All new undergraduate students at our College will be expected to attend a Bridging Course immediately before the start of their first term at the University.
The purpose of the Bridging Course is to make sure that you get off to a flying start at Cambridge and thrive academically and personally from the very first week of your Tripos. On the Bridging Course you will:
- Carry out at least one introductory assignment and attend a practice supervision on it; get feedback on how good your assignment is; see whether it is at the standard expected at this early stage of your studies; and learn how you might improve your assignments when you start your Tripos for real.
- 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.
- Attend a range of skills sessions relevant to your Tripos and participate in a range of welfare and wellbeing sessions.
- Get to know the College and have an introduction to the Library and the IT facilities.
- Have time to settle in to your room and to really get to know the other students in your year.
- Have time to explore Cambridge and its transport system so you know where your Department is, where you will be going for lectures and lab sessions when Term starts, where the University Library is, and where the main shops, cafes and entertainment venues are in the city centre. We want you to feel confident by the time the Term actually starts.
- Have the opportunity to buy a second-hand bike and practise riding it safely if you haven’t got one of your own!
- Attend your College Matriculation Ceremony and Dinner; a formal occasion to celebrate the beginning of your time in Cambridge with your peers.
Students report:
“It gave us an opportunity to understand Cambridge life and to be aware of things pertaining to work, social and academic life now, rather than being composed during term time which would be really overwhelming. It also 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!”
“It was very inclusive, very positive. Every obstacle was overcome – everyone was warm-hearted and ready to help. I really got an idea of what it is like to live and stay at Lucy.”
“I really liked that we had a chance to meet our tutor and DoS, and being introduced to the way college and supervisions work. It was also a really good opportunity to meet the rest of the students.”
