Studying at Cambridge can be very challenging, but there is lots of support available. It can take time to adapt to new ways of working and to develop the skills your course requires.
Undergraduate students
For undergraduate students, Colleges usually assign a Director of Studies, commonly referred to as a DoS. Your Director of Studies is responsible for your academic welfare, and you can get in touch with them if you're finding you're having difficulties with your course.
Regular ways Directors of Studies provide academic support
- Regular oversight and review of progress
- Advice on study methods, and support in the event of difficulties with courses or supervisors
- Initial careers advice and provision of references
- Liaison between student and supervisor/Department
Sometimes pastoral matters are difficult to distinguish from academic problems. Your Director of Studies, supervisor or Course Director should be prepared to offer help in circumstances that affect your attendance or performance on your course. They may consult with your College Tutor or a member of the College welfare team where there is a pastoral issue impacting your studies, and would normally do so having sought your consent first.
Postgraduate students
For postgraduate students, the faculty or department will usually be the primary source of academic support.
For taught master's courses, your course director or course administrator will be able to help with any academic problems. For research students, an honest and healthy relationship with your supervisor will enable you to navigate challenges with a positive mindset. Sometimes it takes a bit of work to establish a good professional bond with your supervisor.
You can also approach your College Tutor for support. You might speak to your College Tutor about mental health issues, financial worries, problems with your academic work, or anything else that is making life difficult. They can provide you with listening support and signpost you to relevant services in your College, the University and beyond. Your College Tutor is also the one who supports your applications for help from the University, for example financial support or extending deadlines.
Academic resources
The University also has a range of resources to help you develop academic skills, such as research skills, time management and note-taking.
CamGuides is a set of resources designed to help students prepare for their studies in Cambridge, regardless of their subject or college. It focuses on some of the academic and information practices and skills that students commonly engage in, or require, for their degrees.
Information on exams and assessment, including the exam timetable and rules, and information on support around exams, are all accessible from our exams information page.
Cambridge SU’s Student Advice Service can offer information and advice on a wide range of issues, including academic support and exams.
The Wellbeing Thesis is an online resource for postgraduate research students on wellbeing, learning and research.
Looking after yourself during exams
It’s really important to look after both your body and your mind when you’re preparing for and taking exams. This short article gives you some tips on keeping well when you’re working hard: Healthy habits can help your mental health (studentspace.org.uk)
Student Minds has some information on dealing with exam stress.
Remember: if you are finding things tough, there are lots of people in the University and Colleges who can help you. Speak to your Tutor, DoS or supervisor, the College wellbeing team or University wellbeing or mental health support. This page gives full details of support available: Get support | Student Support (cam.ac.uk)