SuperLabs and skulls: science facilities at ARU

The facilities at ARU are faultless; they allow each student to flourish in their own way. As a zoologist, I spend a large majority of my time in the Science Centre, but let me introduce you to other facilities on the Cambridge campus too...

As a zoologist, I spend a large majority of my time in the Science Centre. The Science Centre is the hub for many of the science and engineering students based in Cambridge. One of the most unusual and great things about this £45 million facility is the giant ant farm located here. Many animal behaviour students love to study these creatures!

The Super Lab is also an incredible feature within the Science Centre. The space in the lab is phenomenal, and means you can focus solely on your own work. In addition, you're taught the highest standard of lab etiquette (fantastic knowledge and skills to include on your CV).

The David building is exceptional for all zoologists. It has a wide range of animal skulls for you to study at your leisure: all you have to do is ask a lab technician for access. This facility is particularly brilliant if you study the Mammalogy module because there is an assessed practical test on the identification of skulls.

While studying I frequently use the three-storey library. There are the different noise levels to suit all needs. I typically prefer the second floor (the whisper area) as I quite enjoy a little bit of background noise. Also, the second floor has all the books I’ll ever need for my course, so if I am ever struggling to write my essay or I need a few more references I don’t have to go too far to find some new sources.

In my free time I have previously used the university gym. Despite it being on the smaller side for a gym, it never gets overly busy and it has a friendly, chilled-out atmosphere. Also, the membership price is very student-friendly!

I have used both the counselling and wellbeing facility and the Money Advice Service at ARU, both of which I cannot fault. They have helped in ways I cannot begin to express. It is also reassuring to know that if you are ever struggling, in whatever way, the University has facilities on site and online to help you in any way they can.

Overall, the facilities I use at the University are amazing – and I know a lot of my friends on other courses such as Forensic Science and Biomedical Science agree.

We've invested £115m in our facilities over the last five years – and we plan to invest a further £200m over the next ten years. Take a virtual tour of our Cambridge campus to see just some of these facilities for yourself, or find out more about studying at ARU on one of our Open Days.