College Guide

Robinson

Robinson is a relatively small college (386 undergraduates and 180 postgraduates), meaning you will most certainly get to know your peers and make friends throughout college. We are located on the west side of the city, a 10-15minute walk away from the city centre, meaning it is a nice short walk into town and there isn't as much tourist pressure. We are also a 5 minute walk from Sidgewick site (THE place for all the humanities students) and a 15 minute walk from West Hub (THE place for all the STEM students). Robinson shows off a gorgeous garden where we CAN walk/sit/lie on the grass with no consequences! We also have a cafe/bar which is open until 11pm every night during term time so it is perfect for grabbing food during the day, drinks in the evening and emergency supplies whenever you run out of toothpaste or milk. Finally, the social life at Robinson is always busy and bustling, with our famous bops taking place every Friday (so famous we always have queues outside of students eager to make it in).


Introducing your JCR Access Officers

Tasnia Tahsin

Hey, I am Tasnia and I am a third-year HSPS-er at Robinson! I am also the Access Officer for the current year on the Robinson College Student Association (RCSA). My role involves helping in efforts to make Cambridge more accessible, whether it be through outreach events in schools or taking part in access events such as the Cambridge Shadowing Scheme. As someone who benefitted greatly from these events when I was applying myself, I really do believe in the importance of the continued emphasis placed on access!


Key Facts

~120 UG students per year

College size across the uni ranges from 80 - 200 students/year

~£5900 median yearly rent (2022-23)

Median rent ranges from £4100 - £7100 across the uni, including mandatory catering charges. Note this is a rough guide only, and there will be cheaper options as well

No gym

Music practice room

No information about inclusive prayer space

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

Gender expression fund available

A fund to reimburse students for items that make them more comfortable with their gender presentation, including but not limited to binders, packers, and concealing underwear

Limited accessible accommodation


Q&As

What is your favourite thing about Robinson?

Tasnia

I love the gardens at Robinson. In the summer, it is so nice to bring your lunch outside or get out between long study sessions and just sit in the gardens with your friends, chatting away about anything and everything.

Describe your first year accommdation.

Tasnia

All first year accomodation is on the main college site, called 'staircase bedrooms'. There are 4 types of rooms - value, standard (which also includes standard shower), standard plus and best - and it goes up in price bands. A really good thing about Robinson accomodation is the price bands for rooms are fixed on the day you matriculate until you finish your 3-year course so you don't have to worry about rent increasing during your studies. In terms of kitchens, there is 2 on every staircase, and they have hobs, a microwave, a fridge, a kettle and one cupboard for per person using that kitchen (around 6).

What is the food like?

Tasnia

The Garden Restaurant food is pretty decent, and there is always some variety (but you have to get there quick because the good options do run out pretty quickly). There is normally always a vegan option available and halal options are also available throughout the week. The prices are also quite decent for the portions you get.

Does Robinson provide additional funding?

Tasnia

There are many different ways Robinson helps out with funding - it can be found here: https://www.robinson.cam.ac.uk/college-life/academiclife/finance-and-expenses

What welfare provision does Robinson offer?

Tasnia

The Robinson Wellbeing Team offers professional health and wellbeing support to all students, and plays a key role in the College’s wholecommunity approach to student wellbeing. They can help students with navigating referrals, signposting and links where NHS or specialist support services are best placed to meet the needs of the student. They are very friendly, approachable and here to support students fulfil our potential at Robinson.

What are the facilities like at Robinson?

Tasnia

Wheelchair-accessible rooms: There is one double room fully adapted for wheelchair users, with an en suite bathroom and an emergency alarm. There is also one other partially adapted room for wheelchair users with a kitchen nearby. A room is also adapted for students with visual impairments.  Other rooms: Most rooms in College have 3-5cm threshold at door. Adaptations can often be made according to individual requirements. Most rooms are en suite, although bathrooms generally are not very large.  Live-in assistants and assistance dogs: Adapted double room could possibly be used for live-in assistant, although there is pressure on accommodation so this is would be decided on an individual basis. Assistance dogs are also welcome, and a compound is available in which to exercise them.  Early induction and vacation stays: Early induction and staying over vacations is almost always possible, at usual room rates. Sometimes there is pressure on accommodation during vacation from conferences.  Catering arrangements: Most meals eaten in cafeteria, accessible via lift. Proximity card system for easy payment. Formal dinners take place in hall. Basic kitchens on all staircases, and near to adapted rooms.  Room Ballot: Students with 'priority' (Medican Priority, Financial Priority, Music Students, those returning from intermitting, MML students returning from a year abroad) are placed at the top of the room ballot and are considered first. We have both a large auditorium and a smaller auditorium. We also have the Maria Björnson Theatre in the College gardens which hosts performances in the summer months. Robinson hosts the Brickhouse Theatre Company, where there are opportunities to get involved in acting, directing, stage management or producing.

What would you change about Robinson?

Tasnia

I wish the kitchen facilities were better in staircase bedrooms - there aren't any ovens and I think ovens would definitely make life easier as a student. While there are other options for food like the cafe and the Garden Restaurant, ovens and better hobs would definitely help improve student life. Gym facilities on site would also be quite convenient - there is somewhat of a 'fitness room' but it is definitely not a gym.

Anything else?

Tasnia

Don't let the red bricks scare you away! Robinson is a lovely college, with good facilities and a short distance from town. We're very friendly too!


Other Resources

 JCR website (Undergrad community)

 College website