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Support and welfare

We're committed to the welfare of our students and aim to make sure that everyone is properly supported.

A range of welfare support is offered by the College, the Middle Combination Room (MCR), the Graduate UnionCambridge University Students’ Union (CUSU), the University, and other sources.

Graduate tutors

We have a Graduate Tutor, a Deputy Graduate Tutor, and an Assistant Graduate Tutor who work as part of the overall Tutorial team within the College.  Their role is to select, maintain, and support an active and vibrant postgraduate community.

They act on behalf of our postgraduates, from attending College committees to submitting appeals and allowances. Our Graduate Tutor is happy to have a chat with you if you need support with an academic issue.

Tutors

We have a team of Tutors who are available to listen about any non-academic issues and to signpost the most appropriate help available to address your needs. You’re welcome to contact whichever of the Tutors you feel most comfortable speaking to. Each Tutor runs a weekly drop-in welfare session, and you can also request appointments with them. There is always one of the Tutors on call during term to provide support in urgent situations.

Alongside the Tutors, we have an Accessibility and Disability Tutor who liaises with the Accessibility and Disability Resource Centre of the University to support disabled students. The work of the Tutors is supported by Ethnic and Religious Minorities Welfare Contacts.

Mental health

The College has a dedicated in-house Mental Health Nurse with drop-in sessions or pre-booked appointments available. The nurse can offer confidential support, assessments, and advice on a range of mental health and wellbeing concerns, from academic stress to emotional difficulties. Please email the Mental Health Nurse to arrange an appointment in advance. Alternatively, the Mental Health Nurse runs drop-in sessions; students can find out details of opening hours and locations on JNet, the College intranet. The Mental Health Nurse can help you find more specialist or long-term support if needed for severe mental health issues or crisis interventions. We can offer financial support to help cover any costs this might entail.

You can also use the free University Counselling Service (UCS) for individual counselling, groups, and workshops, or to make an appointment with the sexual assault and harassment or racial harassment advisors.

Physical health

We have a dedicated College Nurse, based onsite, who holds regular surgeries during term time.

During term time the College Nurse works in the Health Centre in Library Court, offering medical and general welfare advice and support. Students can find out details of opening hours and locations on JNet, the College intranet; you can drop in during set sessions, or arrange an appointment in advance, to talk through any medical issues or worries in confidence. Sessions with the College Nurse are free for everyone in College.

Our College physiotherapist can provide help and advice for a range of needs, from injuries, to sports, mobility, or postural pains. Sessions arranged with the physiotherapist via the College nurse are free for students. Our student union, the postgraduate Middle Common Room (MCR), has dedicated welfare officers who organise welfare provision and events dedicated to student wellbeing throughout the academic year. 

Student families

Students with partners and children are welcome in the College. We host various family-friendly events, including the annual Children’s summer party in July, and festive events in December - the Staff and Fellows’ Carol service in the Chapel followed by tea and a visit to Santa’s Grotto, in addition to a Christmas Pantomime. The Master is a patron of the Cambridge-based charity The Red Hen Project, which works with children and their families in north Cambridge helping them to thrive at school, supporting them with additional events in College. 

Children are welcome in the Quincentenary Library under supervision (without age restrictions) and Choir parents are able to use the Garden Room with young children. Weather permitting, the open College grounds and nature trail are popular with children, although there is no designated play area. Please check with the Porters which areas of College are open for exploring with your family.

Formal dining arrangements within College allow children aged 16 and older in Hall, while the High Table is reserved for adults aged 21 and over. The College has six highchairs/booster seats when needed. Mothers are welcome to breastfeed wherever they are comfortable, with arrangements possible for designated spaces with prior agreement booked through the Conference Department.

The College offers a limited number of partner units, including one- or two-bedroom flats and small houses. However, it's important to note that our partner accommodation is not suitable for families with children. 

We aim to make the student experience at Jesus College enjoyable and accommodating for student parents, so please contact the Senior Postgraduate Administrator in the Tutorial Department with any questions relating to family life in College.

Financial support

We can also provide financial support if you are struggling with money. We have a dedicated Financial Tutor who can offer advice about bursaries and financial assistance available in the College and University.

Chapel support 

The Chapel clergy team is available to everyone in College – of any faith or none – for pastoral support and conversation. They can provide a listening ear, and are happy to help you explore any matter that may be on your mind. 

The Dean of Chapel, the Rev'd James Crockford, would be glad to hear from you – no issue is too big or too small. You can find out more about Chapel support on the Chapel contacts page.

Wellbeing and leisure resources

Our Quincentenary Library has a Personal Welfare section in the building at classmark PYW. These books cover topics ranging from study help to personal welfare and may be browsed and borrowed as normal. 

You may also be interested in the following:

During Easter term the library has a collection of relaxation aids that are left out in the Garden Room, including colouring books, origami, jigsaws, and puzzles.

Other support

The undergraduate Middle Combination Room (MCR) has dedicated welfare officers who organise welfare provision and events dedicated to student wellbeing throughout the academic year. 

You can find out more about support available on JNet, the College intranet

If you are a current student and would like to speak to someone urgently, please call the Porters' Lodge on +44 (0)1223 339339.

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