During your time in Cambridge you will learn that most research departments and lab groups hold regular meetings to present and discuss research findings from ongoing work. In addition to lab meeting and internal presentations, most departments also hold research seminars where academic researchers from outside of your Department will be invited to speak about their research. As a PhD student, it is very helpful to get involved into this event and, where possible, connect with other members of the University to learn about different research methods and enrich your own research experience. 

Remember that in addition to being useful sources of information and guidance, other members of your department or lab group may become your friends. Establishing professional and social relationships with them will be helpful over the course of your PhD. Last but not least, sometimes these relationships may also translate into useful connections at the end of your PhD when you will be looking for a job. 

Throughout each academic year, each College in Cambridge organises talks and lecture series that may be of interest to you. These talks are given by leading experts from the College's own academic community and beyond, sometimes involving College alumni that have gone on to specialise in their field after their time in Cambridge. Other events include balls, short festivals and drinks receptions which usually aim to bring together the vibrant academic community characteristic of each College and stimulate networking among College members. 

To learn more about your College's talks and lecture series, make sure to read your MCR weekly newsletter and other material circulated by your College during each term. 

With over 700 clubs and societies, you will not struggle to find academic events that match your interests during your time in Cambridge. Typically, most events are held in University's Colleges or lecture halls and involve prominent speakers from all over the world. 

An exhaustive list of all societies at the University of Cambridge can be found the Cambridge Students' Union website. 

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