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All of our students benefit from the very best academic and pastoral support right from the start of their degrees. Each of our new undergraduate students is enrolled in our fully subsidised Bridging Course, which forms the keystone of our wide-ranging student support offering.

This completely free course allows incoming students to get to grips with life and study at Cambridge just before the start of term. Students take part in a programme of academic, wellbeing, and social activities designed to support transition to College and the University of Cambridge. We know how important it is to feel at home at Lucy Cavendish and in Cambridge, so there is also an emphasis on meeting new friends, exploring the city and getting used to life in College.

What does the Bridging Course involve?

Settling in to College and Cambridge

When you arrive, you'll be given plenty of time to move into your new room and make it your own. You'll get to know the College, have tours of the Library and an introductory the IT facilities.

We also want you to feel confident finding your way around Cambridge by the time the Term actually starts. You'll explore and its transport system before term starts so you know where your Department is, where you will be going for lectures and lab sessions, where the University Library is, and where the main shops, cafes, and entertainment venues are in the city centre.

"[The Bridging Course] allows us to see Cambridge before the term rush hits, which allows us to settle in better. I think the week has been fantastic and I feel really prepared to take on Cambridge life!” - Lucy Cavendish College student

Getting ready to start your course

During the Bridging Course, you'll carry out at least one introductory assignment and attend a practice supervision. During the supervision, you get feedback on your assignment and learn how you might improve your assignments when you start your course for real.

You'll also attend a range of academic skills sessions relevant to your course, so that you're ready to start your university-level study.

You'll have the opportunity to meet your Tutor and your Director of Studies, and discuss with them any career ambitions you already have and how you might plan to take them forward through your studies.

“I really liked that we had a chance to meet our tutor and DoS, and being introduced to the way college and supervisions work." - Lucy Cavendish College student

Getting to know other students

You'll have lots of time to meet and really get to know the other students in your year through a wide range of social activities. In previous years, social activities have included pub crawls, scavenger hunts, Wii tournaments, quizzes, picnics, arts and crafts, and movie nights!

You'll also attend your College Matriculation Ceremony and Dinner; a formal occasion to celebrate the beginning of your time in Cambridge with your peers.

"I feel a lot less anxious – Bridging Week really helped me settle in and feel more confident." - Lucy Cavendish College student

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