College questions
1. Introduction
Selwyn is a relatively smaller college at Cambridge both physically and in terms of student numbers, with the intake being just a bit more than 100 students each year. Situated just a short walk (or cycle) out of town, it is right next to the Sidgwick Site, where Arts students have most of their lectures making morning commutes for them virtually a quick roll out of bed. The Science and Engineering faculties are a bit further out, but then these are all within comfortable walking distance. Its location not being right in the city centre also means that it gets far fewer tourists on the weekends (and now even weekdays), making for a nice, relaxed, and down-to-earth environment. – Jonathan
2. What is your favourite thing about Selwyn?
My favourite thing about Selwyn is definitely the people. Everybody I’ve met so far loves being at Selwyn and it really is a friendly college (an oft-repeated characterisation but definitely very true). The friendliness extends also to the porters (who have quite a good sense of humour), the Master (who hosts freshers for dinner and introduces us to his “cat” Yo-Yo), and the fellows (who may sometimes act stern in supervisions but are very eager to offer us help whenever we need it). – Jonathan
3. Describe your College’s atmosphere.
One of my first impressions of Selwyn was how the students here are an easy-going, friendly group. We’ve collectively wondered how the Admissions team manages to do this, but then they somehow have been able to choose people that fit nicely together. In academics, we work together quite closely and help each other out, preparing for supervisions together, or sending each other lecture notes if some of us happen to not be able to go. There’s also always a good turnout at events, be it at careers talks (read: free food and drink), bops (Cambridge-speak for a party/dance/disco) or formals (dinners where you dress, as the name suggests, formally), so if you want a break from work there’s always people with whom you can de-stress with. All in all, we’re a tight community with definitely a very enjoyable atmosphere! – Jonathan
4. What is the accommodation like?
In first year, everyone lives in Cripps Court, which is the most modern accommodation in college. Each room has an en-suite, and most rooms are exactly the same in terms of price and size. Only a few rooms are slightly smaller, and therefore cheaper, and there are a couple of larger rooms which are a little more expensive. Rooms are allocated randomly, but you are encouraged to contact college in advance if you require a ground floor room, or would prefer a cheaper room. From second year onwards, there is much more choice, with the option to live in an en-suite, a set (a room with a separate bedroom to the main living area) or even a house! There are a range of prices available, and the option to ballot with friends, meaning that you choose who you live with. – Charlotte Owens
5. How good is the food?
Selwyn has its own dining hall, which is open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner (plus brunch on a Sunday – cheap and delicious – a personal favourite) and is a great place to eat and relax. There are vegetarian, vegan and Halal options available and a range of snacks, desserts and drinks. There is also a cheap option, currently jacket potatoes, and college are continuing to work on more affordable options. Like most colleges, the quality and price of food can vary, however Selwyn does huge portions and the desserts are particularly popular! You can also get your food in a reusable takeaway container, so that you can eat in your room, or outside in the summer, which is great. Each corridor has a kitchen, and although we don’t have ovens or freezers, we do have fridges, and there is plenty that you can cook on the hob or in the microwave. – Charlotte Owens
6. What about entertainment and extra-curricular activities?
There are countless extra-curricular things to do at Selwyn, with a great number of clubs to be a part of — we have societies for everything from music to tea! Our students take part in a wide variety of sports, including hockey, netball, rugby and lacrosse, playing matches against other colleges each weekend, and the college also has a flourishing drama society which stages at least one college production per term, along with more casual comedy or musical theatre events. The JCR also holds a number of social events, called ‘Ents’, such as ‘bops’ (basically like school discos but more fun) and fortnightly Quiz Nights in the College Bar. – Gaia
7. What welfare support is there?
Selwyn JCR takes Welfare support very seriously, so we have 4 different ‘Welfare Officers’ who you can go to for support: Male welfare, Female welfare, LGBT+ rep and Disabilities rep. These are all students who you can go to see in their weekly ‘Welfare hours’, or get in touch with any time you need a chat. They also hold welfare events such as film nights or ‘Welfare walks’ which are really popular and a great way to chill out. Each student also has a Tutor, who is in charge of their pastoral wellbeing, who you meet with twice a term, and ‘College parents’, students in the year above who keep an eye out for you and often give you chocolate in Week 5! The College also has a Chaplain, who is really friendly and always happy to have a chat with anyone. – Gaia
8. What about your College would you change?
The one thing I’d get rid of is the mushroom crumble they serve in hall from time to time! It’s terrible — you should never try to mix pudding and fungi! – Gaia
Key Facts
No. Undergraduates in a year group (2015 entry): 115
Music practice rooms: Available
Gym: Available, but not particularly large
Vegetarian main meal availability: At least one option available at lunch, dinner, or at formals
Vegan main meal availability: Often the vegetarian option is vegan too, otherwise vegan is available on request
Other dietary requirements: Hall are happy to cater for any dietary requirements
Distance to sports pitch: 0.7 miles (3-5 minute cycle, roughly 10-15 minute walk)
Prayer spaces: Chapel
Theatre space: The Diamond/The Chapel/Gardens