Hughes Hall

Welcome to Hughes Hall - Cambridge’s oldest graduate college!

Established in 1885 Hughes accepts postgraduate students and mature undergraduates. It prides itself on being one of the most international colleges with an open and informal atmosphere. A remarkably distinctive aspect of College life at Hughes compared to other colleges is its egalitarian culture where interaction and engagement between the senior membership and students is open and encouraged; and everyone is allowed to walk on the grass!

Asalam! We’re your college reps, Sarah (2nd Year PBS, so443) and Sakib (2nd Year Medic, ). We will be your first point of contact for any questions about life at Hughes as a Muslim or if you need help settling in. Feel free to reach out to either of us for anything ISoc related!

Pros

  • Hughes is situated right at the start of Mill Road (where all the Halal shops and Cambridge Central Mosque is) this means, it is a very convenient 5 minute walk from Zi’s Piri Piri—the muslim favourite pizza place—to sedate any late night cravings, while also being only a 10 minute walk to lectures at Downing/New Museum site. It's only a 7 minute walk to Grafton centre (the biggest shopping mall in Cambridge) and a 12 minute walk to the station. If you are at Hughes, you essentially get the benefits of Homerton without actually being all that far away.

  • Brand new prayer room opening at the start of term insha’Allah - more details to follow on the weekly bulletin.

  • One of the most international colleges, so, has an inclusive culture and welcoming community, is very accommodating to special requests due to different belief systems, and is especially accommodating towards international students.

  • Most of Hughes' accommodation is on-site, it’s made up of 6 buildings/courts that surround the Cambridge cricket pitch. The layout of the residential buildings, joined by a street around the pitch makes the college a gated community.

  • Unlike any other college you can sit at the high table and talk to fellows during formals!

  • Hughes formals are also unique in their tradition of having pre-drinks before sitting for formal hall in the Peter Richards room—non alcoholic options are provided such as Elderflower and an assortment of juices. P.S our desserts always hit the spot.

  • Is one of the most disability friendly colleges.

  • Has a 24/7 library

  • Gresham Court has a 24/7 study room with attached kitchenette, big sofas, and wheelchair accessible toilet.

  • Has quant gardens surrounding most accommodation with outdoor study spaces such as benches and tables.

  • Has a free gym with basic equipment.

  • BBQ equipment available and encouraged to use, especially during spring.

  • Most of the on-site kitchens are massive, and all have ovens.

  • Free coffee is available in the dining hall everyday from 8 am to 9 pm.

  • Lastly Hughes has its very own cat, aptly named Hugh.

Cons

  • Expensive accommodation.

  • Plodge is not open 24/7 (even though there is always a porter on duty but reachable only through call).

  • Not a well known college.

  • Far from Sidgwick Site and I-Soc prayer room.

  • Hughes does not have the gothic, grand architecture that the bigger colleges are known for.

  • Expensive formals.

  • Hughes does not give travel grants/funding easily.

Washing Facilities

  • Each residential building has its own Laundry facilities so you will never have to walk further than a few floors to do your washing, and very rarely will all the machines be occupied (Sundays should be steered clear of as it gets quite busy). One wash cycle costs £2 and a dryer cycle costs £1.25.

Prayer Space

  • New prayer room should be open for the start of term - keep an eye on the weekly bulletin! Abu Bakr Masjid off Mill Road is also only a 5 minute walk away (they unfortunately do not have female prayer facilities).

Halal Food

  • All chicken is Halal and there are always vegetarian and vegan options to choose from.

Fridge/Freezer Provision

  • Fridges/Freezers are provided by college for religious or dietary requirements.

Ensuite

  • All rooms in Fenners, Gresham Court and Centenary are ensuite, and most first years get put there. The college will accommodate you if you ask for an ensuite for religious reasons.

Relevant Contacts

Concluding Remark

  • Whilst Hughes isn’t the largest or most flashy college, it brings a very warm and cosy environment where you’ll feel at home with students, faculty and staff being very welcoming and you often see the same familiar faces! The college is incredibly diverse and I’ve found them to be very accommodating of faith and culture. The location and facilities at the college make it very Muslim-friendly.

    Signed,

    Sarah Omer (so443@cam.ac.uk)

    Sakib Ahmed (sa2122@cam.ac.uk)  

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