Welcome to Selwyn College!
Our names are Sahar (3rd year HSPS) and Sobaan (3rd year Education), and we’re your college reps! Our role is to be the first point of contact for Muslim students at Selwyn – freshers and current students alike. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need any help getting to grips with college life :)
Selwyn is a medium-sized college, located on the corner of Grange Road and Sidgwick Avenue, about a 15-minute walk from the centre of town. Founded in 1882, Selwyn is the closest college to Sidgwick Site, making it particularly popular with humanities students – however, it’s still within reasonable walking (or cycling) distance to the STEM faculties! Known for friendly vibes and fantastic brunch, Selwyn has the highest state-school intake of all the Cambridge colleges, as well as a relaxed and down-to-earth atmosphere.
Pros
Medium sized cohort (approx. 120 students) means that everybody gets to know each other without it getting too claustrophobic.
Very friendly atmosphere with our own Selwyn ISoc (and group chat)!
Great brunch (which is on the cheaper side).
Well-located – not too close to town so you can avoid tourists, but most departments (especially humanities) are very easily accessible.
Has a reasonably sized and new library and is also adjacent to Sidgwick Site, meaning you have quick access to loads of subject libraries. The University Library is also a 10-minute walk from college.
The University bus (U bus) stops right next to the college, taking you towards West Cambridge or the Biomedical Campus, for only £1 a journey!
Underratedly beautiful - Old Court and the college gardens are definitely some of Cambridge’s hidden gems.
Cons
A bit far from any shopping facilities - the nearest store (a Co-op) is a 10-minute walk. The Sainsbury’s on Sidney Street (aka ‘Mainsbury’s’) is a 20-minute walk. The Sainsbury’s in West Cambridge is much larger and takes around 20 minutes via the U bus, which goes there directly.
Not many student societies, although new ones are founded every year.
Our gym, located behind Cripps Court, is quite small and hasn’t got a lot of equipment.
Washing Facilities
Washing is provided by Circuit Laundry, with separate laundry rooms in each accommodation block. There are also irons and ironing boards in each laundry room.
Washing costs around £3 for a wash and £1.50 for the dryer.
Prayer Space
Selwyn does not yet have a dedicated prayer space, although we are one of the closest colleges to the ISoc prayer room on Sidgwick Site! This is something we are working towards with the help of our JCR Ethics and Faiths officer.
Halal Food
The college aims to provide at least one halal meal a day with a variety of meats available.
Vegetarian/vegan (and often fish) options are also available at every meal.
We are also one of the few colleges to provide halal sausages with brunch!
The kitchen is very happy to cater for any dietary needs and is very open to feedback.
Fridge/Freezer Provision
The college kitchens (gyps) contain a fridge, with some in second year containing a very small freezer tray. Generally, mini fridges/freezers in rooms are not allowed except in exceptional circumstances.
However, the college provides the use of five fridge-freezers in the JCR for students with specific dietary or religious requirements (like storing Halal meat). The fridge-freezers are only accessible using your CamCard. Speak to the JCR Ethics and Faiths Officer/porters if you wish to gain access.
Extra Info
Our JCR has a dedicated Ethics and Faiths officer who aims to represent the needs of students from different faith/belief backgrounds to the JCR committee (the college student union). This involves them collaborating with an interfaith working group to ensure different religious voices at Selwyn are heard. Feel free to email them for further information and help.
Ensuite
First-year students live in Cripps Court, where all rooms are ensuite.
From second year, students have a choice of accommodation through a ballot – ensuites are available in all rooms in Ann’s Court and some rooms in Old Court/college-owned houses (although most rooms without ensuites have sinks). If you would prefer an ensuite for religious reasons, you can let college know before the ballot begins in second year and request a pre-allocated room.
Concluding Remark
Moving to university can be a very stressful and daunting time, so please do not hesitate at all to get in contact with either of us if you have any questions or problems. Be reassured that you have chosen the best college in Cambridge!
Signed,
Sahar - sm2630@cam.ac.uk
Sobaan - ms2822@cam.ac.uk