Cambridge matriculation declaration

I think the one you got in the post is just a promise that you will do it when you get here - in a proper matriculation ceremony. It's just so they don't get a load of people on matric day saying, "oh actually I won't sign this!"

Don't worry about it - they just tick a box somewhere, they'll ring you if they don't get it. They are all, in my opinion, very efficient

Hey I read about the matric ceremony. what exactly is it?

It's just when you join the university, in my case it was just a matter of going to the college office, signing a form, then having the year group photo taken and then matric dinner in the evening. I think some places (Oxford?) make slightly more of a big deal out of it, but on the whole it's just a form.

Alaric.

Does every undergrad have to wear gowns? I dont like them. what colour are they?

Well apart from Kings I think so yes,

Only for matriculation, and special dinners (like halfway hall I have this term). Some colleges insist on it for formal hall too, though they tend to relax the suits aspect if you were a gown.

In the old days apparently you had to wear your gown whenever you were going around town (or was that just at night), and if a university proctor spotted you without it you'd be in big trouble! Times have changed though.

The colour varies, but mine is black with three velvet chevrons on the arms (supposedly to symbolise Lady Clare's three husbands). You can look up your own college here: http://www.cam.ac.uk/societies/cuhags/gowns/gowns.htm

They usually cost about £40, but somepeople just borrow them for matric and then don't bother getting one.

Alaric.

It doesnt say what colours they are on that link. Do you just wear underwear underneath? In these cold times how do people avoid frostbite?

And they are also open at the front, so no, you don't just wear underwear! Although that could be an interesting alternative...

There is the rumour about A C-B... not sure if it was true though.
I suspect not, though it makes for an interesting thought.

I always wear it over a suit, if it's cold I go around about 6 foot wide having a big black coat over the entire lot.

Alaric.

A C-B???

There is the rumour about A C-B... not sure if it was true though.
I suspect not, though it makes for an interesting thought.

Though if anyone were going to do it, it could well be her! This is one rumour I haven't heard actually. I'm semi-suspecting her as the (indirect!!) reason I got glandular fever, but that's another story, and I could just be being paranoid.

Mentally Ill - which college are you going to?

I am going to Wolfson. Although plenty people are telling me it was a mistake for me to apply there cos everyone there is studying for PhDs and they have all like acheived Firsts in their batchelors so they are total bookworms and have no social life....they say it is all academic and boring

But I guess as my teaching will provided by another college, it wont be so bad if I find the Phd students a total bore.

maybe you will be taught a bit by PhD students