Sources of Support
University Services
The University’s Student Support Service is available to all students at Robinson. This includes:
- Accessibility and Disability Resource Centre (ADRC)
- University Counselling Service (UCS)
- Sexual Harassment and Violence Support Service
- Postgraduate Wellbeing Service
There are very many useful links to resources, external services, and self-help guides on the Student Support website.
Student Support also delivers workshops and groups facilitated by experienced practitioners. They can cover topics such as bereavement, anxiety, hope and healing, being a carer and more. They offer practical coping strategies and a supportive space.
The Accessibility & Disability Resource Centre (ADRC) exists to provide a confidential, professional, and accessible service to support the needs of disabled students and College staff. The ADRC supports individuals with any disability, medical matter or injury, including those with:
- Specific learning difficulties (including dyslexia)
- Physical impairments and injuries (including Upper Limb Disorder - also known as RSI)
- Sensory impairments
- Mental health issues
- Chronic illnesses
- Asperger syndrome and autism
The ADRC works closely with departments and colleges to provide adjustments for students through Student Support Documents. This document provides information to college and departmental staff working with disabled students about their conditions and recommends adjustments that would support their learning and teaching, including exam access arrangements.
The ADRC can also provide human support such as notetaking, mentoring and specialist 1:1 study skills and a loan pool, which lends students ergonomic equipment. There is an access guide for university buildings on their website. There are also various funds available to disabled students.
The HVSS can provide support to both those who have been subjected to any form of sexual harassment or violence and/or intimate partner abuse, and those who have been impacted by religious or racial discrimination or violence.
They can support you whether this happened in a university context or not and we can help whether it happened recently or in the past. See here for more details.
Cambridge SU is the representative body for all students at the University of Cambridge and its constituent Colleges; it is a registered charity within the Cambridge community that exists to represent, campaign for, and support students at the University.
They have many resources, events, and campaigns which you can access here.
As a part of the SU, The Student Advice Service offers free, confidential, and impartial advice and support to all Cambridge University students - undergraduate and postgraduate - from any College or course. You can come to the Student Advice Service with any issues or problems you might experience as a student, from making friends to working relationships, from exams to intermission, and from welfare concerns to finance. Book an appointment and find more information here.
The International Student Office is based in the Student Services Centre. They provide specialist support to students who come to study at Cambridge from outside the UK, facilitate student mobility opportunities, and administer some specific international funding awards.
Childcare Services oversees the facilities and assistance offered to University staff and students with children. There are several childcare facilities, an information service on family life in Cambridge, a Childcare Support Fund, and college-specific support for students.
The University Counselling Service (UCS) supports students who are experiencing personal, relational or academic concerns.
The UCS aims to offer students an initial 75-minute appointment within 10 working days. Average waiting times for an appointment at the UCS were 3 working days in the last academic year.
Appointments for individual counselling can be made by completing the student support request form. See their website for more details. https://www.studentsupport.cam.ac.uk/individual-counselling
Student Services Centre, Bene't Street CB2 3PT
The Postgraduate Wellbeing Service supports students at the University of Cambridge who are actively studying on postgraduate taught and research courses which require College membership.
The University of Cambridge Careers Service helps students prepare for thefuture. Whether you are an undergrad, masters student, PhD student, or a postdoc, their experienced and impartial team is here to support you at Cambridge and beyond.
They can help you to explore options, connect with employers, and navigate the complex job market - whether you have no idea what to do next, a few ideas or a definite plan. They offer one-to-one guidance consultations; 14 major careers events each year; an extensive programme of briefings and skill sessions; coordinated employer presentations; a free book on CVs and Applications; and a database of graduate-level job vacancies in Handshake.
The Language Centre offers resources, services, and more to support language learning across the university. They work support the highest levels of academic achievement by students whose first language is not English and all students learning another language for personal, professional, and academic reasons.
This page captures information on services and resources for our student community across a number of areas including:
- Accessibility and disability
- Support for students identifying as Black, Asian or a minoritised ethnicity
- LGBTQ+ student support
- Care-experienced and estranged students
- Students with caring responsibilities
- Student parents
Mental Health Support
Nightline is a confidential night-time support service for Cambridge & Anglia Ruskin Universities. This service is available 7pm-7am during Cambridge University Full Term. Call 01223 744 444 or contact via instant message or email through their website.
Student Minds is a mental health charity that aims to empower students with the knowledge, confidence and skills to look after their own mental health and support others through their national network of university groups.
Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you need a response immediately, it's best to phone 116 123 (free). You don't have to be suicidal to call them!
The First Response Service supports people experiencing a mental health crisis. The First Response Service provides 24-hours access, seven days a week, 365 days a year, to mental health care, advice, support and treatment. By calling 111, and selecting option 2, you will be put through to a member of the FRS who will speak to you and discuss your current mental health needs.
PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide is the UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people. Their HOPELINEUK telephone service is staffed by trained suicide prevention advisers who give non-judgmental support, practical advice and information. HOPELINEUK is a free and confidential call, text and email service, which is available from 9am to midnight, every day of the year.
Tel : 0800 068 41 41 or text 07860 039967 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org
BEAT is the UK’s eating disorder charity. Their mission is to end the pain and suffering caused by eating disorders. BEAT provides helplines for adults and young people offering support and information about eating disorders.
Tel : 0808 801 0677 or help@beateatingdisorders.org.uk
PEDS (Personalised Eating Disorder Support) is a Nurse-led specialist eating disorder charity with an established partnership with the University of Cambridge. Support is available to students who can either be referred or can self-refer to PEDS via their online form.
– you can self-refer for NHS funded counselling.
Cogwheel Counselling
– Offers a wide range of affordable counselling and consultancy resources for individuals, couples, families and groups. Children and adults alike.
Evolve Counselling
- charitable service offering affordable counselling
Group Therapy Centre - Cambridge
- Long-term and short-term therapy groups. Daytime and evening groups at low-cost.
- A confidential counselling service in Cambridge for those whose lives are affected by childhood sexual abuse.
Cruse Bereavement Care (Cambridge Branch)
- Bereavement care open to all. Telephone helpline, individual help or counselling, drop-in coffee sessions, groups for the newly bereaved and those bereaved by suicide. There is no charge for Cruse services however any donations are appreciated.
- Change Grow Live is a registered charity providing counselling, information and support for people with alcohol related problems and their carers and families. Services which are offered include telephone contact for information, counselling, support and education.
- Support and counselling for individuals or couples experiencing relationship difficulties. Sex therapy service and drop-in counselling also available. Open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.