Why do people hate Hughes Hall at Cambridge University?

Hello,

I have been reading some bad reviews about Hughes Hall in here, and I am just wondering why it is so disliked? For graduate students, is it not better to be in a college where people are a bit older? And I think the accomodation and social life there is supposed to be pretty good, or am I wrong?

-Maria

Reply 1

threeportdrift

Careers Forum Helper

The administration at Hughes Hall, has, in previous years, run some pretty hard rules vis a vis the allocation of accommodation. They are one of the few colleges that ask for accommodation deposits, and there were a few cases a couple of years ago of student being promised accommodation which was then not there when they turned up at the beginning of term, and others who lost their deposit when Cambridge university decision making was too slow for HH. They also had an unfortunate incident with a student who was just a pernicious trouble maker and some 10 years after he had been refused permission to return and complete his PhD, still frequented forums and websites, ranting on about HH. Unfair and unreasonable, but then when the college was noticeable less flexible than other colleges about accommodation in particular, its reputation was further damaged. The history of the accommodation issues and the weirdo might still be available on the grad union forum.

Many people are very happy at Hughes Hall, and it does have some very modern accommodation over-looking Fenners cricket ground. But it doesn't have (or didn't up to two years ago) accommodation for all its students and has had some pretty blunt and insensitive interactions with students.

Reply 2

Ritualise123

Maria28

I wouldn't say that people "hate" Hughes. I think the air of negativity which surrounds the place (and all newer/grad colleges for that matter) stems from applicants being pooled there and not being entirely happy about it. I've been there and it's actually seems quite nice but it's not the typical Cambridge college which everyone has dreamed of (old buildings, pretty quads, historic dining traditions, etc.) I assume most people put the historic colleges on their application form and then find themselves lumped into Hughes and naturally feel a little put out and moan about it. I have been pooled to Hughes and I must admit I was a little disappointed initially but I don't "hate" the place. It's just not where I pictured myself being. I have heard that everyone there loves it and I can definitely see the benefits of living and socialising with people who are closer in age and mindset. Have you been accepted there?

Reply 3

Maria28

Hello,

Yes, actually I asked to go there because being 28 I think I will be happier among people my own age, and I heard the accomodation there is good. I do not mind not living in an older college since most of Cambridge seems lovely and historic, and I would rather live somewhere where the rooms are good, even if it means that the college is less traditional. However, I got a bit worried reading reviews of it afterwards. Are the rooms there generally good, and is there a good social scene? Do people use the MCR bar for example, and is it easy to get to know people? Thank you for your answer by the way.