Welcome to St John’s College!
As-Salaam-Alaikum!
My name is Iman and I’m a third year student at John’s studying PBS (Psychological and Behavioural Sciences). Serving as this year's St. John’s college representative, I’ll be the first point of contact for any applicants, freshers or current students with any queries about John’s or ISOC in general. Never hesitate to contact me or anyone else if you have any questions!
St. John’s College was founded in 1511 by Lady Margaret Beauufort (King Henry VII’s mother!). It is one of the larger colleges in Cambridge and arguably one of the most beautiful, located in the centre of town. The college prides itself in creating a supportive and equal environment for all students and the relevant staff are always available whatever queries you may have, or any help you need throughout your time at the college. Being a Johnian is a lifelong connection and there is a strong alumni community that comes along with joining the college!
Pros
A large college in terms of size and student numbers, full of a range of different, generally high quality facilities
Very large playing field by the river
Active JCR (like the student union of the college) who host many events and are quite proactive in addressing any issues that may be experienced by multiple students in the college
Good gym (24 hours), as well as a separate weights room - both free
Located in the centre of town so is close to most of the stores and most departments - I can get away with not having to cycle anywhere as most of my lectures and supervisions are within walking distance. This can of course change depending on your subject. Regardless, living in the centre of town is a huge advantage (the main Sainsbury’s is 5 minutes away)
Free laundry room (24 hours), which some colleges don’t have
A lovely library which is active with suggestions and has a bookable silent pod
The Old Library which is open on certain days for viewings - contains some very old and rare books!
Have our own punts which are significantly cheaper than punting outdoors
Formals are quite classy
Brand new buttery and cafe that opened this year, which has a new loyalty card system (buy 9 drinks, get your 10th one free! I recommend the hot chocolate personally) the cafe drinks are also seasonal
Good accommodation compared to most colleges and the accommodations and maintenance team is very quick and helpful
Squash courts and games room (JCR)
Many sports facilities in general
Famous Brunch every Saturday! So popular that it has now been limited to John’s students and their guests first
Accommodating to Muslim students but make sure you ask for what you need!
Multi Faith room and chapel available for students of all faiths
Wealthy college so there is financial support available (studentships, free spaces, learning and travel funds)
Lovely porters who are also very helpful. If they can’t help you directly, they’ll point you in the right direction :)
Good health centre and counselling on site - the nurses are lovely
Fast wifi connection, especially on ethernet wired connections
When there are college ents (a party) the JCR often sets up an alternative event for students who do not want to drink or party, such as games, etc.
Cons
No ovens in college accommodation, some ovens in off college site house style accommodation
Freezers can be small - however, if you require your own fridge freezer to prevent cross contamination when sharing a main kitchen fridge, accommodation may provide you with one if you email them
Can have lots of tourists and visitors, but it isn’t that much of a bother
Laundry room did have a lot of washers and dryers that were out of service, but this may be fixed now - however, because there is only one laundry room for the entire college, so it can be quite busy
Washing Facilities
St. John’s has a free laundry room with a decent number of washers and dryers. It can get quite busy at times so try to do your laundry at off peak hours, earlier or later in the day and not right at the end of the week. It is down in the basement so there is limited service - so if you’d like to sit down there and do some work (it’s usually empty and quiet as people leave their laundry) whilst waiting for your laundry to wash and dry - make sure it doesn’t require the internet.
Prayer Space
The Multifaith Prayer Room is available and, to my knowledge, has some prayer mats available. The door remains unlocked for anyone to use! It is located in Third Court, Room F2.
Halal Food
The JCR has helped to increase the amount of halal food available, even more, at the buttery. There is usually always a Halal option available, if not a vegetarian option - the buttery menu will label if the meal that day is halal or not. As for formal halls, a halal option is always bookable and is cheaper than the standard hall ticket. You can always put in requests. If you would prefer not to eat in college, the main Sainsbury has a Halal meat option, and many restaurants and fast food chains in the centre of town are Halal.
Fridge/Freezer Provision
You can ask for accommodation for your own mini fridge, which usually also has a fridge freezer inside, to prevent cross contamination. It is always good to mention to them that the buttery doesn’t have a halal option for every meal, every day, so that you may need to cook more than the average student and hence require more fridge space in your email to accommodation.
Extra Info
There are many forms of financial aid available at the college:
Free spaces - https://www.joh.cam.ac.uk/free-places-programme
Means-tested Studentship/Bursary (up to £2000 a year) - https://www.joh.cam.ac.uk/st-johns-college-top-studentships
Summer Bursaries - https://www.joh.cam.ac.uk/summer-bursaries
St. John’s Website for Grants, Awards and Prizes - https://www.joh.cam.ac.uk/index.php/grants-awards-and-prizes
Learning and Research Fund - https://www.joh.cam.ac.uk/learning-and-research-fund
Information for open days and anything else you may want to know are all available on the main St. John’s College website. Pay attention to your emails as anything and everything will most likely be communicated to you through there by the college.
Ensuite
You can usually put in a request for an ensuite through the special requirements form, for religious reasons. Be sure to fight your case as there are plenty of ensuites available in college. You may also be given a set room (your own room, but a shared kitchen and bathroom with another student) with another Muslim student if you ask for it - if you’d prefer this over sharing a kitchen and bathroom with non-Muslims (for cross contamination or hijab reasons). On the rare occasion that you aren’t given an ensuite, most single rooms do have a sink in them for wudhu purposes. I’d recommend that you always try your best to get what you need with accommodation and ask for what you require - these rooms are here for you and your needs are adequate! Try to complete any special requirement forms on time to avoid being put into the ballot and your room choice being put to chance. Most rooms are viewable on the St. John’s room’s website with a description of the room, images, the termly rent and reviews left by previous tenants of the room!
Concluding Remark
Whatever college you may choose, most students end up favouring their own the most! You’ll be happy with whatever college you choose or end up with so don’t worry about it too much! We’re always here to help.
Here are some relevant emails:
Applicants: applicants@joh.cam.ac.uk or admissions@joh.cam.ac.uk
Accommodation: accommodation@joh.cam.ac.uk
Porters: porters@joh.cam.ac.uk
If you have any problems (from a squeaky door hinge, broken tap or radiator, hob turning off too fast, etc.) the maintenance team is quick to fix them if you submit a ticket through the college's intranet page.
You may also want to save the phone numbers of St. John’s Porters. There are three Porters’ Lodges:
Forecourt Porters’ Lodge - 01223338671
Main Gate Porters’ Lodge - 01223338606
Cripps Porters’ Lodge - 01223338729
Your closest porters’ lodge will probably change yearly along with your accommodation.
Good luck on your applications or welcome if you’re already here!
Signed,
Iman Hanif (ih377@cam.ac.uk)