite the least elation ...  I would not wish you to blazon it, nor would I, but for the cause mentioned, have taken any notice of it.”