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	Newnham College
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	University:	University of Cambridge
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Contents 1 Location 2 Accommodation 3 Social Spaces 4 Library and Computing 5 Welfare 6 Atmosphere 7 Facilities 8 Student-eye view

Location

Accommodation

The room system is a little different than at other colleges. Everybody pays the same rent, then (in a randomised ballot) 3rd years pick their rooms first, followed by second years, and first years get allocated whatever is left. There are a few en suite rooms, therefore, but they always go to 3rd years.

There tends to be around 7-10 people sharing a bathroom. This varies depending on which building, and which corridor. In some of the older buildings it's more like 20 people per 4(ish) showers - still only 5:1.

There are now two lease schemes: (a) 3 x 10 weeks (covering just the terms, you go home [and pack everything up] for vacations); and (b) 39 weeks (keeping the room over the vacation). The latter is about £900 more expensive, per annum, than (a). There is little reason for 'Home Students' to take out the 39 weeks in 1st year, though later years will probably tend to. Newnham's rent, because standardised, is comparatively fairly expensive (though definitely not the worst!) - and the Students' Union will be publishing this info for next year, I believe. Hopefully this will encourage colleges to stop taking the mick...You shouldn't worry too much about rent, though, as if you struggle the college (and all other colleges, I think) have 'hardship funds' to help you out.

Rent covers background heating & lighting. Electricity is extra (but even with a fridge and several other little gadgets in my room this comes to about £6 a term), as is Internet (£17.70 per term, at the moment).

Social Spaces

Library and Computing

Welfare

Atmosphere

The JCR has committed to providing one non-alcoholic event for every alcoholic one. This means that if, say, there's a band night in the bar where alcohol will be served, there will also be a non-alcoholic film night or body shop party or something similar. There are plenty of people who don't drink, and many who don't drink a lot (like me). The social life in Cambridge tends to revolve around societies rather than drinking

Facilities

Student-eye view

Newnhm's gym is good and on site (lots of colleges don't have an on site facility). Ditto the playing fields. The library is *fantastic*! We've got a brand new shiny catering area and main Hall, with a friendly coffee and social area attached (it opens this next term and looks incredible). The gardens is one of the best-kept secrets in Cambridge - it's beautiful and huge...and we can *walk on the grass*! The College is an easy walk into town, but far enough out to avoid all the annoying tourists. Importantly, you will have lots of teaching by *women* which, in a science subject particularly, is actually quite rare. (Though don't worry, you WILL have male supervisors, and you WILL be taught with men too!). Newnham doesn't feel like a college or institution, but it feels like home...you come in after a long day and it feels really comfortable and...nice!