Welcome to Murray Edwards College!
Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh! Welcome to Murray Edwards college! Initially founded as New Hall, Murray Edwards is one of 2 women’s colleges in Cambridge. Unlike some of the older, more traditional colleges, Medwards is modern in appearance, known best for its gardens, dome and for having one of the largest women’s art collections in Europe!
It is one of the hill colleges, meaning the town centre is not at our doorstep, but it is not that far out. Still, investing in a bike or using electric scooters will come in incredibly handy - especially if you’re running late!
My name is Asiya and I am a second year studying Maths at Medwards, and I am Amira, a first year studying HSPS! We are your college reps! Our role is to be the first point of contact for all Muslim students at Medwards, whether prospective student, undergrad or postgrad alike.
Pros
We have beautiful, colourful gardens that give the college a vibrant, soulful feel. Students are also allowed to pick the flowers, herbs and vegetables from it whenever they want! They even supply vases and ribbons from the library and hold flower arranging classes in case you needed resources or guidance on how to make the best bouquets using our gardens!
We basically live in an art gallery- the art is moved regularly around college and new pieces are constantly on display in exhibitions on the lower level of fountain court, so it feels as if the art itself is a living thing.
The environment is incredibly friendly, warm and welcoming (no exaggeration- Medwards students are strangely so nice - it must be something in our ventilation system…)
Our college has a relaxed environment, maybe a bit too relaxed because going to the library or dining hall in pyjamas and slippers is completely normal- not that we’re complaining!
Not to brag but we are voted the best brunch in Cambridge according to TCS- The Cambridge Student. We’re very humble about it though. Oh - and did we mention that the brunch is also affordable?
We are the closest college to the Aldi which is only about a five minute walk away- it is located on Histon Road, along with not one but TWO halal butchers/ grocery stores! With Midan and Iqbro supplying everything from Halal meat and desi masalas, to ethnic snacks and every random tidbit you can think of- you can rest assured that you will always be well stocked!
Finally, college genuinely cares about student wellbeing- whether it be hosting arts and crafts sessions for students to destress, or putting out biscuits and tea in the library every day in Easter term- it is refreshing and necessary to feel supported and calm where you live.
Also, we are part of the Hill colleges where we have our own community within ourselves. Our neighbouring colleges; Fitzwilliam, Lucy Cavendish, St.Edmunds and Churchill are all within walking distance!
Cons
We’re a long walk away from Sidgwick Site (~30 min), Cambridge Central Mosque (~50 min) hence why bikes/scooters are a must-have as a Medwards student.
Far from Cambridge Central Mosque (15 min cycle)
Does not look like traditional colleges such as Trinity and John’s, but is still a very pretty college imo!
We do not have any large collegiate based scholarships or bursaries, however we do have the Gateway Funding and the Rosemary Travel Fund.
The accommodation rate is often mentioned to be quite high (ranging from £1.7k to £2.1k) however the rooms are well sized across bands and we have a large number of en suites available !
Washing Facilities
We have two laundry rooms, one at pearl house (the freshers' building) and the other in Buckingham house (second year's building). There is a charge depending on the type of wash and if you choose to dry which varies between £3 to £6.
Prayer Space
We have a beautiful new prayer space in Paula Browne House. It is Japanese inspired and has a lavatory and hand held shower for ablutions in the next door room. Card access is required, and if busy you need to book one hour slots, but I have never had to book before. It is a great place for prayer and quiet reflection, with bean bags and lots of light.
Card access should work for all Medwards members, but if not you can email the Head Porter and they will add your card.
Halal Food
Chicken is usually always halal in Dome (our buttery), and there is the option to request halal food for formal halls when booking. Usually they’ll give you a halal version of what is being served, but sometimes you might get the vegetarian option. We recently got a new head cook and last year JCR brought up turning the menu fully halal, so hopefully soon it will be!
We are lucky enough to also have full kitchens, which is quite a rarity in Cambridge. Along with the usual things such as microwaves and toasters, first years currently have ovens, freezers, fridges, and stoves!
Fridge/Freezer Provision
College provide students with certain religious and dietary requirements (e.g., halal/kosher) with a fridge-freezer (the freezer compartment is quite small), or if one is unavailable, you are allowed to bring your own if you pay a deposit.
Extra Info
WE HAVE A COLLEGE CAT called Rosie. She likes to hide in her little cat house, or by the flowers at the front entrance. She likes to pretend not to care but she’s a real sweetie at heart.
We also have a gym, and as an all women’s college - there is no worry about finding women’s only sessions as that is all we do !
Ensuite
All bedrooms have sinks, and all first years have a spacious ensuite with a shower. For other years, if you request an ensuite for religious reasons, Medwards are very accomodating.
Concluding Remark
If you are an incoming student at Medwards, or have any questions about the college please do not hesitate to contact us! Our emails are: abmr2@cam.ac.uk and am3131@cam.ac.uk
Signed,
Asiya and Amira <3