Cambridge University: Hughes Hall

What’s it like as a place to live? Friendly, cosmopolitan, and grown-up, in the most interesting district of Cambridge. Always some activity going on, and the best food of any Cambridge College dining hall.

How’s the student accommodation? Mostly rather new (< 20 years old or newer), with plenty of ensuite
rooms. Competition is high for rooms, although undergraduates are guaranteed accommodation for all three years.

What’s the student population like? International, with scores of countries represented. We are all over 21, so vomiting in the MCR is almost unheard of. Hughesians are also extremely social, and study the spectrum of disciplines. Roughly three quarters are graduates.

How do students and locals get on? Cambridge, after 800 years, is just about getting used to us. This city is really geared up for students

What’s it like as a place to study? You study the Cambridge University curriculum. Hughes benefits from a new Library and Learning resources Centre (open March 2009) which will significantly extend study facilities. A stimulating multidisciplinary environment.

What are the teaching staff like? At Cambridge all students benefit from all academics within the collegiate and faculty system, including, for example, Stephen Hawking, who supervises a Hughesian this year. Hughes Senior Members include two members of the Royal Society.

What are student societies like? With over 20 societies from poker to politics, Hughes has everything going. The college also boasts a very strong boat club, plus all the expected sports clubs, most of which have a few internationals in their number.

What’s a typical night out? Hughes MCR Bar, to Fez Club, to late-hours at The Fountain pub, then a Faghitos take-away.

And how much does it cost? That depends on how much you drink! Cambridge prices are middling.

How can you get home safely? Walk or cycle; Cambridge is safe.

Is it an expensive place to live? Cambridge is much cheaper than London. Most people have enough for a tin of Red Stripe.

Average price of a pint? £2.60.

And the price of a takeaway? £4.50.

What’s the part-time work situation? Undergraduates at Cambridge are not permitted to hold part-time jobs.

What’s the best feature about the place? Mature environment

And the worst? Hughes isn’t the richest college.

And to sum it all up? Hughes Hall delivers the complete Cambridge educational experience without the young, screaming undergraduates, in a stimulating and multinational environment.