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.

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.  

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.

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.

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.

There are multiple ways you can connect with students within certain communities at Cambridge. You can join 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! You can also get involved with any of the SU Campaigns, which include the BME Campaign, Class Act Campaign, Disabled Students' Campaign, Ethical Affairs Campaign, International Students' Campaign, LGBT+ Campaign and the Women's Campaign. Each group has its own committee, events and campaigns that they run throughout the year.

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.

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!

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.

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.