College Guide

Newnham

Newnham is a medium-sized college, with beautiful gardens perfect for picnics and studying outside. Newnham is across the road from Sidgwick Site (home to many humanities faculties) so an ideal location for many students. Newnham is a women's only college founded in 1871, it is also known for having one of the longest corridors in Europe!

Introducing your JCR Class Act Officer!

Emma Price

Hi! I’m Emma, a second year MML student and Newnham’s Class Act Officer. My role is to support, represent and advocate for the needs of all students who have faced any kind of social, educational, cultural or economic disadvantage at Newnham College. I run social events, liaise with college on Class Act issues and signpost resources.

Key Facts

~115 UG students per year

~£5400 median yearly rent (2022-23)

Free gym (small rooftop gym with equipment such as treadmills, ergometers, and weights) and sports grounds in college

Music practice room

Currently no dedicated inclusive prayer space however there are rooms available for students to book

Vegetarian, Vegan, Halal, Gluten-free meals available daily

Gender expression fund available

Accesible accomodation located centrally in college

Q&As

What is your favourite thing about Newnham?

The vibe. Newnham gardens are so beautiful, and the location is just a bit out of town but not too far, so we get both convenience and a peaceful environment to live in.

Describe your first year accommodation.

My first year accommodation was approximately £184 a week (all Newnham accommodation costs the same). I was living in the Rosalind Franklin Building, with a mix of students from freshers to postgrad students. I shared a bathroom with three others and a kitchen with eight others. We had two full length fridges, a full length freezer, oven, and 8 hobs.

What is the food like?

Whilst I really enjoy the food, it can be on the expensive side, so I prefer to do most cooking myself, since our kitchens are all so well equipped.

Does Newnham provide additional funding?

Additional funding includes:
Rent bursary: for any Home Fee Status student with a household income of less than £62,215 is awarded a rent bursary of £28 per week
Book grants: open to all, typically reimburse 50-60% of book costs
Opportunity fund: open to all, normally 50% contribution to something enriching that the student would otherwise not be able to afford (such as sports, skills courses), up to £150
Travel grants for languages students
Hardship funds: up to £250, for unforeseen circumstances
Maintenance bursary for students who don't qualify for much/any of the Cambridge Bursary but still struggle financially

What welfare provision does Newnham offer?

The JCR has two welfare officers who run regular social events such as weekly tea/coffee and craft sessions.

We also have a wellbeing advisor and college nurse who you can book appointments with as and when you need.

What would you change about Newnham?

In an ideal world, Newnham would have an indoor swimming pool, since I love swimming and the nearest pool is a bit of a walk away. Another thing I would change is making the prices of food cheaper to be more in line with other colleges.

Other resources

JCR website (Undergrad community)

College website