Less than half of Cambridge students say they enjoy studying for their degree

Crying in the library? You’re not alone. New statistics show that less than half of Cambridge students enjoy studying for their degree.

In Natwest’s Student Living Index 2023, only 45 per cent of Cambridge students report they actively enjoy studying for their degree. This puts Cambridge just below Oxford, where 47 per cent of students enjoy studying.

Students were asked to rank how much they enjoy studying for their university degree on a scale of one to ten. In response, less than half of Cambridge students gave an eight, nine or ten.

While this still puts Cambridge students well above above the UK Student Average (38 per cent) in their enjoyment of studying, the figure is still lower than one might expect considering the university’s academic reputation.

In terms of academic stress, Cambridge students come out higher than the national student average. While 35 per cent of students across different universities report they find studying stressful, 49 per cent of Cambridge students admit they are burdened by degree work.

However, students at Oxford are proportionally more stressed by their degree than students at other universities, including Cambridge. While only 25 per cent of Manchester students indicate academic anxiety, 62 per cent of Oxford students find their studies stressful.

If you are having a difficult time with your Cambridge degree, there is advice on coping with stress and mental health support information on the university website.

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If you or someone you know has been affected by this story, please speak to someone or contact Samaritans on 116 123 at any time. You can also contact Anxiety UK on 03444 775 774, Mind on 0300 123 3393, Calm (Campaign against living miserably) on 0800 58 58 58, and Student Minds online here. For support in Cambridge, contact Nightline on 01223 744444. You matter.

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