Cambridge University: Newnham

What’s it like as a place to live? Beautiful, homely, and inspirational. Newnham has some of the most beautiful gardens in Cambridge, and the Victorian ivy-covered red-brick buildings are lovely. The college is situated a perfect distance from the hubbub of the city centre: close enough that it’s a short walk, but far enough away to avoid all but the most intrepid tourists.

How’s the student accommodation? The rooms are, on the whole and compared with much other university accommodation, pleasantly sizeable. Each part of the building has a very different feel, and in 2^nd and 3^rd year students choose their own rooms. Onsite accommodation is provided throughout the course. Not many ensuite facilities (though there are some), but wonderful garden views often make up for it! Most rooms have large windows, letting in loads of light, as well as quirky features like beautiful old furniture and fireplaces.

What’s the student population like? Female! Newnham is an all-women’s college, and proud of it (men are welcome to visit at all times of the day and night, of course – it’s not a convent). The student population comes from all over the world, and represent many different religions and cultures. Diversity is something we celebrate, as are friendship, thoughtfulness and ambition. Newnham has a real buzz about it, and a dynamism radiating from its huge range students.

How do students and locals get on? Most university societies are open for anyone living or working in Cambridge to join, and of course there is a city outside of the university. Plenty of community projects and campaigns to get involved with – recommended as a way to escape the ‘Cambridge bubble’!

What’s it like as a place to study?  Newnham has one of the very best college libraries in Cambridge. When the college was founded, and for many years afterwards, women were not permitted to use the central university library, so Newnham had to provide its own impressive facilities. Today, the library is at the centre of the college, and comprises two parts: the old Victorian section, and a 2004 extension that blends beautifully with the old surroundings whilst housing all the attendant mod cons (internet access at every desk; photocopying and computer room, etc). The courses are centrally determined (ie by the university not the college), but taught with a mix of college and university supervisions, classes and lectures. Newnham provides the support, encouragement and freedom necessary and desirable for a thorough and exciting education.

What are the teaching staff like?  Dedicated and brilliant. Students have very close contact with the teaching staff, which means continual support, encouragement, goading and stimulation.

What are student societies like? Too numerous to do justice to! Sports, music, academic, community-oriented, food-related, religious, political, silly, serious…definitely something for everyone. The university has hundreds of societies, and each college also has its own (you can mix and match which you belong to, depending on what you want). There is a society for any activity you could possibly wish for – though if you find a gap in the provision there is plenty of funding for you to set something up yourself, too. Life here is a case of ‘work hard, play hard’, and there is more than enough opportunity to do both.

What’s a typical night out? Everyone does different things. Some drink, some don’t, and there is more than enough to do! Really does depend on what you’re interested in doing – whether it’s going clubbing, or playing chess, or playing chess in a club, you can go out (or stay in) and do it. 

And how much does it cost? However much you want it to. 

How can you get home safely? It’s always a good idea to walk home with friends once it’s late or dark, and there are several taxi firms should you find yourself stranded. If you’re caught without cash and think a taxi is a good idea, the porters at Newnham will pay for it and the amount will simply be added to your college bill.

Is it an expensive place to live?  Unless you are quite unusual, you will leave any university in debt – such is the state of current HE funding. At Cambridge and Newnham, however, there is an extensive and very generous system of bursaries and grants readily available for anyone who finds themselves in a financial pickle. Newnham offers substantial book grants to all students, as well as generously funding many vacation projects. It is a myth that Cambridge is a more expensive place to live: we’re some of the financially best-supported students in the country! Newnham has a dedicated financial tutor, who is always available to offer advice and direction in these matters.

Average price of a pint? Newnham’s is currently one of the cheapest bars in Cambridge!

And the price of a takeaway? £5+

What’s the part-time work situation? Students are discouraged from working in term-time, because of the sheer intensity of the academic work and other activities. There are opportunities for occasional work, however –Newnham’s college bar is currently run and staffed by students, which will earn you £30 for one night’s shift. The admissions office offers payment for helping out with open days and other access events; and the development office runs a well-paid telephone campaign every year. All of these things are great fun to be involved with, too! In addition, the vacations are very lengthy, and provide ample opportunity to get long-term well-paid work.

What’s the best feature about the place? That’s like asking an English student what their favourite book is – almost impossible to answer! Newnham’s atmosphere, generated by a combination of its proud history, its students, and its ambitions, is pretty awesome.

And the worst? Probably the fact that people make inaccurate and annoying assumptions about what it’s like to be at an all-women’s college.

And to sum it all up? Life-changingly, eye-openingly, mind-expandingly brilliant. Come and visit us, and see for yourself.

Julia Neuberger (author and broadcaster), Frances Gumley (author), Sarah Rowland Jones (immunology specialist), Dorothy Hodgkin (scientist); Margaret Drabble, AS Byatt, Germaine Greer (authors), Sylvia Plath (poet), Joan Bakewell (broadcaster and author), Susie Menkes (fashion writer), Shirley Williams (politician), Ann Mallalieu (lawyer and Labour peer), Emma Thompson (actress), Diane Abbott MP, Clare Balding (presenter), Patricia Hewitt MP

Email jcr.president@newn.cam.ac.uk.