Cambridge's challenging courses reward ambitious students who are prepared to deploy and develop a range of study skills, from time management to note-taking, from lateral thinking to disciplined, intensive revision. Students work at the very highest level during their time here and make striking improvements in their efficiency and concentration as well as in the extent of their knowledge.
The University's Skills Portal contains extensive resources and information for all students. CUSU (Cambridge University Students' Union) also provides study skills information.
Crucially, you should address any difficulties as soon as they emerge, and before a minor glitch grows into a major problem. Tutors, Directors of Studies and Supervisors are all keen to offer guidance - remember that the supportive Collegiate system can help you to navigate through and beyond any temporary difficulties.
The Fitzwilliam College Library holds a number of study guides, and the Librarian herself will gladly offer advice, for example on interpreting reading lists or locating online journals. You are also welcome to contact the Senior Tutor (senior.tutor@fitz.cam.ac.uk) at any time.
Bye-Fellow Dr Alexander Carter, ITO and Academic Director for Philosophy and Interdisciplinary Studies at the Institute of Continuing Education, has created some study skills videos, below, to support students. He can also be contacted for advice and support (study.skills@fitz.cam.ac.uk).
Study Skills: Overview (aimed at Freshers)
Study Skills: Learning Online
Study Skills: Listening
Study Skills: Time Management
Class Act Guide
The JCR Class Act Representative, Kirstie Goodchild, has been involved with the Class Act Committee in producing a short guide to getting started and making the most of Cambridge for people who have faced social, economic, cultural and educational disadvantages.
She has also produced an academic resources folder – accessible only to those with a University of Cambridge email address – called Cambridge Student Subject Sharing (CAmSSS), which is designed to offer peer support with, and prewritten advice about, your Tripos and optional papers.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is defined as submitting as one's own work, irrespective of intent to deceive, that which derives in part or in its entirety from the work of others without due acknowledgement. Plagiarism is both poor scholarship and a breach of academic integrity. Fitzwilliam College subscribes to the University's statement on plagiarism.
