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Welfare & support

A College that knows and takes an interest in every student as an individual

There is a tradition of inclusion and a well-developed ethic of care at Girton.  We encourage personal development by offering excellent academic and pastoral support.  This environment offers every student the opportunity to achieve their very best.


Pastoral Support

College Tutors

All students are assigned a personal Tutor who is responsible for their non-academic welfare while they are here. Tutors have regular office hours and are your first point of call for any financial or personal issues that you may need help with. The Tutors also operate an emergency rota during Term so that there is always someone available to help, day or night.

Student Services Office

Staff in the College Student Services Office are available during office hours and are always happy to assist with any queries that students might have.

The Student Services Office liaises with departments and offices within the University on behalf of all students, for example, in matters relating to examinations, visa status, finances and graduation.

Also part of the Student Services Team is our Financial Welfare Officer, who can be reached at fwo@girton.cam.ac.uk.  

You may also request student verification or bank letters from the Office by emailing postgraduate.office@girton.cam.ac.uk, or tutorial@girton.cam.ac.uk.  

Porters' Lodges

There is a Porters' Lodge in the main College building and one at Swirles Court, both of which are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Porters are responsible for safety and security and are all trained first aiders. They are a great source of help and support whether you have locked yourself out of your room or need someone to chat to at 2am!  It's a good idea to add their phone number to your phone contacts.  

Chaplain

The College Chaplain is regularly available in College and can provide support to all students, irrespective of their faith. The College Chapel and the non-faith Prayer Room are always available for private prayer, worship or meditation.

JCR & MCR Welfare Officers

The JCR and MCR both have elected Welfare Officers who can provide advice and support and help students to access appropriate resources. They hold regular office hours and organise welfare-related events throughout the academic year.

Students’ Unions’ Advice Service

The Students’ Unions’ Advice Service is provided by the Cambridge Union and offers free, confidential and independent support to all students. They can help you understand University and College procedures and regulations and offer support with mental health issues and welfare concerns.


Academic Support

For undergraduate students and some Masters students, your Director of Studies or DoS is responsible for your academic welfare in general – from organising supervisions, advising on what courses to take and helping to address any work-related issues you might have. The majority of academic support for postgraduate research students is provided via the department.

The College offers an additional academic environment where students get the opportunity to engage in academic-related activities to enhance their skills and promote interdisciplinary work, for example through the Girton Skills programme.

Girton Skills Programme

This exciting programme, which is unique to Girton and available to both undergraduates and postgraduates, consists of two strands - Study skills which helps students make the transition from school to university and to hone their academic skills; and Transferable skills which helps students to make the most of life as a student and beyond. 


Health & Counselling

College Nurses

The College has three Nurses who can help with a wide variety of health and welfare needs, ranging from help and advice with minor illnesses and injuries to support for emotional issues. They hold surgeries each week day during term and no appointment is necessary. 

University Counselling Service

The University Counselling Service (UCS) is a self-referral service available to all students.  As well as one to one counselling session, they also offer groups and workshops on a variety of different issues. They also produce some excellent self-help leaflets on common problems such as Anxiety, Coping with Exams, Work-block and Insomnia.  Their experienced staff includes a BME Counsellor, a Sexual Assault and Harassment Officer and three Mental Health Advisors who can help support students experiencing moderate to severe mental health difficulties.

GP Surgery

All students are required to register with a local GP (doctor) when they start at the College. The majority of Girton students register with the Huntingdon Road Surgery who are very experienced in treating students and offer an excellent service.


Support for Students with Disabilities

We are committed to providing appropriate support for students with disabilities. We work closely with the Accessibility and Disability Resource Centre to ensure that students have what they need to take full advantage of their time at university. 
 
We have six wheelchair accessible en-suite rooms and a flat specifically designed for wheelchair users, with an adapted kitchen and bathroom and an annex for an assistant if needed. All student rooms can be adapted for students with hearing impairments and there are hearing loops installed in a number of public rooms.
 
Further information can be found in our comprehensive Access Guides.


Support for Care Leavers

We are aware that care leavers and estranged students may have specific concerns when studying at university and we have a range of services to help support you. We guarantee accommodation for all years of your course and our tenancies last the whole academic year.

We can also provide accommodation during the summer vacation if this is needed. You may be eligible for a higher level of Cambridge Bursary.

Further information can be found on the University website, including details for The Realise Team who provide dedicated support to care leavers and estranged students.

Life at Girton

Find out more about living and learning in our friendly, informal and supportive community

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