Roles of University and College: teaching and learning
The University and Colleges share the teaching of undergraduate students, with Colleges also providing help and support for those non-academic aspects of student life for all of their students. The pages linked to below include, among other things, overviews of what a Director of Studies does, what you can expect from your Tutor, the differences between lectures and seminars, and what a supervision is.
Health care
We have a very effective support system for students across the Colleges and the University to ensure that you are well looked after; you will be advised to register with a local GP surgery when you arrive, and you are able to use the University's Dental Service while you are a student.
The University does advise that you check that your vaccinations are up to date before you arrive. Check the advice for new students for further information.
More information about health, welfare, and general support can be found on the Student Wellbeing web pages.
University Card
One of the most important items you will receive during your first few days in Cambridge is your University Card.
Your card will have many functions during your time at the University, including Library borrowing, door access, purchases in buttery, photocopying etc.
If you provided a photo with your application you will receive your University Card from your Card Representative upon arrival at your College. If you did not supply a photo with your application, contact your College's Card Representative (Raven log-in required).
More information is given on the University Card web pages.
Email address and passwords
You should receive your University email address, Raven (authentication) password, and Desktop services (public computing) password when you arrive in Cambridge.
- Getting Started with IT in Cambridge
- Use and Misuse of Computing Facilities
- Rules for using Computing Services
Course handbooks
You should be provided with a handbook from your Faculty, Department or institution providing information on the facilities and services offered locally, in addition to information on the courses offered, the teaching approach, the assessment methods, marking criteria, and advice on good academic practice (plagiarism). These may be available in hard copy, but more usually they are available as online resources.
Postgraduate students should receive a handbook specific to postgraduate students in the Faculty, Department or institute.
Glossary: learn the lingo
Like any large organisation, the University has many customs, words and acronyms that can seem overwhelming until you learn 'the code'. A useful glossary has been compiled to help you decipher some of these:
Bank and building society directory
The Finance Division have developed a bank and building society directory to empower students, staff and the wider academic community to make informed choices about their banking provider.
The directory provides useful practical details about overdraft facilities, ID requirements and information for overseas students.