Moving to university can feel like a big unknown, so we've put together a page of frequently asked questions to give you as much information as possible before you get here. All the information has been tailored by students and staff to give you everything you really need!.png)
Not sure what to expect from university? Read the top tips from our Sabbatical Officers who studied here!
"There are so many opportunties at Cambridge. While still looking after your wellbeing and worklife balance, you can make the most of so many new opportunities, experiences and meet lots of new people from all different backgrounds!" - Augustin (President PG)
"First of all, enjoy your summer! Make the most of the time you have before you start. Your department might give you prep work (mine certainly did) which is designed to be a helpful introduction, not a test!" - Matthew (President UG)
"Try your best to find the work-life balance that suits you as early as possible! Cambridge can get very intense quite fast, so make sure you’re looking out for your mental and physical wellbeing and finding time to enjoy the uni experience, as well as study!" - Jessica (VP Education & Widening Participation)
"Throughout your time here, so many things will change. It is such an incredible experience to grow and learn in a space as prestigious as Cambridge. Throughout those changes, good and bad, the SU will always work to support and empower you. Whether it’s through the advice service, through our sabbatical officer team, through the societies we support, and more, you can trust the SU to be there. With you and for you." - Melanie (VP Welfare & Liberation)
"You can look up societies before you arrive! From badminton to rambling, we've got them all listed on our SU website - feel free to check it out!" - Olivia (VP Student Community & Societies)
Q&As
It's only natural that you'll have questions about starting university, so we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions based on current and previous student feedback. If your question is not here, get in touch with us!
Do I need to do all my summer work before arriving?
If you’ve been sent a really long reading list or an assignment to do, rest assured that lots of people won’t complete it. Do what you can, but don’t worry if you can’t get through much of the work or reading as well as you would like. You will be absolutely fine to get started in most subjects without doing all the recommended work. The most important thing is to arrive well rested and excited for the course!
I’m not able to attend the Freshers’ Fair, can I still join clubs and societies after the event?
Yes, you can still join clubs and societies after the Freshers’ Fair. Cambridge has hundreds of student-run clubs and societies, both university-wide and within colleges. This means that there’s a chance for you to get involved in lots of different activities at whatever level suits you. Cambridge SU runs a directory where clubs and societies have a page advertising what they do and publish their events. You can find all of this via the directory on our website.
I don’t feel comfortable attending a large event like the Freshers’ Fair, can I still access relevant information online?
We know not everyone will want to attened a large event,to ensure our fair is accessible to everyone we have put in place accessible hours on each day of the fair, where the noise level will be reduced and the capacity lowered. A full list of societies can be found on our website as well as events & our welcome guide.
I don't drink / I’m worried about peer pressure to drink
We understand that lots of students don’t drink for different reasons, and you should never have to do anything you’re not comfortable with. We will be hosting lots of alcohol-free events over the year for you – which will be tagged on our What’s On page and on the Cambridge SU website. If you feel harassed or pressured to do anything you’re not comfortable with, you can contact our Student Advice Service who can help you with this.
I have a disability, is there somewhere I can go for support?
Yes! The Accessibility & Disability Resource Centre (ADRC) is the main source of support for students who require reasonable adjustments as a result of a disability, physical or mental health condition or injury.
Will the workload be overwhelming?
Cambridge courses can be really demanding, so it’s okay if you struggle to adjust at first. For most subjects and supervisors it is absolutely fine to sometimes hand in incomplete work (like a plan instead of a full essay, or even to just do the reading), ask for extensions and sometimes not hand in assignments. Supervisors are usually very friendly and flexible and would much rather you weren’t suffering in silence. If you feel like a supervisor is not being receptive to concerns around workload, or you consistently struggle to meet deadlines, this is something to take up with your Director of Studies (DoS) who can advise you on the best way forward.
What if I don’t make friends straight away?
Everyone makes friends at different times and in different ways. There’ll be a variety of events where you can go to meet other members of your college, course mates and new friends. If you’re struggling to make friends try reaching out to your college Welfare Officer to find out what different types of events there are. There are also seven SU Campaigns you can get involved with, some of which run buddy schemes. Cambridge also has hundreds of clubs and societies you can join to meet other students with similar interests to you.
How can I find other BME students or International Students at Cambridge?
There are multiple ways you can connect with students within certain communities at Cambridge. But the best way is by joining a society via our societies directory, and if you can't find one that fits what you are looking for, then you can always start a new one!
What else happens during freshers’ week?
When you arrive you’ll be sent a timetable of events in your College and around the University by your JCR/MCR (Junior/Middle Common Room). The events on the timetable will be a mix of nights out and nights in, giving you casual ways to meet fellow students. There’ll be non-alcoholic options, and don’t feel pressured to attend any events you aren’t keen on – there are plenty of ways to make friends while you’re here so just do what you’re comfortable with. One of the first things that will happen when you arrive is that you will “matriculate” – it’s all very Harry Potter but without the sorting hat. It usually involves a group photo, a formal dinner and a ceremony where you shake someone’s hand and sign an enrolment agreement. Matriculating basically means fully enrolling into your college, but with a bit more ceremony. You may be required to buy a gown to matriculate in when you arrive (they’re around £40), but you might be able to buy a second hand one for cheaper. Postgraduate students can buy a gown from the SU Reception and Undergraduate students should purchase their gowns from their respective college supplier.
Who should I talk to if I’m struggling?
Every student has a Director of Studies (DoS) and Pastoral Tutor who work at/for their college. Your DoS largely looks after your academics and your Tutor supports your pastoral care, including your general wellbeing, finances and accommodation. Often if you have a problem you can talk to one of them, but really any staff member you trust will be able to help you!
Who can I go to if I want to change course?
The Student Advice Service offers free, confidential, and impartial advice and support to all Cambridge University students. You can come to the Student Advice Service with any issues or problems you might experience as a student, from making friends to working relationships, from exams to intermission, and from welfare concerns to finance.
Is there support available in my college if I am homesick?
Many people experience homesickness during their time at University. If you’re struggling with the transition to University or with moving away from home, there is help available. The University Counseling Service offers a selection of helpful resources for you to access, including some useful self help tips for homesickness. At your College, you should speak to your Tutor about problems you are having, who will be able to help you or signpost you to other people who can. Finally, if homesickness is contributing to more serious mental health problems, you can access professional support from the University Counselling Service or in some cases from your College.
Still got questions?
If you have any other questions, feel free to get in touch! You can do this by:
Sending us a message on Facebook or Instagram
Or emailing enquiries@cambridgesu.co.uk