It is a great myth that studying at the University of Cambridge is more expensive than other UK universities. The tuition fees are exactly the same as almost everywhere else. And as for living costs, you only pay for the time you live in College accommodation. With eight week terms at Cambridge, this works out as extremely good value.

If you are a UK student, you can apply for a government loan from the Student Loans Company to cover your tuition fees and living costs, repayable only when you are earning a good salary, the same as at any other university. You will also be entitled to a maintenance grant from the government if your family’s household income is below a certain threshold.

On top of these government loans and grants though, universities offer their own financial support and Cambridge has one of the most extensive bursary schemes in the country. The Cambridge Bursary Scheme offers a non-repayable grant to help with living costs while you study. The amount you are awarded is dependent on household income (check the University’s website for details) but the scheme is generally designed so that the bursary and the government maintenance grant together provide students from low income families with enough money to cover their living costs. The Colleges can also offer some financial help, with grants available for books, travel and equipment, as well as emergency hardship funds. There are bursaries available for overseas students too.

The University will also help you out with things other than money. For example, the building on the left of the Judge Business School is the Disability Resource Centre. If you have a disability or a specific learning difficulty, they can offer advice and support and have a range of resources to help you with your studies.

With regards to medical services, your College will want you to register with a GP when you arrive, although there will be a nurse in your College. There is a University Dental Service and the ‘new’ Addenbrooke’s Hospital isn’t far away. There’s also a Counselling Service which offers free, confidential support and advice, and informal help is always available from CUSU and other independent organisations.

It may seem difficult to navigate through all of this information right now but don’t worry, your College Tutor will help, as will the Cambridge University Students’ Union Welfare Officer or – yes, you guessed it – those helpful people in the Cambridge Admissions Office. If you have any questions, why not go and ask them now…