Freshers' Guide 2010 - Cambridge University Students' Union ...

Freshers’ Guide
2010
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Welcome to the CUSU Freshers’ Guide 2010
Hi!
If you’re reading this, then you’ve filled in the forms,
done the interview, and satisfied your offer conditions. So
CONGRATULATIONS!
This guide is here to give you a taste of life in Cambridge,
whilst answering your questions (and reminding you to pack
a few things!). Whatever worries you have about beginning
student life, everyone is in the same situation, andmost of
these worries will be gone by the end of freshers’ week, we
promise!
Cambridge really is an exciting place to live and to study,
with thousands of things to do and get involved with while
you’re here. The best way to discover the hundreds of clubs
and societies on offer in Cambridge is at the CUSU Societies
Fair at Kelsey Kerridge Sports Centre on the 5th and 6th
October. Find out more details at www.cusu.cam.ac.uk/
societies/fair/.
This guide contains a lot of useful stuff, but if you’d like
to meet fellow freshers or if you want more information,
join our facebook group (listed below) or have a look at our
website. Other than that, we look forward to seeing you all in
freshers’ week! Enjoy the rest of your summer and if you have
any queries, please get in touch.
Contents
CUSU
What does CUSU do? 2
How does CUSU work? 3
The Sabbatical Officers 4
The CUSU Team 5
Campaigns 6
HE Funding 8
Faculty Reps 9
Access 11
Autonomous Campaigns 12
Before you get here
Your Checklist 18
The Cambridge Language 19
Useful Contacts 20
Support
Support & Advice 22
n u s EXTRA
National Union of Students
Your free Cambridge card is great for
discounts in town, but this twelvemonth
NUS card lets you save money
nationally and online. With discounts at
leading retailers such as Amazon, your
NUS Extra card will ensure that you get
a student discount whenever it’s available,
wherever you are.
Order yours for just £11 at www.nus.org.uk, collect
from Cambridge University Students’ Union (CUSU)
when you arrive and begin saving money!
Front cover photo by Jimmy Appleton, http://jma55.cantabphotos.com/; Printed by The Burlington Press Ltd in England
Typeset in Myriad by CloudCover Media
©2010 Cambridge University Students’ Union. All rights reserved. Registered Charity No. 288365
Website: www.cusu.cam.ac.uk
For more information on Freshers’ Week and to meet your fellow students,
search for “Official Cambridge Freshers’ Group 2010” on Facebook.
Student Parents 23
Health 24
Student Safety 25
Students with Disabilities 26
Cambridge
Nightlife 28
Student Societies 32
Getting Around 34
CUSU Freshers’ Guide 2010 1

CUSU – Your Students’ Union
What does CUSU do?
It exists to represent your interests and ensure that
every student in the University has a say in their
Cambridge experience.
CUSU brings together students from all colleges and
departments to campaign for positive change in
Cambridge. We make sure that student concerns are
at the centre of University decision-making and also
provide entertainment, services and welfare support
for the benefit of students. As well as having Universitywide
representation through CUSU, you also are also
represented at College level by your college students’
union (usually called a JCR or MCR, representing
undergraduates and graduates respectively). CUSU
brings together the JCRs and MCRs, along with
the faculty reps, who represent you within your
departments. CUSU is affiliated to the National Union of
Students (NUS), meaning that Cambridge students also
have representation at the national level.
Campaigns
Students are most powerful when they organise and
cooperate as a collective body. CUSU provides a strong
voice and practical support to actively pursue the issues
you care about. This year we will be running a number
of exciting campaigns on issues ranging from ethical
affairs to student safety - read about some of them on
pages 8 and 9 and you’ll have plenty of opportunities
to get involved when you arrive. However, what we
campaign on is up to you. So if there is any aspect of
your subject, your College or University life that you
want to improve, you can bring your ideas to CUSU
Council and join up with other students to demand
positive change.
Representation
There are lots of groups and committees in the
University which are constantly making decisions
which will affect your life at University. . Elected student
officers represent you and influence these decisions:
we voice your opinions at the highest levels across
the University. If you have ideas for how student life
can be improved and want to represent students to
the University and the wider world, why not stand for
election to one of the Officer positions on page 5 and 6.
Services
CUSU offers a huge number of services to ensure
you get the most out of Cambridge. CUSU helps not
only individual students, but also provides support
and training for your societies, faculty representatives
and JCR/MCR committees. Our offices, next to the
examinations hall on the New Museums site (off
Downing Street) are also the place to come to for
quality colour/mono photocopying and binding at
some of the cheapest rates in the city, and to collect
your NUS Extra card, once ordered at www.nus.org.uk.
From confidential, non-judgemental welfare support for
individuals to our entertainment nights at local venues;
assisting societies, to acting a ‘hub’ for JCR/MCR reps
to share ideas, CUSU is constantly working to enhance
your student experience.
Advice
CUSU’s Student Advice Service offers free, confidential
and independent support to all students. If you feel
you have been discriminated against, treated unfairly
or would like to discuss something that is bothering
you, contact us by phone or by email, whether it’s the
first time you have a question or as a last resort. We can
discuss your concerns with you, explore what options
are available to you and represent you at a college level
if necessary.
You can come to the service with any issues or
problems that you might experience as a student -
from questions or concerns about your education or
University procedures to a health enquiry or a mental
health issue. We employ a full time, professional
Student Advisor and CUSU’s three trained student
support officers will also be able to provide support and
representation.
2 CUSU Freshers’ Guide 2010

How does CUSU work?
The umbrella of CUSU brings together all
three aspects of student representation of
Cambridge. You, the membership, elect all three
groups, with each reflecting a different aspect
of student life in Cambridge.
For more information see our website at
www.cusu.cam.ac.uk
CUSU Executive
The CUSU Team are a link between individual students and university-wide and national campaigns. There are specific
representatives who look to voice the needs and concerns of specific groups, such as Students with Disabilities. Annually, the
Sabbatical Officers (see page 9) are elected by all students, with the Part-time Officers elected by your JCR/MCR and Faculty
Reps at CUSU Council.
Turn to the CUSU Team if… you want to get involved with campaigns on issues such as Ethical Investment of University funds or
Higher Education Funding and Fees, or if you want to volunteer for Access Schemes to widen applications to Cambridge…
JCRs & MCRs
Within your college, your college students’ unions (the
JCR, MCR, or sometimes a whole college union) provide
representation locally. You’ll elect your college JCR/MCR
committee, who will speak up for you within college.
The President and an External Officer also vote in your
interests at CUSU Council, often basing their decisions
on the results of Open Meetings held in college where
you can let them know exactly what you think on
specific issues.
Your JCR/MCR is the place to go if… you want to get
involved with college Ents, you want to campaign on the
rent you are charged, if you want a friendly face to talk
to for welfare support in college, or if you have a dispute
with College…
Faculty Reps
Your faculty reps voice students’ opinions and
concerns within each department/faculty. They
attend the CUSU Faculty Board to organise central
campaigns and can also each vote at CUSU Council,
voting in the interests of the members of their
faculty. You elect your faculty reps yearly, either
in person in your department or through online
elections.
Get in touch with your Faculty Rep if… you want
to campaign for changes to your course, library
provision or lecture system…
The Membership
The student body forms the membership of CUSU,
electing representatives to the bodies that co-ordinate
policy formation, the day to day governance of the
student union (including the enactment of policy, which
is set by council, by the Executive – see above) and
CUSU’s long-term development.
CUSU Freshers’ Guide 2010 3

The Sabbatical Officers
Rahul Mansigani – CUSU President (president@cusu.cam.ac.uk)
I represent Cambridge students to the University, the media, and on the national stage. My
main role is spearheading student campaigns. I also provide support to your JCRs/MCRs, as
well as clubs and societies. I studied Law at Robinson College, where I was JCR President.
I’ve also been Treasurer at the Cambridge Union Society and fundraised with RAG. When
I’m not in the office, you’ll probably find me in a cocktail bar or watching something at the
ADC!
Maria Helmling – CUSU Education Officer (education@cusu.cam.ac.uk)
I train and guide Faculty Reps and College Academic Officers in pushing for change in your
Faculties and Colleges, as well as actively campaigning with you both within and beyond
the University. If things are tough academically or personally, I’m here to support, inform
and represent you. When I’m not doing CUSU stuff, I enjoy long walks, Ceilidh dancing,
singing, playing the violin, and baking (and eating!) cakes.
Morgan Wild –CUSU-GU Student Support Officer (welfare@cusu.cam.ac.uk)
I’m responsible for CUSU’s student support work across the University for both undergraduate
and graduate students. This includes co-ordinating the Student Advice Service, supporting and
representing individual students and leading welfare campaigns on a range of issues, from mental
health to equality and diversity. I graduated from Sidney Sussex College last year in Philosophy. In my
occasional escapes from the office, I enjoy relaxing in a good pub with friends, political campaigning,
reading and watching rubbish TV.
Andy McGowan – CUSU Access Officer (access@cusu.cam.ac.uk)
My job is to help encourage students, particularly from underrepresented backgrounds, to consider
applying to Cambridge or University more generally. I do lots of work with prospective students and
co-ordinate student-run initiatives within Cambridge. I studied Law at Trinity Hall and was involved
in a whole load of different things – from football, to college drama, and even being thrown down
a hill in a huge hamster ball in the name of charity. When not doing CUSU stuff, I enjoy playing/
watching football, going to gigs and just hanging out with my friends.
Chris Lillycrop – CUSU Coordinator (coordinator@cusu.cam.ac.uk)
I’m responsible for the Union’s day-to-day management; co-ordinating CUSU staff, officers,
finances and office resources to make sure the executive has the resources it needs for
campaigning and representation. I went to St Catharine’s and studied Modern Languages
(MML) and I relax by hanging out with the Cambridge University Fire Troupe and enjoying
long afternoons in the sunshine on Jesus Green.
Sarah Peters-Harrison – CUSU Women’s Officer (womens@cusu.cam.ac.uk)
As Women’s Officer I campaign against gender discrimination in the University, coordinating
campaigns including challenging the gender disparity in exam results, unequal provision for women’s
sports and objectification of women. I also support college women’s officers, push for change by
engaging with the University administration and support individual students. I studied Theology
at Murray Edwards College, and outside of office hours I enjoy partying, playing sport – especially
football, jazz and classical singing and getting active about things I care about.
4 CUSU Freshers’ Guide 2010

The CUSU Team – Student Officers
The work that CUSU does is split between 7 Teams, with
around 30 students involved as Officers across the teams.
These positions reflect the wide range of student concerns
in the University, from the support available to students
with Eating Disorders to addressing the differences
Student Support Team
in facilities between colleges. If you’re interested in
representing students, campaigning for change or have
a particular passion, then get involved – standing for a
part-time Officer position is a rewarding experience that
makes a real difference to students’ lives.
Responsible for CUSU’s work relating to students’ mental and physical health, well-being and safety; it leads campaigns
on welfare provision within the university and works with the Student Advice Service on individual student support.
Team Members: Student Support Officer [Head of Team], Transport & Student Safety Officer, Anti- Racism Officer, Mental Wellbeing
Officer, Sexual Health Officer, Eating Disorders Support Officer
Education Team
Your academic experiences are the focus of this team. It provides individual student support, runs campaigns on
issues such as supervisor training and library access and also offers support over the exam season.
Team Members: Education Officer [Head of Team], College Academic Officer (Undergraduate), Mature Students Officer, Faculty
Academic Officer (Undergraduate), Faculty Academic Officer (Graduate)
Access & Funding Team
Leads campaigns on issues relating to Higher Education funding and student financial support, as well as encouraging
university applications from students of diverse backgrounds through our student-led schemes.
Team Members: Access Officer [Head of Team], Target Schools Officer, Higher Education Funding Campaigns Officer, Bursaries and
Funding Officer, Black and Ethnic Minority (BEM) Access Officer
Ethical Affairs Team
Looks at the impact of University, collegiate, student and Union activities on the environment and broader society;
and the interaction between social issues and student life.
Team Members: Ethical Affairs Chair [Head of team], Environment Officer, Ethical Investment Officer, Ethical Consumerism Officer,
Community and Volunteering Officer
Common Room Support and Membership Engagement Team (CoMET)
CoMET supports JCRs and MCRs in representing you in college, running cross-college campaigns and providing
training and guidance for your college committee representatives. Also, they are responsible for publicising CUSU
Council and Open Meetings and making sure that CUSU is engaged with the student body, both undergraduates and
graduates.
Team Members: President [Head of Team], Communications Officer, College Facilities Officer, Rents Officer, Common Room Support
Officer, Membership Engagement Officer
Democracy and Development Team (D&D)
Responsible for the long-term development of CUSU, the D&D Team also makes sure that CUSU remains democratic
and student led and follows the procedures and processes that are laid out in the constitution.
Team Members: President [Head of Team], CUSU Chair, Secretary, Undergraduate Union Development Officer, Graduate Union
Development Officer
Resources Group
The Resources Group is responsible for providing services to students and supporting student run societies and sports
clubs.
Team Members: Coordinator [Head of Team], University Sports and Societies Officer
CUSU Freshers’ Guide 2010 5

Campaigns
As a University-wide students’ union, CUSU campaigns on
issues that affect students’ lives, as decided by you, our
members.
Some CUSU campaigns take the form of high-visibility,
public events that seek to draw in as much direct student
participation and media attention as possible, others are not as
high-profile, involving collaboration on University committees
and working groups that can take years at a time. Finally, some
campaigns work through the networks of college and faculty
representatives to apply pressure on a single issue in many
places at once. Here are a few of the high-visibility campaigns
that we, and hopefully you too, will be a part of in the coming
year:
Supervisor training:
While the diversity of supervisions is enriching and stimulating,
students need to be guaranteed that they receive excellent
teaching whatever College or Faculty they belong to. CUSU
campaigns for mandatory supervisor training in terms of
general technique as well as paper-specific requirements.
Supervisors should be aware of what skills first year
undergraduates might lack when coming straight from
school, be able to support students with specific learning
difficulties, and avoid discrimination. CUSU encourages closer
collaboration between supervisors and lecturers, so that
supervisors are up to date with actual course content and exam
format.
Libraries provision:
Making study materials such as power point slides, question
sheets, reading lists, and handouts, available online is easy
and cheap, and all students will benefit from it. Some faculties
already do it, some don’t. CUSU campaigns for better online
materials in all faculties and departments.
Exam feedback:
CUSU campaigns for more transparency and clear criteria in the
process of marking exams. Exam feedback guarantees greater
transparency as well as enabling students to learn from it.
Interactive Online Timetables:
You could be attending lectures relevant to your choice
of course, or simply out of special interest, in faculties and
departments other than your own – if only you knew about
them. CUSU campaigns for a personalized online timetable
listing university-wide lectures which you can tailor to your own
preferences.
Ethical Consumerism:
The Ethical Consumerism duo are working on increasing
awareness on and making progressive changes to buying
Students need to be
guaranteed that they
receive excellent teaching
whatever College or Faculty
they belong to.
food and clothing. This will involve expanding the amount of
colleges with Fairtrade status (currently 10 colleges are applying
or have this status) and supplying fairtrade or ethical clothing
to societies. Look out for progress and support changes in your
college!
Socially Responsible Investment:
CUSU has been campaigning for the University to implement
an Ethical Investment Policy that reflects its commitment to
human rights, education and sustainability. This means that the
university should not be investing in companies which fail to
uphold basic human rights and protect the environment within
Get Involved!
If you care about an issue and have a little time, you
can help us run a campaign; whether it’s designing
publicity, organising demonstrations or standing
for election, there are loads of ways for you to make
an impact. If you would like to find out more, email
president@cusu.cam.ac.uk.
6 CUSU Freshers’ Guide 2010

Campaigns
their sphere of influence. This means asking investment
managers to ensure that they have a screening process to
ensure that money is invested properly. So far the campaign
has looked at Shell, the Arms Trade and will expand into the
coming year.
Right to Recycle: This campaign is underwritten by the
principle that we should all be provided with the opportunity
to recycle in colleges and in departments. The Environment
Officers in the CUSU Ethical Affairs team are running this
campaign and aim to improve and concrete students’ right to
recycle while in Cambridge.
Equality and Diversity: Each Michaelmas term, we organise
Cambridge Stands Up Week which celebrates equality and
diversity in Cambridge and fights against bigotry, stigma
and discrimination. Throughout the year, we work with the
autonomous campaigns, to ensure that the diverse needs
and backgrounds of students at Cambridge are respected,
that every student has equal access to their education and to
student life and that every student has an equal opportunity
to make the best of their university experience.
Welfare Provision: Whilst support in Cambridge is often
excellent, there can be large differences in the quality of
welfare provision available to students across colleges.
We campaign for all students to have access to a college
nurse and for every pastoral tutor to be given compulsory
tutor training, so that everyone has the support they need,
regardless of college. We also lead campaigns against any cuts
to welfare provision at either a University or a college level.
CUSU Freshers’ Guide 2010 7

Higher Education Funding
One of the most important events this autumn is the
publication of the Browne Review, which will report
on the future of higher education fees. Many people
expect the Browne Review to recommend higher
tuition fees, with a potential removal of the current
cap on fee levels. CUSU strongly opposes both of
these options.
We are coming dangerously close to a free market in
Higher Education, where the focus of student choice
is not based on the appeal of the university or course,
but on cost. This is unacceptable and something
which students’ unions across the country are
campaigning hard against. The effects of the Review
could impact on generations of students that follow
us.
This is the basis for one our most important and
exciting campaigns this year. CUSU opposes tuition
fees in principle, and will join with other students’
unions to oppose any increase in the current cap on
tuition fees. We will also challenge any proposal that
could make Cambridge more expensive than other
universities in terms of tuition fees. One of the most
crucial messages for prospective students is that
Cambridge charges the same level of fees as 99%
of Universities. If this were no longer to be the case,
then this could make our widening participation work
much more difficult.
CUSU will be working closely alongside the NUS,
Anglia Ruskin University and other Students’
Unions to lead an exciting and dynamic HE
Funding Campaign, engaging both students and
the community at large. We will be lobbying MPs,
writing letters, organising public meetings and
demonstrations to voice our concerns and organising
other visible activities. This is an issue that affects
you, so make sure you get involved: information will
be available at the Freshers’ Fair and on the CUSU
website from September!
Whatever the outcome of Lord Browne’s review,
CUSU still needs to work hard to tackle the ‘fear of
debt’ amongst many prospective students. It is vital
that students are able to access up-to-date and
accurate information, both before and after they
arrive. Throughout the year, the Access and Funding
Team will be coming up with ways of better ensuring
that all students are aware of the financial support
available to Cambridge students, support which is
amongst the most generous in the Country.
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8 CUSU Freshers’ Guide 2010

Faculty Reps
“I have two instincts: I want to have fun, and I want to change
the world. I have a chance to do both.” – Bono
Faculties control the greatest part of your education here
at Cambridge: they choose which courses to offer, decide
how they are taught, and set and mark the exams. As such,
your Faculty will be every bit as important to you as your
College. In your Faculty you will get to know students from
across the Colleges, find books in its own specialist library,
and attend most of your lectures.
Faculty Reps work within each Faculty in a similar way to
the JCR/MCR Presidents in your College; they represent
students’ views to the University on anything that affects
students, whether that’s getting a new snack machine,
allocating grants to postgraduate students, or completely
changing the content and teaching process of your course!
There are usually two Undergraduate Reps and one
Graduate Rep in each Faculty. Together they form the vital
link between the people who study in the Faculty and
those who run it. A Faculty Rep is a student elected by
students on their course, who then acts as their voice to
the Faculty staff.
As a Faculty Rep you can have huge influence on the
way your course is taught. But apart from working on
academic matters, Faculty Reps often organise socials for
their Faculties, ranging from film nights to end-of-year
garden parties – a great way to meet the students on
your course! Because there are usually three of you, you
can shape your own role and put as much time into it as
you like.
You will have the chance to work out issues in your
Faculty alongside senior academics of your subject, and
CUSU will train you in committee skills, public speaking,
and how to make things happen. Faculty Reps also have
the opportunity to represent students at even higher
levels in the University: on CUSU Council and on the
Council of your School (a group of several Faculties).
Faculty Reps are part of an active network, campaigning
on things that can enhance your studies enormously.
Do you want to be in the room when the most important
decisions about what goes on in your Faculty are made?
You can put yourself forward for nominations at the end
of November, with elections taking place a week later. To
find out more, contact Maria, the CUSU Education Officer
(education@cusu.cam.ac.uk), the Faculty Reps of your
Faculty, or your departmental secretary. (You should find
their contact details on your Faculty website.)
There are also other ways to get involved in education/
academic affairs at Cambridge: come along to a meeting
of the Education Team, stand for Academic Affairs Officer
in your College, or volunteer for individual campaigns.
Whatever your ideas or your availability, get in touch!
Academic Stress
Academic life at Cambridge can be intellectually
exciting and enjoyable, but it can also be stressful
and overwhelming at times. Like at other
universities, most students will experience stress
as a result of their studies at Cambridge. Personal
issues can have an impact on your ability to cope
with academic pressures, as well as the range of
activities and experiences that most of you will
engage with and enjoy during your time here.
Remember that meeting deadlines isn’t everything
and that the important thing is that you enjoy
your time in Cambridge. If you are finding your
academic workload too stressful, it can be useful
to talk to your Director of Studies, who has a
responsibility to help you find a better way of
managing a demanding academic schedule. There
are also a range of resources available on the
University Counselling Service website for dealing
with stress and other issues and you can also drop
in to the Student Advice Service and discuss any
problems or concerns you might be having.
CUSU Freshers’ Guide 2010 9

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CUSU Access
Cambridge has a welcoming, exciting and varied
student population, with students from all over the
world and all walks of life and one of the fairest
admissions processes in the country.
Despite this, there remain many outdated stereotypes
surrounding Cambridge and myths about the application
process, which often influence the decisions of prospective
students, especially those from backgrounds which have
little experience of University or Cambridge.
CUSU runs several Access schemes, where student
volunteers meet with pre-University students to show them
what Cambridge is really like. Another aspect of CUSU’s role
is to ensure that once students come to Cambridge, they
enter an environment which enables them to make the
most of their time here, both academically and socially.
Here is just a taste of some of the schemes that you could
get involved with.
CUSU Shadowing Scheme
Every year in February CUSU invites hundreds of Year 12
students with little school or family experience of university
to ‘shadow’ a current undergraduate; going with them to
lectures, supervisions and social activities for 3 days. This is
a unique opportunity to experience day-to-day student life
at Cambridge firsthand. It is an amazing scheme that really
changes the lives of the sixth-formers involved and helps
to dispel the misconceptions that too many students have
about what it means to be a student at Cambridge.
This is always one of the most popular Access events
amongst both prospective and current students. This year
we are hoping to get more student clubs and societies
involved so that the sixth-formers can see just how diverse
student life is in Cambridge.
Target Schools
Target Schools is a scheme by which current students go
into a state school in their local area to talk to students
about Cambridge and university in general. The aim is to
replace myths with real, honest and up-to-date information
about being a student here. It takes an hour or two of your
time at most but can have a real impact.
There is an online database of schools so that you can
easily find local schools and you will be provided with
the resources to help you give a talk. Most volunteers
find it very rewarding, finding rapid changes in people’s
impressions and often help schools to make more
applications. The CUSU Access Officer is even able to try
and organise a talk with a school in your local area on your
behalf.
Open Days
As well as open days run by the University and colleges,
CUSU runs a series of open days throughout the year.
Volunteers are needed to help run the days, give tours and
talk to prospective students.
CUSU Freshers’ Guide 2010 11

Autonomous Campaigns
CUSU supports five autonomous campaigns – the
Women’s Campaign, Black Students’ Campaign,
Lesbian Bisexual Gay and Transgender (LBGT)
Campaign, iCUSU (international students) and the
Disabled Students’ Liberation Campaign. These
University-wide campaigns represent the needs of
traditionally disempowered students; holding events,
providing support and ensuring that every student’s
Women’s Campaign
The Women’s Campaign is a dynamic force for
change in the University through the campaigns
we coordinate, the resources and support we
provide and the voice we give to the women of
this University. We speak out against individual
and institutional practices which negatively affect
women. The Women’s Campaign is the student
voice for gender equality in the University, so
we engage with students through events and
campaigns, and work within the University to push
for practices which proactively embrace diversity.
Head of Campaign: Sarah Peters-Harrison womens@cusu.cam.ac.uk
For more information see: www.womens.cusu.cam.ac.uk
Head of Campaign: Rin Ushiyama international@cusu.cam.ac.uk
For more information see: www.international.cusu.cam.ac.uk
We’ve run exciting campaigns on objectification,
consent, cervical cancer awareness, and violence
against women, and coordinate the hugely
successful Cambridge Reclaim the Night demo.
Through speaking out in University committees,
and organizing protests, trainings and public events,
we’re making sure that anti-sexism is a top priority.
We are always looking for passionate people to get
involved in campaigning for gender equality, so if
you want to fight sexism – get in touch!
Cambridge University Students’ Union
i n t e r n a t i o n a l
iCUSU – International students
CUSU International, iCUSU for short, works for
the betterment of international student life at
Cambridge. Our International Freshers’ Week will
most likely be your first encounter with us, where
you’ll meet us at the coach stop or the train station.
We have a wide range of events planned this year,
including our very successful and incredibly popular
iCUSU formals, weekly Academic English classes,
and an Exam Relief Session during Easter term. But
voice is heard. Because Cambridge University
has a deeply entrenched history of elitism, these
campaigns are necessary to facilitate the progress
the University is making towards taking a proactive
stance for equality. The University is committed to
making positive changes, and has made significant
progress, but, just like wider society, there is still work
to be done.
first and foremost, we are a campaign group, so
if you have any suggestions or grievances about
international issues, or feel that change needs to
be made, we are here to turn that into student
action. Moreover, we want to make your transition
to Cambridge life as enjoyable as possible, so don’t
hesitate to speak to us. Don’t forget to read the
iCUSU Fresher’s Guide!
12 CUSU Freshers’ Guide 2010

Autonomous Campaigns
LesBiGayTrans Students (LBGT)
The CUSU LBGT Campaign supports the needs of lesbian,
bisexual, gay and transgender students. From sexual health
to coming out, religious issues and other problems, the
Committee are available for confidential support. Our
website contains a full committee list, links to other sites
of interest and more. Please do get in touch with us, even
before you come up. College’s also have LBGT reps, who will
organize events during Freshers’ Week and throughout the
Heads of Campaign: Dan Green and Beatrice De Vela lbgt@cusu.cam.ac.uk
For more information see: www.lbgt.cusu.cam.ac.uk
Black Students’ Campaign
The Black Students’ Campaign exists to champion the
voices of all Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) students across
Cambridge University. ‘Black’ is an all-embracing term
used to refer to all BME students who, by virtue of being
non-white are likely to have a different university experience.
The elected committee works to improve access for
prospective BME students, to support those currently study-
Head of Campaign: Akilah Jeffers blackstudents@cusu.cam.ac.uk
For more information see: www.blackstudents.cusu.cam.ac.uk
Disabled Students’ Liberation Campaign
Disability comes in so many different forms, from mental
health conditions, autism, specific learning difficulties, chronic
illnesses to mobility and sensory impairments and more. The
DSLC brings together self-defining disabled students from
throughout the University. Together we’re in a strong position
to make life at Cambridge University an accessible and fun
place for all disabled students. DSLC was set up in 2009 when
a group of disabled students came together and pushed for
self-defining representation within the university and CUSU.
Heads of Campaign: Esther Leighton and Nicola Sleap disabled@cusu.cam.ac.uk
For more information see: www.disabled.cusu.cam.ac.uk
year. You can get in touch with them through our website.
Also, look out for our section in the Freshers’ Guide, handed
out by your college Student Union when you arrive! We
hold a club night every Tuesday (‘Rendezvous’) at Vodka
Revolution. The night is consistently popular and you can
find more information about it on our website. We also have
a termly magazine – [no definition] – which is always looking
for new writers!
ing here, and to equip students with the tools they need
for the world of work. We are an active force in Cambridge
politics, organising events and speaking for or against
policies at CUSU Council. There are numerous opportunities
to get involved with the BSC - visit our stall at the Societies’
Fair or come to our annual Freshers’ Squash held soon afterwards.
It’s a great place to meet people and get involved.
The campaign is very new and exciting and we’re looking
forward to lots more disabled students getting involved –
one of our campaigns seeks to get more disabled students
positively self-defining as disabled. We organise accessible
social events and any self-defining disabled student can bring
up an issue for one-to-one support or for the campaign as a
whole to work on. So make sure you contact us, look out for
us at the CUSU Societies’ Fair, and get involved.
CUSU Freshers’ Guide 2010 13

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Your checklist
Being on top of the basics before you arrive in Cambridge really helps
during Freshers’ Week so you can enjoy yourself and get to know people!
Not all of these things will apply to you; just make sure you get the really
important things ready before or soon after arriving in Cambridge. And
don’t worry, there are lots of shops in Cambridge where you can buy the
things you’ve forgotten pretty cheaply!
ID and documents
✔ Birth Certificate
✔ Passport
✔ NHS Card, Medical details/
Immunisation history
✔ Paperwork relating to any
financial assistance you’ve
applied for
✔ National Insurance Number
✔ Insurance Certificate
(possessions, bike, musical
instrument…)
✔ Passport Photos – for your
CUSU membership card, society
membership etc (4or so)
✔ Bank account details – if you’ve
already set up your bank
account
✔ Bank things – debit card, credit
card, cheque book etc
Worth considering
✔ Batteries
✔ Bedtime Reading/Novels/
DVDs
✔ Bike/Bike Lock/Helmet/Lights
✔ Camera
✔ TV – remember, you’ll need a
license too!
For your room
✔ Anything that makes you feel
at home – posters, ornaments
etc.
✔ Rugs, cushions etc.
✔ Alarm Clock
✔ Bed Linen (some colleges
provide it)
✔ Pillow/Duvet (some colleges
provide them)
✔ Towels
✔ Iron
✔ Coat Hangers
✔ Desk Lamp (optional)
✔ Extension Lead/Adaptor –
there are NEVER enough
sockets
✔ Phone charger
✔ Stereo/hi-fi/decks
✔ Plates, bowels, cutlery,
saucepans etc
✔ Glasses, mugs
✔ Kettle
✔ Toaster
✔ Corkscrew/bottle opener
✔ Snack food for the first few
days – or pick this up in
Cambridge after you arrive
Work
✔ Relevant notes from your A-level
(or equivalent) course
✔ Reading list and anything sent
by your faculty/college
✔ PC or Laptop (optional)
✔ Stationery - pens, paper, hole
punch, etc
Clearing up
✔ Dish Cloth
✔ Tea Towel
✔ Kitchen Roll/Tissues
✔ Washing Powder/Tablets
✔ Washing-up Liquid
Personal
✔ Toiletries
✔ Basic medicines (plasters, paracetamol,
etc)
✔ A map of Cambridge - or buy
one when you arrive
✔ Change for the washing machine/tumble
dryer – check what
your college’s arrangements are
✔ This guide! And any college, JCR
or MCR material you’ve been
sent
Worth considering
✔ Most people dress casually all the time, but some formal occasions will arise when you might need smarter
clothing. The first of these is likely to be your Matriculation Photo – check with your college if they have any
particular requirements.
✔ While it is likely you will need formal wear at some point, you can often fire items – don’t rush out and buy
things you’ll never end up using!
18 CUSU Freshers’ Guide 2010

Understanding the Cambridge language
ADC: Amateur Dramatic Club – i) the student run
society, ii) the Theatre itself on Park Street
ASNaC: Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic
Arch’n’Anth: Archaeology and Anthropology
Backs: The area of Cambridge where the river goes
through the colleges
Bedders: A college cleaner, who usually cleans
communal facilities.
Boatie: An obsessive rower. These people often get up
very early in the morning and even turn up to lectures
in lycra.
Bop: Disco.
College Parents: Two students in second or third year
allocated to you to help you settle in through your first
few weeks at Cambridge.
Compsci: Computer Sciences / a Computer Scientist.
Cuppers: Inter-college sports knockout competitions.
CUSU: Cambridge University Students’ Union – though
you should know that by now!
Degrading: This is where you repeat a year of studies,
due to health, personal or academic reasons.
DoS: Director of Studies - the person, usually within
your college, who guides you through your degree,
monitoring your progress and offering help and advice.
Easter: The third term (April – June)
Ents: These are student-run parties or events, organised
by CUSU or your JCR, also known as ‘Bops’
Fellow: A senior member of a college, who often
teaches in the subject in which they specialise.
Formal or Formal Hall: A relatively cheap (usually
around £7) three course meal in your college hall.
This is a Cambridge tradition that is really fun and
well worth using! A Formal Swap is a visit to another
college’s formal, usually through a college team or
society.
GU: Graduate Union - provides social space and
events for graduate students, and some additional
representation on University committees.
JCR: Junior Common or Combination Room -
often refers both to a college’s students’ union for
undergraduates and the actual room. They represent
undergraduates’ views to the official college bodies, and
are the centre of college social activities.
KFC: Kitchen Fixed Charge - usually added to your
college bill, and pays to subsidise the cost of food in the
college canteen. It works in different ways from college
to college.
Lent: The second term (January – March).
MCR: Middle Common Room - see JCR, but for
postgraduate students.
Mathmo: a Mathematician.
Michaelmas: The first term (September – December)
Muso: a Music student.
NatSci: Natural Sciences / a Natural Scientist.
Plodge: The Porters’ Lodge.
Porters: The Porters give help and information to
visitors and students alike, and can be a constant source
of friendliness. They generally know everything about
everything, and will help you when you inevitably lock
yourself out of your room.
SCR: The fellows’ common room.
PPSIS: Politics, Psychology, Sociology and International
Studies
Squash: The bizarre name for the events that clubs/
societies run in Freshers’ Week, where you can find out
more about them and sign up (they often involve free
food)
Stash: Clothing associated with a club or society, cool
stash can be a reason in itself to join a club
TCS: The Cambridge Student – your student-run
newspaper
Thesp: An obsessive actor. The theatre scene is pretty
big in Cambridge, and there are plenty of opportunities
to get involved in it at most levels.
Tutor: Fellow who acts as your College contact, looking
out for your wellbeing.
Varsity: i) the match that most sports play against
Oxford each year, with massive rivalry; ii) another
student newspaper.
CUSU Freshers’ Guide 2010 19

Useful Contacts
Here are useful links for people and organisations you may wish to contact while you
are in Cambridge or before you arrive.
CUSU
Your Students’ Union! So drop by anytime at Old Examination Hall, New Museums Site, call us on 01223 333313
or check out the website at www.cusu.cam.ac.uk.
Student Advice Service
For information, advice & representation contact Lisa Dery our full-time Student Advisor at advice@cusu.cam.ac.uk
or the following Sabbatical Officers:
Morgan Wild (Student Support Officer) – studentsupport@cusu.cam.ac.uk
Maria Helmling (Education Officer) – education@cusu.cam.ac.uk
Sarah Peters-Harrison (Women’s Officer) – womens@cusu.cam.ac.uk
Or, call the Student Support Phone - 07999 85 99 40 (7 days a week 9am-7pm)
University
University Counselling Service - www.counselling.cam.ac.uk - 01223 332865 - reception@counselling.cam.ac.uk
University Childcare Office - www.cam.ac.uk/cambuniv/childcare/childguide - 01223 332249 - childcare@admin.cam.ac.uk
Disability Resource Centre - www.cam.ac.uk/cambuniv/disability 01223 332301 - ucam-disability@lists.cam.ac.uk
International Office – 01223 764680 - international@admin.cam.ac.uk
Points Based Immigration Office - 01223 337984 - studentvisas@admin.cam.ac.uk
University Accommodation Service (affordable accommodation in Cambridge) - www.accommodation.cam.ac.uk -
01223 338099 - accommodation.service@admin.cam.ac.uk
Board of Graduate Studies - www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/gradstud/ - 01223 760606 - graduate.students@admin.cam.ac.uk
Graduate Union - www.gradunion.cam.ac.uk - 01223 333312 - enquiries@gradunion.cam.ac.uk
Medical
Student Health Website - www.camstudenthealth.co.uk
NHS Direct - 0845 46 47
Urgent Care Cambridgeshire - 03301 239131
Addenbrooke’s Hospital - 01223 245 151
Legal
Citizen’s Advice Bureau - www.cambridgecab.org.uk - 0844 848 7979
Sexual Health
The Laurels (Confidential sexual health check-ups) - 08456 505 152
www.sexualhealthcambs.nhs.uk
www.goodsexualhealth.co.uk
www.contraceptivechoices.co.uk
Listening and Support
Linkline - Linkline is a listening support and information service, run by students for students, every night of Cambridge
University full term. You can call on 01223 744 444 or 01223 367 575 between 7am and 7pm. www.linkline.org.uk
Samaritans - Confidential listening service 24/7. 01223 364454 (local) or 08457 909090 (national)
20 CUSU Freshers’ Guide 2010

Support and Advice in Cambridge
There are many ways in which students can get support
within their College, the University, CUSU, the GU as well as
within the wider community in Cambridge. Tutors, Directors
of Studies, Supervisors, Nurses, Chaplains, Welfare Officers and
the CUSU-GU Student Advice Service all have a role to play in
helping you make the most of your time living and studying
in Cambridge. Here we look at the different roles and the
ways in which they can support you.
Tutor
You will be assigned a tutor (College Tutor for
undergraduates and Graduate Tutor for post-graduates)
who will be responsible for providing you with nonacademic
pastoral support (e.g. finance, accommodation,
family or medical issues). The tutorial system differs from
college to college but wherever you are, if you feel your
tutor is not right for you, you can approach any other tutor
for support. Your Senior Tutor is in charge of the academic
and pastoral welfare in the College, so you can go directly
to him or her as well.
Director of Studies
As an undergraduate you will be assigned a Director of
Studies (DoS) for your subject in your College. Your DoS
is responsible for your academic support and you should
be able to discuss your progress with them as well as any
challenges you may be having in your studies.
Research Supervisor
As a research graduate student (e.g. Masters or PhD) you
will work closely with your research supervisor and can
discuss any challenges or concerns you have with them.
College Nurse
Most Colleges have a nurse or access to a nurse who will
operate surgery hours in college during full term. You may
wish to see the College Nurse to inform him/her of any
pre-existing conditions, such as asthma or depression,
The Student Advice Service
offers free, confidential and
independent support to all
students.
before you leave or on arrival. And of course, you can see
the nurse for anything relating to your health or if you are
having difficulty settling in to life in Cambridge.
College Chaplain
Every College has a Chaplain or access to a Chaplain who
can provide pastoral and spiritual support for students
of all faiths and none. Whether you would like to find a
place of worship or discuss how you are adapting to life in
Cambridge, the Chaplain will be able to listen to you and
provide guidance.
Welfare Officer
Each college JCR, MCR or College Students’ Union will have
a Welfare Officer on their committee. You can contact your
College Welfare Officer for information and support or
22 CUSU Freshers’ Guide 2010

Support and Advice in Cambridge
to simply talk something through. They can also point
you in the right direction if you are unsure of whom
to go to in college for any particular issue. They will
usually organise events throughout the year to which all
students are welcome. Your college should also have a
Women’s Officer who can support women students.
Student Advice Service
The Student Advice Service offers free, confidential and
independent support to all students. If you feel you have
been discriminated against, treated unfairly or would like
to discuss something that is bothering you, contact us by
phone or by email, whether it’s the first time you have a
question or as a last resort. We can discuss your concerns
with you, explore what options are available to you and
represent you at a college level if necessary.
You can come to the service with any issues or problems
that you might experience as a student - from questions
or concerns about your education or University
procedures to a health enquiry or a mental health issue.
We employ a full time, professional Student Advisor and
CUSU’s three trained student support officers will also be
able to provide support and representation.
University Counseling Service
The University Counselling Service provides free,
confidential and professional counselling to all students.
The Counsellors are friendly and non-judgemental. You
can make an appointment on the website. Counselling
sessions take place in a very comfortable and private
setting and usually last around 50 minutes. The
Counselling Service also runs a range of group sessions
including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Groups, a
Can’t Work group, a Disordered Eating group, an Exam
Preparation group and a Writing up your PhD group.
http://www.counselling.cam.ac.uk/
Coming to Cambridge with children?
There is a lot of information, advice and support on childcare, finance and socializing available before
you come to Cambridge and once you have arrived. You can always contact the Student Advice
Service for more information. Here are a few useful contacts:
University Childcare Office
The University Childcare Office provides information and advice to all student parents, organises
events, runs a childcare bursary scheme and publishes a weekly email bulletin. To contact an Adviser
and join the mailing list email childcare@admin.cam.ac.uk.
The Cambridge Guide for Student Parents
Full of useful information on life in Cambridge as a parent, information on finance, health care,
childcare and activities in Cambridge for all students who have children. www.cam.ac.uk/
studentparentguide
Social Events
The Family Society is student-run group that organises events and, providing opportunities and
networks for families at Cambridge University to get to know each other. . Have a look at their
website www.societies.cam.ac.uk/family/ for more information. The Graduate Union run a Parent and
Toddler Group every Friday from 10.30am – 12.30pm every Friday all year around at the University
Centre, Mill Lane.
CUSU Freshers’ Guide 2010 23

Health
Your physical and mental health will have an impact on
your ability to study and settle in to life in Cambridge.
Most students will experience personal challenges at
some point during their time in Cambridge. Developing
a healthy lifestyle and a support network will help you
make the most of the academic and social aspects of your
life at the University. Consider how much sleep you are
getting and whether or not you are eating a balanced
diet. Think about balance between your study and social
life.
It is important that you look after your health and make
use of the services available to you when/if needed such
as the University Counselling Service, the College Nurse,
your GP (medical doctor) etc. If you are unsure of who
to contact, get in touch with the Student Advice Service.
Here, we highlight some of the more common health
issues that affect students.
Sexual Health
Information on sexual health is useful whether you are
having sex or not. Good sexual health is about:
• Knowing how to protect yourself from Sexually
Transmitted Infections (STIs),
• Being aware of the different choices of contraception
available to you
• Knowing that you have the right to say ‘yes’ to the sex
you want, ‘no’ to the sex you don’t want and the right
to change your mind
• Feeling comfortable about your sexual orientation,
whether heterosexual, gay, lesbian, bisexual or queer
You can obtain free and confidential information and
advice about sexual health, STIs, being a student parent,
pregnancy, contraception, emergency contraception
and abortion through your College nurse, your GP
(medical doctor), a sexual health clinic, and from the
CUSU and GU Student Advice Service. Some students
may prefer to obtain information on the web and CUSU’s
website is filled with information, tips and links at www.
goodsexualhealth.co.uk.
Mental Health
Mental health issues can affect anyone; one in four
students will experience a mental health issue whilst
at University. This can include anxiety, panic attacks,
depression, obsession and phobias, as well as alcohol and
drug addiction.
A wide range of support is available for students
experiencing mental health issues. Your college can be
very supportive through your college nurse or tutor. Free
counselling is available from the University Counselling
Service and their Mental Health Advisor. The Student
Advice Service can also provide information and support.
The University seeks to be as inclusive an environment as
possible and if you require special access requirements
as a result of your mental health condition, you can seek
advice from either your college or the Disability Resource
Centre on how this can be accommodated.
Your physical and mental
health will have an impact
on your ability to study and
settle in to life in Cambridge.
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders affect 1 in 20 people at some point
in their lives, the majority between the ages of 16 and
25. An eating disorder is not always recognisable from
appearance and is not a ‘lifestyle choice’, a form of ‘self
indulgence’ or necessarily prompted by the desire to be
thin.
If you have an eating disorder or think you may, are
worried about relapse or are concerned about a friend,
there is lots of support and advice available to you in
College, the University and from the NHS in Cambridge.
Letting your College Nurse know that you have an eating
disorder will mean that he/she will be able to provide
you with support. The University Counselling Service
can also offer you support through individual or group
counselling depending on your circumstances and
preferences. You can also contact the Student Advice
Service for information and advice.
24 CUSU Freshers’ Guide 2010

Student safety
Cambridge is a great place in which to study and live but
like most cities, it is not immune to crime. Each year in the
UK, 1/3 of University students become victims of crime
with theft, criminal damage and burglary accounting for
the majority of cases. While it is never your fault if you are a
victim of crime, there are a few things you can do to feel
confident going out in Cambridge and to keep yourself
and your personal belongings safe.
Insuring your stuff
You might not think you own very much but
research shows that the average student owns
£6000 worth of belongings such as a laptop, iPod,
television, mobile phone, clothes etc. We strongly
recommend that you take out personal insurance
to cover you against theft, loss or damage to your
personal belongings. Although there are many
insurance companies in the UK, the National
Union of Students recommends Endsleigh
Insurance (www.endsleigh.co.uk).
On your bike
As a student in Cambridge, it is likely that you
will eventually own a bike. Consider how you will
protect your bike from theft and how you will
keep yourself safe from injury when cycling. Four
basic tips for cycling safely:
• Lock your bike with a good quality bike lock
• Make sure your bike has goods lights and
reflectors
• Protect your head (and your life!) by wearing a
good quality helmet.
• Read more about cycling safety at:
www.cusu.cam.ac.uk/welfare/cyclesafety
Going Out
Social activities are part of the Cambridge
experience and you will no doubt have a few
late nights when you will need to find a safe
way home. Before you come to Cambridge, it’s
well worth taking some time to think about your
personal safety. Four basic tips for keeping safe
when out and about:
• Walk in groups at night or in busy, well-lit area
• Let someone know where you are going
• Pre-plan safe routes home before you go out
• Carry a personal attack alarm
• Read more about personal safety at:
www.cusu.cam.ac.uk/welfare/safety/goingout
CUSU Freshers’ Guide 2010 25

Students with disabilities
What is a Disabled Student?
The symbol of disability depicts a wheelchair user, but
disability comes in many other forms. If you experience
mental health conditions, specific learning difficulties,
autism, chronic health conditions or mobility or sensory
impairments, then you may be disabled and have access
requirements that aren’t routinely met. The Disability
Resource Centre (see below) can help you to explore the
possibility of undiagnosed impairment and refer you for
funding if you need an assessment.
As a disabled person, you will have impairment related
access requirements that often aren’t routinely met. The
University and colleges have a legal obligation to make
reasonable adjustments, and should meet all of your access
requirements, whatever they are, so that you have full
access to your education.
Disclosure and Access
If you are a disabled student, it is important that you
disclose this, preferably before you arrive, so that access
arrangements can be made and any support you require
provided. Make sure you’re in touch with the Disability
Resource Centre, as they can support you in ensuring that
your course is fully accessible.
Cambridge is an increasingly inclusive environment for
disabled students. However, there is still the possibility
that you will encounter a situation where your access
requirements are not met or your rights as a disabled
student are not recognised. It is important to remember
that you have rights as a disabled student, including to
reasonable adjustments. If you have disclosed that you
are disabled to both your college and faculty and you
encounter these difficulties, then get in touch with the
Disability Resource Centre or the Student Advice Service:
both organisations can advocate with you. You may also
want to get in touch with the Disabled Students’ Liberation
Campaign, which exists for disabled people to organise
themselves to campaign for their rights, as well as being
a space for accessible socialising, advice, support and an
opportunity to meet other disabled people.
If you’re thinking of arranging or attending something
in a University building, you might want to check out
the Cambridge Access Guide beforehand, for access
information about college, faculty and other University
buildings, and for contacts if you need to call ahead http://
www.admin.cam.ac.uk/univ/disability/guide/about.html
Disabled Students’ Allowance
The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) exists to meet
the cost of your access requirements. These may include
study skills training for people with specific learning
difficulties, peer mentoring for people with mental health
impairments, note taking and equipment for people with
mobility, sensory or fatigue impairments, and so on.
A diagnosis is required before a student can claim their
allowance: the Disability Resource Centre can help arrange
this. Any personal information required for your DSA
application will be confidential. It is available to all full-time
and part-time undergraduate and postgraduate students
from the UK. If you are an international student, the DRC
and DSLC can advise you about the funding available to
you.
If you are a disabled student, it is
important that you disclose this,
preferably before you arrive, so
that access arrangements can be
made and any support you require
provided.
The Disability Resource Centre
http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/univ/disability/
The Disability Resource Centre (DRC) is the University
of Cambridge’s disability service, providing advice,
information and support to all disabled students. The DRC
supports individuals with any impairment experiencing
disability, whether temporary or permanent, including
those with specific learning difficulties, mobility
impairments, sensory impairments, fatigue, mental health
impairments including eating disorders, chronic illnesses,
autism and injury. The DRC can provide confidential
information and support, study skills tuition and peer
mentoring, assessment for a range of impairments
including specific learning difficulties, the loan of specialist
equipment and assistance with funding applications.
The DRC can also help to ensure that all your access
requirements are being met.
26 CUSU Freshers’ Guide 2010

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Cambridge Nightlife
Whatever you want, we’ve got it!
Like all other universities Cambridge isn’t just
about studying hard. Cambridge Students
are blessed with a packed and varied social
calendar. CUSU Ents (www.cusuents.com) is the
official entertainment provider, currently ruining
three weekly nights (see opposite for details)
we also provide support for college based
entertainments and are here to help students
who want to get more involved with the scene.
We pride ourselves on quality entertainments
including world famous DJ’s, fun celebrity
appearances and great giveaways, and our
regular top class DJ’s and drinks deals are all
provided in a safe and welcoming environment.
As well as the great nights and events CUSU is
involved with, there is a plethora of social events
around the town. Each of the 31 colleges has
a vibrant scene, with their own bar for quieter
nights-in as well as many smaller events put on
by the college itself, including party nights and
live music. The bars are a great place to unwind,
watch some sport or just catch up with your
mates after a hard day. A staple of Cambridge
social life are the college Formal Halls, which
as the name suggests is a formal dinner in your
College hall. They all vary in price and dress code
but are generally a good three-course-meal for
less than £10 and the perfect chance to relax
with your friends before heading into town.
Cambridge is full of varied entertainment
ranging from traditional student club-nights at
venues across town to an abundance of theatre
groups and performances of different styles and
levels. Cambridge is also home to lots of live
music from talented acoustic sessions at bars such
as CB2 through to countless bands playing across
the town from mainstream touring bands to local
favourites at the Portland Arms, Haymakers and
Corner House.
With hundreds of University societies in
Cambridge, it’s easy to meet like minded people
so that whatever you’re into there will be
something to do almost every night of the week!
Ruth Meyer
Coming from Newcastle
I was really worried there
would be no nightlife and
everyone would be too
busy working. I’ve found the
nightlife here a big change,
however, you do get to
be very fond of the cheesy
nights out Cambridge specialises in. You end up going out
in big groups so it’s a good laugh.
28 CUSU Freshers’ Guide 2010

Cambridge Nightlife
CUSU Ents is the entertainment side of the student
union and we work with clubs across town to put on
student friendly nights. We currently have a range
of varied nights including Cambridge’s weekly LBGT
night where we work closely with the LBGT society
to provide a welcoming fun environment. Working
with the Graduate Union we run a great night at La
Raza (Rose Crescent, Cambridge, CB2 3LL) giving
the perfect opportunity for those who aren’t keen
on big clubs and cheesy music to join us and relax
in a luxurious bar specialising in fantastic cocktails.
Our main night is currently Thursday nights and we
are working on an exciting new look for the night so
watch this space :-)
We always strive to bring the biggest names
possible at student friendly prices, over the past
2 years we have brought Kissy Sell Out, Jaguar
Skills, Utah Saints, Scratch Perverts, Dave Pearce,
Gatecrasher, Kele from Bloc Party and many more to
help you party the night away in Cambridge.
We aren’t just about club nights though! CUSU
Ents is here to provide support and advice for
all Cambridge Students who are keen to get
involved or put on an event, be it through societies
or JCR/ MCR’s we can often help you source
equipment/ entertainment and help you with
event organisation. CUSU Ents works with the JCR
Ents officers to create an Ents network within the
university. We can also help you get involved with
live music, theatre or comedy in the city.
We are always looking for more students to get
involved at all levels from promoting nights in your
college and selling tickets(for which you earn a
commission!), helping to run the events or being
the star and DJ’ing at one of our nights! Just contact
ents-manager@cusu.cam.ac.uk for more information.
Keep up to date with all the nights that we run and
are planning on launching by joining CUSU Ents on
facebook.

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Sports
University life brings with it a huge opportunity for sports.
Whether you want to continue playing a sport, perhaps at
a more competitive level, find new enthusiasm for a game
you’ve not played for years, or give something new a go,
now is the best time for it.
It’s not just a great way to keep fit, but offers a way to
survive some of the intense study throughout the year.
Unlike other Universities, the college system means that
there are many smaller clubs that are more relaxed and
are a great chance to try sports you haven’t played before.
The inter-college competitive leagues are a chance
to show your college pride and the rivalries can often
get quite serious! Also, most Colleges offer a gym that
is well-equipped and cheap to join and will be really
convenient too. Look out for more information from your
college in Freshers’ Week.
Almost every sport is catered for in Cambridge. There
are the obvious high profile sports such as rugby union
and league, football, rowing and hockey, but also other
team and individual activities on an almost daily basis. If
you want to try Ultimate Frisbee, lacrosse, ice hockey or
even skydiving, there’s almost always a University team or
club. The top University teams compete against Universities
across the country in the British Universities & College’s
Sport (BUCS) leagues, or other local and even national club
sides. More information on the University level Sports Clubs
can be found at http://www.sport.cam.ac.uk/
The annual highlight of most sports teams will be
the Varsity Match against Oxford, providing exhilarating
encounters for competitors, and hugely enjoyable social
Campaign for a University sports centre
events for everyone who chooses to watch. Nearly all
sports (triathlon, cross country and darts to name a few)
contend a fixture against the oldest rival and, while the
attention may be slightly diminished from rugby and
rowing, they’re still just as enjoyable.
Most sports clubs hold events at the start of the year
where you can learn more about them if you’re a first-timer,
and get information on training times and competitions.
A high profile activity in 2010/11 will be the CUSU campaign for a university sports centre. Cambridge
has over 50 University Sports Clubs and thousands of students are involved in sport for recreation and
intercollegiate competition. Sadly, there are few central facilities for most sports in Cambridge and College
provision can vary greatly. Students in Cambridge have been calling for a university sports centre for
decades. We believe that if Cambridge wants to continue to attract the best students, it must tackle the
issue and provide this facility for students.
After several years of campaigning CUSU has recently succeeded in getting the University to agree
to include the project in its building plans. Proposals for building the first phase of the centre in West
Cambridge are going to be considered this year. CUSU will be working with students and sports clubs to
lobby the university through petitions, public events and other activities to make sure that the University
makes the right decision and invests in sport for students.
CUSU Freshers’ Guide 2010 31

Societies in Cambridge
It’s an understatement to say a lot goes on in Cambridge.
If you have an interest, there will be a club or society that
shares it; so get involved as much (or as little) as you want.
The Cambridge experience isn’t just about essays and
supervisions, but also the people and opportunities while
you’re here. The easiest to get involved with societies is at
the CUSU Societies’ Fair at the Kelsey Kerridge Sports
Centre on 5th and 6th October. It’s well worth a visit, so
leave plenty of time to see everything. Most societies also
have a ‘squash’ at the beginning of the year, a gathering
where they tell you about what they do and you sign up to
their email list so you stay informed.
So what can you ‘get involved’ with? We could fill pages
and pages with information about all the societies in
Cambridge, so we’ve decided just to mention a few
examples of what you can do. Also, don’t forget there will
also be societies and groups to get involved with in your
college.
Performing Arts
There is a huge drama, comedy and music scene in
Cambridge. Sign up to the ADC (Cambridge University
Amateur Dramatics Club) actors’, techies’ or production
list and see how many auditions and plays you can get
involved with each week. The standard of theatre in
Cambridge is generally high, but there are less serious
endeavours you can get involved with, and have a laugh
rather than learn about acting. You may have heard of the
Footlights, a group of comedians who have produced
names such as John Cleese, Alan Bennett and Sacha Baron
Cohen.
Media
Cambridge is one of the UK’s best universities for student
media. The two student newspapers – Varsity and The
Cambridge Student – are published every week and
always on the look-out for more writers and editors. This
is the place that Jeremy Paxman, amongst others, started
his career. Even if you have no desire to be a journalist, it’s
a great way to meet people and get the inside track on
how newspapers are put together. As if that isn’t enough
we also have CUR 1350, the Cambridge University Radio
station, winner of numerous national awards and a great
experience if you’re interested in radio and broadcasting
generally.
Charities
If you feel like something a little more light-hearted, or a
little more charitable, there’s a huge range of charitable
and community groups in the University. RAG (Raise And
Give) is one of the largest charitable organisations in the
University and members have recently blagged their way
to Hawaii, organised blind dates across the university and
walked over burning coals.
Politics
Like many other universities, the main political parties all
have active societies within both the University and the
City, so you can get involved with local council and student
issues. But, if you want to get involved in campaigning to
improve the student experience – CUSU is the place for
you. We can also offer support and guidance if you want to
start a campaign on something outside Cambridge that we
might not be able to campaign on directly.
Other clubs
Then there’s the other 600 or so societies in Cambridge that
cover every other possible interest – from the Acrobatic
Martial Arts Society to the Zero-Carbon Society. Also, there’s
the Cambridge Union Society, one of the oldest institutions
in Cambridge, a debating society and with one of the most
reasonably priced bars in Cambridge. Find them at www.
cus.org.
For a full list of the Societies in Cambridge go to
www.cusu.cam.ac.uk/societies/directory/
32 CUSU Freshers’ Guide 2010

Societies
Emilia Melville – The Café Project
The Cafe Project is a volunteer-run community cafe, open
in the evenings and serving hot drinks and snacks. It’s open
to all, and provides a bridge between ‘town and gown’ and
between students of all colleges. It’s a place where the
diverse cultures present in Cambridge can rub shoulders
and get to know each other better.
The idea of the Cafe was inspired by a small volunteer-run
cafe in Edinburgh called Harlequin, which a friend of mine
was involved with. I went to visit during my first year in
Cambridge, and felt that it was something really lacking
here. The Cafe is now open most evenings, serving hot
drinks, cakes and biscuits. It is also available to be booked
by groups for discussions, meetings, film screenings, art
exhibitions, and more. The Cafe is run non-heirarchically,
with all decisions being made at weekly general meetings.
Anyone who wants to can get involved - whether
volunteering for a shift or two, organising events, or doing
the accounts – we always need new people and ideas!
CUSU Freshers’ Guide 2010 33

Cambridge Life: Transport & Getting around
Even if you’re at a more distant college (e.g. Homerton or
Girton) you can be in the town centre in twenty minutes on a
bike. One of the first things you’ll notice is just how many
people cycle. As it’s so flat, Cambridge is an ideal place to
cycle, and is designed for those who do.
Cycling
If you plan to cycle, make sure you get a good bike lock,
or you may find yourself without a bike – especially if it’s a
newer model. The other essential equipment is a helmet
and lights. In an accident a helmet could save your life, and
rear and front lights are a legal requirement (and police
fines are increasingly common, especially in Freshers’ Week).
There are lots of second hand bike shops dotted around, so
you can pick up a cheap bike when you arrive. CUSU will be
putting on cycle-safety classes in Michaelmas term, so check
online for more information.
Buses
Cambridge’s bus system is fairly easy to understand. The
important thing to remember (especially for Fitzwilliam,
Churchill, Murray Edwards and Homerton students) is that
the Citi4/Uni4 buses cost just 50p when you show your
university card, and go from the hill colleges through the city
centre to Homerton College and Addenbrookes Hospital.
Cars
The University doesn’t allow you to keep a car within ten
miles of the city centre, without special permission from your
college and the motor proctor. Many colleges allow you to
apply for a parking permit as parking in Cambridge is difficult.
Driving is generally awkward, with many pedestrianised
roads and an infamous one-way system, so bringing a car is
not recommended. Cambridge is an easy city to navigate.
You can walk from lecture rooms, to colleges and town easily
and quickly.
Charlotte Roden, Jesus
My favourite place to eat is Cafe
Indigo. It’s a tiny little cafe just by
King’s, which sells really cheap,
yummy bagels. I love the studenty
feel the cafe has, because there are
about five tables and the chairs are
all mismatched.
If you have a free few hours, what would you do with
it to relax? I am a complete shopaholic and Cambridge
has an amazing shopping centre, so I spend far too
long wandering round the shops with my friends and
drinking coffee. On the rare occasions I’m shopped out,
BBC iPlayer is my best friend!
34 CUSU Freshers’ Guide 2010

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