Our aim is to support the whole student, so to compliment your studies and research, we also have collections, resources and events to support your wellbeing, help you learn a new skill and make the most of your time at Cambridge.
Across Our Libraries we have borrowable materials that aim to support your physical and mental wellbeing, that offer self-help for issues such as anxiety, stress and worry. Our staff and students also have access to a collated Wellbeing eBook Collection.
We have curated a series of music playlists which you also might find useful to use as study aids. From cool synth or classical to uplifting pop or summer jazz, we hope there'll be a soundtrack for you.
If you are studying remotely and need a break, we've created a series of virtual jigsaws featuring our own library spaces to challenge you during your work or study breaks. Visitors to our Engineering Library space will find our soft study buddies to borrow for moral support and a range of jigsaws, colouring books and crafting materials, whilst our West Hub visitors can engage with our family boxes.to inspire their little ones.
If you know a good book that's helped you, or have an idea about how we can add to our list of resources, please let us know.
Remote Learning and WellbeingRemote Learning can be isolating or lonely. Make sure you keep in touch with your peers and friends.
The University has some useful Student Support pages, that cover topics like Physical and Mental Health, Academic and Financial Support, at what is a very difficult time for many. They also provide a vital Counselling Service with an online referral form.
Take care of your mental health during these extraordinary times. In addition to the links above from the University. Take a look at the NHS guide to Mental wellbeing while staying at home. There is also advice from Mind on Wellbeing during this time. Anxiety UK also has great advice.
You may find the Active Coping Calendar from Action for Happiness useful. Looking to work on your mindfulness and meditation? Headspace is an app and website that helps users learn how to meditate and strengthen their mindfulness techniques. It also has helpful tips and tools for sleep, exercise and mental health.
There are a number of online collaborations and meeting tools that you can use to connect with your friends and peers. They are a great way to check-in with each other and keep in touch. The conversation doesn't just have to be study-related. When studying remotely, it is important to keep socially connected with others.
However, you don't need to use these to stay in touch. These apps can be overwhelming and keeping up with everything that is going on can cause anxiety. So find something that works for you, call friends or family on the phone or even write them a letter.
If you used to meet up at the library or local coffee shop with friends to discuss work, then why not partner up with someone as a digital study buddy? You can start your day by setting goals, and check-in with each other regularly to monitor progress. Having someone else knowing what you are up to can really help you stay motivated and is a first port of call if you are finding anything difficult or want to share any questions.
If you find it really difficult to study in silence or by yourself - you're not alone. Research from Mehta et al. (2012) shows background noise can enhance performance on creative tasks. Try our libraries' Soundtracks for Students on Spotify. Or, if you are missing the background noise of studying students, try Coffitivity for the ambient recordings of a busy café, or how about the Sounds of the Bodleian?
If you would like more in-depth personal support, advice or help, you can book a 1:1 supervision or meeting with a member of the library team, using our Booking Form.