Murray Edwards
Welcome to Murray Edwards College!
Originally called New Hall, Murray Edwards was founded as a women's college. Unlike the older, traditional college buildings that you may picture when you think of Cambridge, you’ll find that Medwards is modern in appearance. It is light, spacious and notable not just for its beautiful gardens but also for having the largest collection of women’s art in the whole of Europe! It is one of the ‘hill’ colleges, located on Castle Hill, meaning the town centre isn’t exactly at our doorstep, but it’s not that far out. Still, investing in a bike or using electric scooters will come incredibly handy especially if you’re running late!
Our names are Ruweyda (3rd-year English) and Hanniya (3rd-year Architect) and we’re your college reps! Our role is to be the first point of contact for Muslim students at Medwards - freshers and non-freshers alike.
Please feel free to contact us for any college-related or general inquiries you may have!
Pros
We have beautiful, colourful gardens that give the college a vibrant, soulful feel. Students are also free to pick out flowers, herbs and vegetables from it!
Incredibly friendly, warm and welcoming environment (no exaggeration - Medwards students are strangely so nice - it must be something in our ventilation system..)
We basically live in an art gallery. Medwards is home to the largest collection of modern and contemporary art by women in Europe!
Our college has a relaxed environment, maybe a little 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 were 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?
Intimate environment in the sense that it is easy to get to know everyone, but not so intimate that it’s claustrophobic.
Facilities include:
Multi-faith prayer room!!
Spacious, well-ventilated library.
Clean, well-equipped gym.
First-years get access to en-suite rooms!
Lots of student societies that pride themselves on inclusivity and good vibes
Saving the best for last: Aldi 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 titbit you can think of - you can rest assured that you will always be well stocked!
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.
Laundry isn’t free - roughly £3 for a wash and £1.20 for a dry. (Pro tip - get a drying rack!)
Muslim Provisions
Halal Food
Halal meat will always be specified on the menu.
Request for halal food at Formals.
Fridge/freezer Provision
Fridge in your room on request (with a very small freezer compartment)
Ensuite
Provided for all first-years.
Available upon request/ room ballot.
Concluding Remark
If you are an incoming student at Medwards don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
We would love to meet up and can not wait to see you around! :)
Ruweydah & Hanniya