Many students take some time to become accustomed to the culture of the University and the town, and, in many cases, of the academic expectations of the UK university system.
Faculties, Departments, and Colleges provide induction sessions for most students, and the University also provides, centrally, induction in some specialist areas.
Faculty/Department induction sessions should aim to:
- provide an overview of the institution and support services available, both at the course/Department/Faculty level (e.g. library opening hours and borrowing arrangements) and at the University level (e.g. Computing Service, University Library);
- introduce appropriate academic staff;
- explain the way in which the course is organised, who to refer to in case of difficulty, and the arrangements for student representation;
- make certain that any specific health and safety requirements are made clear;
- introduce the learning and working environment and resources available, including any possibilities for auditing other courses and skills development;
- in the case of Postgraduates, they should draw attention to the Code of Practice;
- provide information on the academic and ethical conventions and requirements pertinent to the field of study and draw attention to any compulsory training elements; and
- provide an opportunity for students to ask questions.
College induction sessions should aim to:
- explain the system of pastoral support within Colleges;
- inform students how to access medical and other support facilities in Cambridge, such as the Counselling Service;
- introduce the facilities that Colleges provide for learning support (e.g. computing facilities and libraries) and skills development;
- set out arrangements for payment of fees and other bills; and
- introduce new students to each other, to senior members and to a network of current students in the College.
University central provision includes safety courses and online training on harassment and sexual misconduct.
The Language Centre's pre-sessional English for Academic Purposes course includes orientation and induction.