Vibrant Student Life

Background

• For many postgraduate students, the first few weeks at Cambridge can be overwhelming. Freshers’ Week is packed with events and new faces, leaving little time to settle in. Many students feel stressed, and as conversations with students have shown, the initial weeks can significantly impact their overall experience. Those who manage to relax and make connections early on often have a more fulfilling time at Cambridge.
• Due to the relatively short timespan of postgraduate study, students often feel they don’t have enough time to fully engage with the Cambridge experience. This sparked the idea of conducting a survey to identify areas where the postgraduate induction process could be improved. The survey results would provide feedback for MCRs and other stakeholders, and highlight areas where the SU could step in to enhance the experience for future students.

What have we done?

• In November, we launched a survey aimed at capturing postgraduate students’ experiences during their induction period.
• The survey was circulated via newsletters and social media, with a £15 voucher offered as an incentive through a random ballot.
• Although the turnout was lower than anticipated, the feedback received has been informative. The data is now being analyzed by the Sabbs to gain insights.
• We are currently exploring additional methods to increase participation and gather more comprehensive feedback on the postgraduate induction experience. By ensuring a wider range of responses, we aim to gain a more complete understanding of areas for improvement.

What do we want to achieve?

We want to identify areas where the postgraduate induction process can be improved. By understanding students' challenges and feedback, we hope to implement changes that will help future postgraduates feel more supported during their early days at Cambridge, ensuring a smoother transition and a more fulfilling university experience.

Background

During the winter holidays, Cambridge experiences a shift in atmosphere, as many students leave for home or trips, leaving the city quieter than usual. For those who stay behind, it can feel isolating with fewer people around and limited activities. To combat this, we created a Winter Holiday Activity Guide to ensure that students staying in Cambridge can still find engaging events and places to visit during the break.

What have we done?

• Curated a comprehensive list of special events happening during the winter holidays, including free activities and places to visit around Cambridge.
• Compiled recommendations to help students make the most of their time and avoid feelings of isolation.
• Distributed the guide through the SU website and social media to ensure students staying in Cambridge have easy access to information about available activities.

What do we want to achieve?

The guide aims to provide students who remain in Cambridge during the winter holidays with opportunities to stay engaged, explore the city, and connect with others. By highlighting local events and activities, we seek to prevent isolation and help students enjoy their break in a meaningful way.

Background

Last year, the previous Undergraduate President Fergus, introduced SU society grants as another way that the SU can support the work of societies to improve student life.

What have we done?

I meet regularly with the activities team to allocate grant funding and we’ve already given out a huge amount this year. The scheme is still finding its feet and once applications have closed for Michaelmas we hope to take another look at the grant criteria to make the process clearer for all.

What do we want to achieve?

We want to fund fun projects and events for all registered societies so that students can have the best possible time at uni!

Background

Cambridge terms are unusually short at just 8 weeks, and incoming freshers do not have a traditional Freshers' Week for induction and settling in, unlike other universities. To address this, many colleges have introduced 'prep' or 'bridging' weeks with training, orientation sessions, and academic workshops. However, the level of support varies between colleges, leaving some students feeling less prepared or confident compared to their peers. These preparation sessions especially benefit students from underrepresented backgrounds who are less familiar with Cambridge, its jargon, and procedures.

What have we done?

The universities ‘What Works’ document, published in tandem with the Access and Participation plan, intends to collate information on what pre-term provisions each college provides. I will then collate this information and work with the OFIS on the next steps to equalise provisions.

What do we want to achieve?

A baseline level of provision of pre-term activities for incoming first-year students to ensure all students have the confidence to enter their first term feeling prepared.

Background

The Shadowing Scheme, the SU's flagship access programme, has been running for over two decades with minimal changes to its structure or objectives. However, university governance has expressed concerns that the programme is becoming outdated. To ensure the scheme’s longevity and continued funding, it requires reform to better align with the evolving landscape of outreach and the university’s current attitudes and practices.

What have we done?

Katie is currently in the process of developing a ‘theory of change’ document around the effectiveness of the current scheme, which will be completed following the end of the 2025 Shadowing scheme.

What do we want to achieve?

To develop a scheme that reflects current best practices within both the university and the wider sector for undergraduate outreach programmes. This will ensure that university funding is utilised as effectively as possible, delivering maximum benefit to prospective students.

Background

Cambridge, with its unique culture and traditions, uses a wide range of terminology that is often unfamiliar to students, particularly those coming from different parts of the world or even the UK. Acronyms, jargon, and buzzwords are frequently used in student conversations, in academic settings, and across various university communications. For many students, especially during their first few weeks, these terms can be confusing and create a sense of isolation. Some students, feeling embarrassed to ask for clarification, may avoid engaging in conversations, which can negatively impact their integration and well-being.   To bridge this gap and support students in feeling more comfortable and connected, I initiated the creation of a "Cambridge Glossary." This handy guide highlights common Cambridge-specific terms, acronyms, and phrases, providing brief descriptions to help students understand their meanings and uses.

What have we done?

• Curated a list of the most commonly used and Cambridge-specific terms, along with clear, simple definitions.
• Published the glossary on the Cambridge SU website to ensure that it was easily accessible for all students, especially new arrivals.
• Promoted the glossary through various social media channels to reach a wider audience, ensuring that incoming students for the 2024-2025 academic year could use it as a helpful reference.
• Collected feedback from students, many of whom found the glossary valuable in easing their transition and helping them engage more confidently in conversations.
• Recommended that the upcoming sabbatical team continue updating and advertising the glossary to future incoming students.

What do we want to achieve?

The glossary aims to help all students, particularly new arrivals, feel more included by providing clear definitions of Cambridge-specific terms. By offering this resource, we seek to foster a more inclusive environment where students can engage confidently in conversations and feel connected to the wider Cambridge community.

Background

Empowerment and representation of women and gender minorities within Cambridge University have been a subject of discussion with many students expressing a need for more visible role models, opportunities for personal development, and support networks. Despite efforts by various student groups, there is a significant gap in ensuring all women and gender minorities feel heard, represented, and empowered.

What have we done?

The new SU Women’s Officer is currently communicating with the SU Sports and Societies, College JCR and MCR Committee to gather content for Communications and Marketing, Leadership Events, Networking Opportunities as well as putting together Events and Activities Calendar with Seminars, Workshops, Self Defense and Empowerment Series in celebration of the International Women’s Day in March 2025. Additionally, efforts are underway to increase visibility, representation and awareness of the achievements of women across the University.

What do we want to achieve?

Highlight the positive achievements and success stories of Students and Alumni identifying as Women across the University of Cambridge through Communications, Marketing, Activities, Events and celebration of the International Women's Day. Our goal is to amplify the voices and achievements of students and alumni identifying as women throughout the University. By highlighting success stories through strategic communications and marketing efforts, we aim to foster a sense of belonging and empowerment for women across all disciplines and communities.

Background

Collaboration is essential to building a supportive community for marginalized groups at Cambridge. This project focuses on fostering partnerships with colleges, student organizations, and external groups to amplify the voices of BME students and work toward meaningful change.

What have we done?

• Participated in freshers talks at 10 colleges and collaborated with Black Advisory Hub, End Everyday Racism, Decolonisation Research Lab, and UCU.
• Hosted Black History Month events, including a documentary screening of Educationally Subnormal and a session with The Black Curriculum organization.
• Met with Cambridge City Councillors and ARU to discuss collaboration opportunities.
• Partnered with Cambridge University Amnesty International on the Prevent Campaign, resulting in a discussion paper presented at the Student Council.
• Planned the Creative Expression of Anti-Racism event for 19 March 2025 at the Cambridge SU lounge.
• Invited as a guest speaker for Queen’s College People of Colour event in February 2025.

What do we want to achieve?

• Sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Black Curriculum to formalize annual collaborations during Black History Month.
• Publish a Prevent Report 2025, analyzing data from all 31 colleges.
• Enhance collaboration for International Week Against Racism and organize creative events promoting anti-racism.