Support For Students Affected By Conflict

Over the past few weeks, the news has shown ongoing warfare between the US, Israel, and Iran, as well as attacks on Lebanon, Palestine, Qatar, UAE, Cyprus and more. The ripple effects have been felt across the globe, and we know that many of our students will be affected by these distressing developments.  

We want to reassure our student community that support is available, however you, your family or community has been affected. We are also aware of an email circulated by the University stating that students who travel to regions affected by the crisis would not qualify for exam allowance if unable to return, which has caused significant distress. If you find your international travel is affected, our Advice Service can support you with navigating any University processes and/or sources of funding available to you. We have signposted to sources of support below:

Student Wellbeing Support available: 

• Directors of Studies & Tutors

  • These staff members are there to talk through your individual concerns and help you to keep focus while uncertainty continues

• College Chaplains

  • Offer pastoral support and a listening ear to all members of their college community, regardless of faith or belief

• University Counselling Service

  • Offers free 1:1 counselling to all students studying at Cambridge

• Racial and Religious Discrimination Adviser

  • Specialist support for experiences of racial and religious discrimination or violence

• College Wellbeing Support teams

  • Colleges have designated wellbeing support staff, available to meet with students to discuss their concerns

• Postgraduate wellbeing service

  • Offers wellbeing support for postgraduate and research students

• SU Student Advice Service

  • Offers free, confidential, and impartial advice and support to all Cambridge University students

Student Financial Support:

• Director of Studies (DoS) & Tutors

  • They will be able to provide information about available college hardship funds

• University’s Humanitarian Response Fund

  • You can apply for small grants from the University’s Humanitarian Response Fund, administered by the University’s International Response Task Force

If you’re struggling, it is important to speak up. Support exists to help you when there is uncertainty and difficulty, and you are entitled to use it. It can feel like it’s best to keep your head down quietly, but you don’t have to go through this alone. Reaching out for academic guidance or wellbeing support can make a real difference, and if at a later date you need to cite mitigating circumstances, such as the impact of stress, it is helpful to have evidence that you have engaged with support.