You should contact your personal tutor in the first instance for matters relating to and impacting your course – they will be assigned to you at the start of your course. Other useful contacts include:
International Students Support
Our International Student Advisors are available to support you during your time at the University of Cumbria. If you are an international student and need help with anything, please contact the Advisors. You can ask about anything, for example:
International Student Advisors are trained to assist with both academic and personal matters. You can submit a question or referral on the Student Enquiry Point, visit the StEP desk at your campus or email intss@cumbria.ac.uk
You can also find helpful information in the International Welcome Guide
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Useful contacts
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Important Information
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Academic Skills Support
Academic Induction
In your first few weeks, you will receive an academic induction.
This will cover:
- Teaching methods
- Learning systems and platforms
- Academic expectations and processes (Student Policies)
Skills Support – Skills@Cumbria
There is a dedicated team of Skills Support advisors at the university.
Explore Skills@Cumbria for guidance on:
- Academic writing
- English for academic purposes
- Avoiding plagiarism
- Referencing
- Presentations
- Digital skills
- Using generative AI responsibly
You can also book a student support appointment if needed.
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Prepare for Success
Prepare for Success is a free, interactive online toolkit designed to help international students transition smoothly into UK education. Whether you're starting further or higher education, this resource is tailored to support your academic and cultural journey.
What you will gain
Activity-Based Learning:
Engage with interactive activities that simulate academic life in the UK and build essential study skills.
Flexible Navigation:
Explore resources in any order or follow structured “study pathways” based on your interests and needs
Language Support:
Helps improve English language skills through context-based learning.
Cultural Preparation:
Watch videos and complete self-assessments to improve understanding of UK customs, classroom etiquette, and social norms.
Academic Skills Development:
Understanding UK teaching formats (lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops)
Independent study techniques
Academic writing and critical thinking
Preparing for online learning
Subject-specific guidance (e.g., science, engineering, technology
Get Started
Visit www.prepareforsuccess.org.uk to begin your journey.
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Digital: Systems, Software and Services
We want you to succeed at the University of Cumbria and we have a wide range of IT systems and services to support your studies.
Getting started with our IT:
Improve your understanding and use of IT:
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Get Involved
We know that coming to university is a great opportunity to make friends and get involved with the local community, so we have pulled together a list of some places you might want to visit during your time here.
We want this to be your one-stop place to find things to do near your campus, with suggestions of places, shops, and organisations you can get involved with in the local areas around where you’re studying.
Free Community Activities and Venues
Lancaster
Friends International is a friendly and active community of students from both of Lancaster’s universities.
Download the Friends International app to see a calendar of events including times, dates, and locations of upcoming events.
Examples of events they have held include:
International dinners
Outings to local areas including Kendal
Easter celebration
A welcoming and lively space in the heart of Lancaster with lots of events and social opportunities.
They offer:
- Special deals and discounts for students
- Volunteering opportunities to help with events, bar work, administration, and more.
- Clubs, events, and activities to get involved with, and a chance to meet locals from outside the University - https://gregson.co.uk/whatson/
- Free, regular film nights in the secret cinema.
Lancashire County Council library has a range of libraries, including Lancaster, Preston, and Burnley.
At the main Lancaster library, they run a range of free events, including an English Conversation Group every Tuesday, and they also run craft groups, chess and board game clubs, a Korean Culture and Language group, and more.
Carlisle
One of Carlisle’s most popular and prestigious venues, the Cathedral is open daily for free walk-in visits. They do guided tours and have pop-up market stalls, as well as a café. The Cathedral is also where all Cumbria students will graduate at the end of their degrees!
‘Bookends’ is a popular independent bookshop selling an amazing selection of new and antique books. The shop also has a café, “Cakes and Ale”, which serves a selection of hot and cold drinks, lunch, and snacks. The café also hosts a range of talks by local authors.
A very popular and student-friendly community hub in Denton Holme. The Source hosts concerts by comedians, bands, and other performers, along with Open-Mic nights. There is an excellent café-bar, and they have other activities such as games and musical instruments to play.
Ambleside
There are so many wonderful things to do in and around Ambleside. Along with the beautiful scenery and outdoor activities including hiking and wild water swimming, there are also lovely shops, cafes, arts venues, community hubs, and more!
The Parish Centre is a vibrant and inclusive venue that supports events and community led activities, including a Community Food Club and Café to help build community and prevent food waste.
They run a range of cheap (and often free) events, which can be found on their ‘What’s On’ page.
A wonderful cinema with regular film showings, including live streamed theatre, opera, and ballet from around the world.
They also have a vegetarian restaurant, a café, and a jazz bar!
A short bus ride away from Ambleside, you will find Wordsworth Museum, where you can explore the literary history of the area. The Museum grounds also have a garden, café, and shop.
If you buy a ticket, you also get free return entry for a year, and they offer a student discount!
A Train Journey Away
For an exciting day out, you might want to take the train to Blackpool and visit Blackpool Pleasure Beach, which has 10 rollercoaters, over 20 rides, and family friendly entertainment. Blackpool also has three famous piers overlooking the Irish Sea, with amusement arcades, classic gaming machines, and more.
Finding More Near You
Tripadvisor is a useful website and app to use to find restaurants and activities near to wherever you live if you are commuting to your campus, or you can use it to explore the rest of the country over the weekends and during holidays.
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Wellbeing Support
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