A huge part of your time at university is student life. This encompasses extra-curricular activities such as joining clubs & societies, attending events, volunteering, and exploring the city. As well as working, it’s vital you allow some time to kick back and relax. Ensure you’re balancing work and social life by getting involved with student life. Cambridge is a diverse city, so take some time to explore! From museums, restaurants, shows, green spaces, and venues, you can throw yourself into as much as you want.
Your studies
At Cambridge, weeks start on Thursday. This means that if you arrive on the weekend, you have four days before lectures start. Before this, you’ll have time to meet your Director of Studies (DoS) who will go over your timetable and give you some advice about starting work at Cambridge. Teaching and Learning take place in multiple different ways at Cambridge, ranging from one-on-one supervisions in some subjects all the way to lectures with a few hundred people in them. Your teaching at Cambridge will be split between your college and your department. The easiest way to understand this is to think of the department being in charge of lectures, practicals and exams, and College being in charge of supervisions (small group teaching which sets your term-time work assignments).
Supervisions
Teaching sessions that are guided by an academic or PhD student. These can be one to one basis, or in groups of up to five students. You’ll usually be expected to prepare work ahead of the supervision which will be reviewed and discussed during the session.
Lectures
Usually delivered in large groups, lectures will provide you with the main course content. Humanities students tend to have fewer lectures per week than science-based subjects, which will likely have several hours of lectures each day, sometimes including Saturdays. Lectures happen in-person with some departments recording lectures so that they are available online too. If you have access needs which mean you require recorded lectures you should discuss this with the team at the ADRC. More information on your lecture times can usually be found on theUniversity's online timetable. from late September, but some subjects will send information to you directly.
Seminars & labs
Depending on your subject, you may also have teaching in medium sized groups. If you do a science-based subject these are likely to be practical sessions where you solve problems or perform experiments under supervision. Humanities students may have larger group discussions or language lessons in medium sized seminars.
Independent work
You will be expected to spend a lot of time doing independent work during term, this is especially the case for humanities students who will have less lecture time. You can find study space in your College and your department, as well as at the University Library.
Clubs & societies
It’s no secret that clubs and societies are the backbone of the student experience. With over 500 societies registered with Cambridge SU, there's something for everyone. Whether you're a Swiftie who wants to join the Taylor Swift Appreciation Society or Live Action Role Play is your thing, there is a society for almost everything. And if you can't find one that suits your interests, you're more than welcome to start your own!
Be sure to check out our Find a Society page (and visit our Freshers’ Fair to meet some of them!).
Events
There's an array of events that happen across Cambridge, and they're one of the best ways to connect with like-minded people. These can be hosted by student groups, university departments, and places in the city.
We also host events here at Cambridge SU, such as Freshers' Fair, Refreshers Fair, Students' Awards, SLTAs, and Shadowing Scheme. To see what events are happening across Cambridge, visit our What's On calendar - these are also shared on our Instagram daily!
Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to get involved with student life at Cambridge. From the Shadowing Scheme to Cambassadors to College Level Outreach, there are plenty of ways to volunteer and support your community. Who knows, maybe you could be nominated at our Cambridge Students’ Awards one day!
MAKE A CHANGE
Are you looking to get involved in student voice during your time at University? Then you can make a change!
From becoming an academic rep, college reps, student council, student-led outreach, and campaigning, there are plenty of ways to get your voice heard.
Nightlife
With four nightclubs and a selection of bars, you can go out in Cambridge city centre. From Vinyl, Kiki's, Revs, and Mash, there's plenty of opportunities to dance the night away.
If live music takes your fancy, there's also a selection of music venues such as Corn Exchange and Cambridge Junction.
Sources of Support
It’s very normal not to be on top of every piece of work or social expectation. If you're feeling overwhelmed, you can talk to your Tutor, DoS, College Nurse or Wellbeing Advisor, J/MCR Welfare Officer or reach out to any of the following services for support.
Cambridge SU Student Advice Service provides free confidential and independent support - from academic and financial-related issues to general wellbeing and more.
For anymore information on Student Life, feel free to contact our Activities Team.