The information below gives an overview of some of the key services available to you as a student, including a non-exhaustive summary of what they offer. For more information on all of these services, see the relevant website.
The Student Wellbeing website is a good source of general information on all areas of wellbeing.
Careers Service
The Careers Service is available to all current students and alumni (as well as current staff). Students can access the service at any time during or after their course.
Resources
- Advice on finding work, including sourcing opportunities, writing CVs and making applications, and preparing for interviews and selection processes
- 1:1 guidance
- Gradlink, a database of Cambridge graduates
- Cambridge Careers Guide, with advice and information on employers that target University of Cambridge students
- Careers events
- Careers library
- Information on vacancies
- Bursary and internship schemes
- Personalised mailing lists
- Support and information targeted to various groups, e.g.:
Disability Resource Centre
The Disability Resource Centre (DRC) supports all current disabled students. Currently around 15% of the student population has disclosed a disability, including specific learning difficulties (SpLD), physical or mobility impairments, sensory impairments, mental health conditions, autistic spectrum conditions, and long-standing illnesses or health conditions. Students do not need to disclose a disability in order to approach the DRC, but if support is required disclosure is normally necessary.
What they can help with
- Individualised Student Support Documents (SSDs), which summarise recommendations for support and teaching
- Initial screenings for specific learning difficulties and autistic spectrum conditions
- Support with accessing disability-related funds
- 1:1 human support, including mentoring and study skills support
- Loan of specialist equipment, including ergonomic and recording equipment
- Assistive technology support
- Support with applying for exam access arrangements
- Advice for staff on working with disabled students
- Advice for prospective students and offer-holders
Student Counselling Service
The Counselling Service is available to all students* and offers a variety of support for personal, relationship and academic-related problems. Waiting times vary over the course of the year.
Resources
- Self-help resources and signposting.
- Group support: one-off workshops, groups focusing on specific issues over 4–6 weeks, and longer-term counselling groups.
- A sexual assault and harassment advisor who can provide emotional and practical support to anyone who has experienced sexual harassment or assault, recently or in the past and regardless of whether the experience happened within the University.
- Mental health advisors: support for students experiencing moderate to severe mental health difficulties, including mental health assessments and crisis intervention. Students must be referred by a College nurse, chaplain or tutor.
- College-based counselling at some Colleges (NB: some Colleges employ counsellors independently from the Counselling Service).
* Intermitting students may be offered a limited service or advised to contact their GP.
Students' unions: CUSU and GU
The Cambridge University Students' Union and Graduate Union aim to represent the interests of all undergraduate and postgraduate students. Postgraduate students can access both the CUSU and GU.
Resources
- Access:
- Cambridge University Alternative Prospectus
- Postgraduate Alternative Prospectus
- Shadowing scheme for UK students from state schools without a tradition of top university entry
- The Students' Unions' Advice Service can give advice, support and information on a range of issues relating to student experiences. They are independent from but knowledgeable about College and University services and procedures.
- Campaigns and projects, including dedicated liberation campaigns for specific groups.
- Support for student clubs and societies.
- Services such as a print shop, gown hire, cost-price sanitary supplies and bike accessories, sexual health supplies, and room hire.
Main image: The Student Services Centre on the New Museums Site