Library
The Caius library is the most beautiful in Cambridge (no bias there at all!). It is very well stocked (especially for the bigger subjects), although will often only hold one copy of a book.
Front view of Caius Library If a book you need isn’t stocked in the library then you can request it and often the librarians will get it for the library. The library is also a lovely place to work, with alcoves and desks down one side, big oval desks in the middle, comfy arm chairs at the bottom and desks along both galleries on the top floor. The library opening hours are 7am-1am, and you have to use your uni card to get in!
Don’t forget that you can also use your subject library, and you can register at most other subject libraries as well. Also there is the UL which is a copyright library from which you are free to borrow books and also work in.
Directors of Studies
Your Director of Studies (or DoS for short) is responsible for your academic work. They will organise supervisors for you (but not necessarily the supervision times!) and are they for you if you are having any problems with your academic work. They are often fellows of Caius and will have a room somewhere in College where you will be able to see them. However some smaller subjects have external DoSes, who are often fellows at other colleges, this may mean that you will have to go to another college for DoS meetings and supervisions, but it’s just a way of making sure that you get the right person to look after your academics whilst you’re at Caius!
Supervisors
Your supervisors are often fellows, either of Caius or of other colleges, but don’t be surprised (or worried!) if you get a PhD student as you supervisor they do make very good supervisors!
Every supervisor is slightly different, some like work in on the day of the supervision, some a day or two before. Some like you to physically hand in your work, others are happy for you to email it. Most people have absolutely no problems with their supervisors, however if you feel that you’re not getting on with yours as well as you should be then have a chat to your DoS or tutor.