Hughes Hall

Nina

My favourite thing about Hughes Hall is how closely knit the community is. Despite having over 1,000 students, there are always some regulars hanging around and it is easy to get to know people. The vibes are good and there is a large international community that opens you up to new cultures and customs. My first time celebrating Chinese New Year was here and influenced by my Singaporean friends. I am really grateful for the community we have fostered here in Hughes Hall.

Nina

My first year accommodation was in Gresham Court. I got a good sized room with a small double bed, a desk, set of drawers, plenty of storage, and an en suite bathroom with a good sized shower. It was all clean and well-designed and felt like a hotel room when I first arrived. Being a disabled student and an independent student, even though this is considered Band A accommodation, I paid Band C rates due to my circumstances. The kitchen was shared between me and 7 others. There were 3 mini fridges, 2 were divided between 3 people, and I shared mine with only one other person. There was one freezer that was the size of a mini fridge. Two sinks, two ovens and two hobs and limited counter space. Good amount of space to have friends over with window seats, a sofa, and a table with six seats.

Nina

Food here can be hit or miss. Avoid the mousse, the meat is generally good, and the desserts (minus mousse) are immaculate.

Nina

My college provides the Cambridge Bursary (up to £6,600 based on circumstances) and hardship funding, but the hardship funding form is often considered rather invasive by many students due to the amount of detail required.

Nina

In the MCR we have welfare officers for Female and Nonbinary students and for Male and Nonbinary students that hold various events like Sunday Tea and Cakes, movie nights, self-defence training, mental health talks and so on. There are also LGBTQ+ and Equality and BAME and Equality Officers who organise events targeted at LGBTQ+ and BAME students to connect them with their communities more easily. We also have a Head of Welfare and Wellbeing external to the MCR who helps students access help they may need, or can sometimes just be a good person to talk to.

Nina

There are a few ground floor accessible rooms throughout the college. Gresham Court, an accommodation a five minute walk through the cricket grounds from the main college area, has a fair number (~30? possibly more) of ground-floor accommodation, but there is also a lift which provides access to all other floors. As a disabled student, prior to coming to Hughes Hall I was able to speak to someone about my needs and tour the grounds to find the room best suited to me. I listed my favourite rooms and got my first pick. Hughes Hall is very good with providing accommodation to disabled students. Our gym is small but comprises primarily of rowing machines as it is repurposed from and shared with the Rowing Club.

Nina

The prices at the MCR bar. They have drastically increased over the past year and the bar is the primary place to socialise but the prices of drinks have become obscene, which will soon drive people away.