Support and welfare
We can support you through times when you may need advice, when you are unhappy or uncertain, and when you need academic guidance from outside your department or faculty.
A range of welfare support is offered by the College, the Middle Combination Room (MCR), the Graduate Union, Cambridge University Students’ Union (CUSU), the University, and other sources.
You can find out more about support available on JNet, the College intranet.
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.
Welfare tutors
Our Welfare tutors are available to listen to all postgraduates and to offer help with any problems that aren't purely academic or administrative. There is always a welfare tutor on-call for emergencies.
You can contact any of them directly through either their daily drop-in sessions or through the College Porters. The Welfare tutors will treat any information you give them in complete confidence, only passing information to others where necessary with your permission.
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 nurse to arrange an appointment in advance. Alternatively, the nurse runs drop-in sessions; students can find out details of opening hours and locations on JNet, the College intranet. The 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 advisor.
We also receive regular visits from Pippy, the College welfare dog. Accompanied by her owner, Pippy takes regular 30-minute walks around College (using the same route each time for those who want to say hello or avoid her). Pippy also hosts regular ‘walk and wag’ events during term, for students who want to take a longer walk outside College at the weekend.
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.
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. If you are worried about a family member or loved one, they would be glad to remember them in their prayers.
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.
If you are a current student and would like to speak to someone urgently, please call the Porters' Lodge on +44 (0)1223 339339.
