Frequently Asked Questions

College Membership

1. What is the role of the College?

Each College is a microcosm of the University, in which students and staff from a variety of backgrounds, nationalities and disciplines, have the opportunity to meet and mix at a more human scale.  The main role is to look after a student's welfare; this includes the provision of accommodation (as far as possible), meals and other social amenities.  The College also provides you with a Graduate Tutor, and other support staff such as the Graduate Administrator and College Counsellor, whose role it is to help you with any personal, work-related or financial problems.

2. How easy is it to get from Homerton to the city centre?

Cambridge is a small city and there are a number of regular bus services that leave every 10 minutes from outside the College to the city.  The campus service (Uni 4) runs every 20 minutes from the College to numerous University sites: including the University Library, the Sidgwick Site and the West Cambridge Site.  This service is currently 60p per journey on production of your University ID Card.  However, many students prefer to cycle around the city and this is normal practice for students and staff alike.

3. I'm not studying in the field of Education; will I be in the minority?

Homerton College has historic links with the Faculty of Education and in the training of teachers.  However, since 2001 the College has admitted full and part-time students in the full range of Higher Degrees.  Around half of our Higher Degree students are in Science, Engineering and Mathematics, and the other half are in Arts and Social Sciences, including Education.

4. What happens when I'm offered membership?

When we make you an offer of membership, you will be contacted by email and the College will inform the Board of Graduate Studies (if applicable) of this decision. You will then receive further information about the College and accommodation, as well as some documents for you to complete.  In August, members will receive information about registration, matriculation and Freshers' events.

Accommodation

1. Do you guarantee accommodation for my first year?

We aim to provide accommodation to first year students who meet all conditions of their offer by 2nd August.  After this date, it is likely that we can offer you a room in College, but it will be subject to availability.

2. Do you offer accommodation for families?

We are unable to offer housing for families and you would be required to seek private accommodation.  Information about how to find private accommodation in Cambridge is provided to all members in our mailing guide.

3. Can I live in for all of my PhD?

We set aside around a third of our rooms for continuing students and you can apply for a room in College every year.  In the event of oversubscription, priority is given to those who have lived in for the least number of years.

4. How do I apply for a room in College?

Applicants receive a request form with their first mailing guide and this will also contain details of the accommodation on offer.

5.When do I hear if I have been allocated a room?

If you have met all conditions, you will be contacted by email by mid August.  Late applicants will be contacted shortly following confirmation of admission by the Board of Graduate Studies.

If it is not possible for you to meet your academic condition by August, please contact the Graduate Administrator for advice.

Finance

1. What is the College Fee for?

This is to cover the cost of the College providing a range of academic and pastoral services and administrative support.

2. What does the maintenance figure cover?

The maintenance figure quoted by the Board of Graduate Studies in your offer letter, represents a minimal amount necessary to pay not only for accommodation but also for food, books, learning resources and modest necessary expenses, including clothing, transport and entertainment.  Unfortunately Cambridge is an expensive place to live and you will find it hard to manage with less than this, and many need considerably more, depending on your lifestyle.
 

3. Is it possible to earn money while I am a student?

The University does not allow graduate students to undertake paid work outside the University or College while they are studying full-time and you should not expect to accrue additional income in this way (even if your visa conditions allow it).

However for PhD students, a small amount of academic-related work, especially undergraduate supervising (small group teaching) is encouraged, provided it does not interfere with your work.  There are sometimes opportunities for supervising for the College, if you have the approval of both your research Supervisor and College Tutor.  The University stipulates that no more than ten hours a week may be spent in such activities; some grant-awarding bodies only allow a maximim of six hours per week.  However, to work more than ten hours a week is a breach of University regulations and students should not rely on such work to generate essential income for your studies.

Social Activities

1. I'm really interested in a sport not mentioned on your website.  Are there any opportunities within the University?

There are a number of societies at the College, including Games Clubs, (football, hockey, cricket, rugby, netball etc) Film Society, Music Society and Boat Club and a variety of others.  However, the University also has numerous student societies in Cambridge run for members of all colleges. 

2. Are there gym facilities at the College?

Students have access to a gym at Hills Road Sports Centre, which is a short walk from the College, or at nearby LA Fitness, or via the University facility 'Fenners' nearer to the centre of the city.

3. Do you have to go into the city centre for social activities?

There are a large number of social activities organised by the Homerton MCR (Middle Combination Room), sometimes in conjuction with undergraduates.  Full details can be found on their website.  There is also a leisure complex near to the College, which has a 9 screen cinema, arts/entertainment centre and several restaurants.

Who can I ask for further information?

If you have any queries about the College, our facilities or membership, please contact Tanya Cunningham, Graduate Administrator, Homerton College.  For information about the social scene, please contact the MCR.