What to Bring
A duvet and pillows are provided but you need to bring duvet covers, sheets, and pillowcases. Also a warm blanket is good to have; it does get cold in Michaelmas term!
Smart clothes
Needed for Matriculation dinner and any formal halls. Girls usually wear a smart dress or skirt/trousers and a top; guys usually wear a jacket with a tie. However, you are allowed to where whichever of the two styles you prefer. There are also a number of events throughout the year where you will be expected to wear black tie (for example society dinners, balls).
Fancy Dress
Themed events occur very frequently around here, whether it is swaps, birthdays or bops. You’ll have a Freshers’ Week Bop, and we can guarantee a well-prepared Halloween outfit will be worthwhile. Other favourites include: Beach, Tribal, Animals, Cocktails, Christmas, etc.
Cooking stuff
This really depends on how much cooking you intend to do. Hall is available for every meal but only at the allocated times, so it’s always worth having some essentials. We reckon a sharp knife, kettle, chopping board, tea towels, colander (you will cook so much pasta) and saucepan are the basics. If you’re planning on cooking a lot it might be worth investing in a wok, spatula/wooden spoon and can opener. You technically aren’t allowed any frying pans, and if you bring a toaster beware setting off the fire alarm and making everyone grumble.
Cutlery and crockery
This is not provided (apart from in hall). We advise you bring enough for at least 3 people. Bring more if you’d like to wash up less... Cutlery thieves can strike at any time - so you may want to keep it in your room.
A laptop
VERY useful. There are many computer rooms in college fitted with printers and internet connections so it is easily possible to survive without one, but many people prefer to work in the privacy of their own room/favourite spot in the library. If you do decide to bring a laptop, make sure to source an Ethernet cable - you can buy these on arrival from the College Computer Department (K block). Getting an extra long cable can be good because you can then use the internet in bed... USB sticks and headphones are also a very good idea. If you plan on purchasing a laptop for university, make use of the student discounts in place at shops; it can save you a lot of money!
Posters and poster hangers
Make your room feel like home! Each room has a large notice board which you can pin or blu-tac stuff to, but no blu-tac can be used on the walls.
Personal documentation
Things like passports, national insurance number, and medical card needed to register with a doctor as well, forms and letters from Student Finance, etc. Use a driving licence or passport as ID, for Cambridge has become very strict on this recently and most pubs and clubs will only accept a provisional/full driving licence or your passport as identification.
Washing stuff
A wash bin and/or huge bag to carry all your clothes down to the washroom is very useful. There is a “functional” iron and ironing board in the washroom, but you may want to bring your own nicer ones. Bring/buy your own tablets and powder too.
Cash
To keep you going until the funding clears. Please contact the funding body responsible for details on when this should come through.
Bike
As you’ll soon see, cycling is the major form of transport in Cambridge. It’s up to you whether to bring a bike or not – your need for it will probably depend on where your Department is and how many sports/societies you intend to be involved in - talk to your college parents, they will know if you need one. If you do decide to bring one, remember a good bike lock, front and rear lights (compulsory after dark), a bell and a helmet. Never leave your bike anywhere unlocked – many people have learnt this lesson the hard way: the number one crime in Cambridge is bike theft.
Sports equipment & kit
If you’re keen to become involved in a particular sport bring any existing stuff you have along. E-mail the sports captains if you’re unsure on what you need (see sports section on p.41) or ask on the Facebook Freshers’ page.
Warm clothes
Cambridge starts to get seriously cold and windy during your first term so remember the woolly jumpers and coats.
Extras
A camera, full-length mirror, hair dryer, home comforts, plastic cups, etc.