Colleges in Cambridge

Darwin is one of 31 Colleges in the University of Cambridge. The University's Postgraduate Study website provides a general introduction to the Collegiate system in Cambridge.

For all postgraduate admission queries please go to: www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk

The key facts about Darwin

Darwin is a postgraduate College: the majority of our students are reading for Masters or PhD degrees. Darwin provides an international community in which graduate students, postdoctoral workers, senior visitors, and College Fellows can interact with colleagues across a broad spectrum of research interests.

Darwin, like most Cambridge Colleges, is co-educational and has almost no restrictions on the subjects of study. It has around 50 Professorial and Official Fellows, including a Master (the Head of House elected by the Fellows), most of whom are University Teaching Officers in their subjects. There are also about 20 Research Fellows. The Adrian and Finley Research Fellowships are stipendiary, and in addition 4 to 6 non-stipendiary Research Fellows are elected each year.

The College has almost 800 students and a striking feature of the College is that approximately 70% of the students come from some 75 overseas countries. Darwin also has Associate Members, who are usually academic visitors from abroad, and Research Associates who work in the different Departments of the University.

A particular aim of the College is to broaden the experience of the students, and activities for this purpose are co-ordinated by the Education and Research Committee. Two academic groups, one focused on Arts & Humanities and the other on Sciences, organise seminars, lectures, colloquia and field trips outside Cambridge.

Darwin College is committed to providing an environment which respects the needs of all its members. No member of Darwin shall be discriminated against with regard to national origin, physical disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sexual orientation.

As with all Cambridge Colleges, Darwin is legally constituted under a Royal Charter and governed by its Statutes and Ordinances, which can be viewed via the Governance and Policies on the homepage. 

Contact Details - Accommodation

All routine matters concerned with the allocation of rooms and the day-to-day administration of College accommodation are handled by the Accommodation Manager, Sue Beckwith.

The Accommodation Office is in the Rayne Building, next to the Porters' Lodge, and is open Monday to Friday.

Email: accommodation@darwin.cam.ac.uk                   Tel: 01223 335682

Accommodation General Information

We can house 114 members in the main body of the College. Some on-site rooms have views of the river, while others overlook Queens' Meadow or the garden. A further 160 graduates live in College hostels and graduate houses offsite.

Our student accommodation varies in style, set-up and price. We have 26 self-contained flats for couples, some of which are also suitable for families. 

The allocation of rooms is determined by the Accommodation Manager. Where possible this will take into account any personal preferences that members have expressed such as price, location and facilities.

Licence Fee Calculation

The rent or licence fee charged for a property is determined according to:

1. Size
2. Facilities
3. Location
4. Standard

The calculations have been carefully balanced to try to ensure fairness.

Council Tax

Students are exempt from paying Council tax under most circumstances. However, residents of off-site flats are responsible for Council tax duties for themselves and any partner or family member living with them. 

At the beginning of each term the Student Registry provides the City Council with a complete list of all postgraduate students on the Register. This should mean that your bill is adjusted prior to being issued. If this does not happen in time you may require a letter (proof of enrolment) from the Deanery Office.

For any queries about Council Tax please contact the City Council.

TV Licences

It is your personal responsibility to purchase a TV licence for any television receiver brought into College, including for the use of your computer to watch certain broadcast and streaming services programmes. Your home licence will not cover you and there is no College-wide cover. TV licensing authorities make checks on a regular basis and you are personally liable for any fines imposed.

Internet Access

Wireless network access is available in public and residential areas through the eduroam network. Some residence also have wired ethernet sockets. Instructions for setting up are available on: https://www.darwin.cam.ac.uk/wireless-network-service

All internet access within the College is governed by the rules set out by the College and University. 

Waiting List

Accommodation on the main College site is normally allocated for one year only, to give as many members as possible a chance to benefit from it. The Accommodation Office holds a waiting list for students who wish to change room or to apply for accommodation in further years. Please contact the Accommodation Manager for details of eligibility and to apply. 

Please note that any room changes part-way through a contract will be subject to a £75 cleaning and administrative fee.

Guests

Your College room is provided for your sole use. Sharing or sub-letting is not allowed and is cited in your accommodation licence as grounds for cancellation of your contract.

You are permitted to have occasional overnight guests, as long as you sign them in using the Guest Book in the Porters’ Lodge to comply with fire safety rules. 'Occasional' means just that: once in a while or now and then. For example, once or twice a term for one or two nights would be 'occasional'.  

Only one guest per room is allowed.  Long-term or regular sharing is not allowed and is in breach of your licence conditions. 

Additional beds, mattresses (including blow-up mattresses) and futons are not permitted in student rooms and will be removed without warning if discovered.

Guest Rooms

Darwin has two guest rooms available for official guests of the College.

When not required for college business, these are released for the short-term accommodation of current members or their guests 30 days before the booking date. These rooms are often in short supply and should be booked directly through the Accommodation Office (accommodation@darwin.cam.ac.uk).

Guest rooms are for shorter stays and may be booked by current members and Fellows for themselves, visiting academics or relatives. The rooms are equipped with a double bed, an ensuite bathroom, and offer tea and coffee making facilities.

All rates apply to the guests occupying the room, not the member booking the room, and will be provided on enquiry to the Accommodation office.

A continental breakfast is available from the cafe during normal operating hours and is not included in the cost of the room.

Guest can check in from 2pm, and must check out on the day of departure by 10am.

Cancellations: Any booking cancelled less than 48 hours before the expected time of arrival will be charged in full.

Payment methods: Availaible here

Alternative advice for members

The DCSA Welfare Officers can advise and assist members, and regularly liaise with the Accommodation Manager and the Head of Domestic Operations. 

ANUK Approved Accommodation

Darwin College is a voluntary member of the ANUK/Unipol National Codes. Our student accommodation is regularly inspected by independent external visitors. 

The codes reflect a balance of common sense obligations and responsibilities between landlords and tenants. They also reflect established best practice in the sector. The standards are supported by the National Union of Students.

What does being a member of the codes mean?

•             both parties can enjoy the benefits of good standards of housing management and practice

•             misunderstandings and disputes are reduced

•             if problems do occur, they can be promptly resolved, and where they are not the Codes operate an independent complaints procedure.

Parties in Hostels

Darwin College is first and foremost an academic institution, and we therefore ask you to think of others before organising a party. Parties may only be held in hostel accommodation.

The College expects every member to behave in a responsible manner. Please remember that you have colleagues who may be studying and neighbours who may have good reasons for objecting. The host(s) is/are responsible for ensuring that Fire and Safety regulations are fully complied with throughout the event.

Hosts are also responsible for cleaning up after a party and for any damage to hostel property. Any extra cleaning or damage costs incurred by the College will be levied on the host or hosts.

Animals in College and Residences

Animals and pets are not allowed to be brought onto the main College site nor into any of the residences.

Requests to bring a registered Emotional Support Animal (ESA) onto University College property will not normally be granted. However, these requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Decisions to allow (or not to allow) an ESA onto College property will take into account:

• the reasons for the request and supporting medical evidence;
• the health, safety and welfare of College members and visitors;
• arrangements to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the ESA and of other animals;
• adequacy of training;
• insurance arrangements and cost implications;
• and, where appropriate, laboratory requirements, licence conditions and any other relevant considerations.

If you wish to bring an ESA onto College property, you should make your request before you arrive so your case can be considered. If your ESA has not been through the approval process you will be asked to remove it immediately.

Electoral Roll

If you are eligible and wish to vote in the UK, it is your  personal responsibility to ensure you are included on the Electoral Roll. The College will provide the City Council a list of students living in Darwin accommodation. It is then up to you to register at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

Fire Safety

Please make sure you understand the fire instructions in your College accommodation and familiarise yourself with your nearest escape routes and assembly point. 

If you discover a fire:  

• Sound the Fire Alarm immediately by pushing the ‘break glass’ on a call point.
• Evacuate the building.
• Inform the Porters’ Lodge (Tel: (3) 35660.
• Report to the assembly point.

You must only attempt to put out the fire if it is safe to do so. Do not put yourself or others at risk. 

All corridors, stairwells, landings etc, must be kept clear at all times. Any items found in these areas will be removed immediately (only the hoover and ironing board are allowed to be stored in the designated area). Door closers are not to be disconnected and fire doors must never be wedged open.

It is a criminal offence under UK law to tamper with or disable fire-alarm equipment or fire extinguishers.

Fire Prevention

Please be aware that the most common causes of fire or fire alarm activations are:

1.    Cooking in student rooms – this is not permitted.

2.    Steam from kettles hitting the alarm.

3.    Wedging fire doors open while cooking in Gyp Rooms – smoke from cooking then sets off the smoke detectors in corridors.

4.    Heat and smoke from candles – use of candles is forbidden in all College properties.

5.    Illegal smoking anywhere in the College whether in rooms or in corridors can set of the alarms – smoking is forbidden in all College properties.

6.    Smoke or sparks caused by the overloading of electrical circuits by operating too many electrical appliances and using too many adaptors.

7.    The use of aerosols near smoke detectors.

Fire Extinguishers

Different fire extinguishers are intended for use on different causes of fire.

WATER (Red Label) 
Suitable for wood, paper and textiles (not electrical).

FOAM (Red/Yellow Label)
Suitable for wood, paper, textiles and flammable liquids (not electrical).

POWDER (Red/Blue Label)
Suitable for wood, paper textiles, flammable liquids, live electrical equipment & gases.

CARBON DIOXIDE GAS (Red/Black Label)
Suitable for flammable liquids and live electrical equipment.

FIRE BLANKETS (in Red Container) 
Suitable for extinguishing burning clothing and small, contained fires involving burning liquids.

General Health & Safety

In accordance with Health and Safety legislation and the College’s own policies, you are required to take reasonable care for your own health and safety and for that of others who may be affected by your actions. You must not intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything provided by the College.

A breach of any of these or other instructions may result in disciplinary action. Residents should make every effort to maintain the safe condition of their property and surroundings.

First Aid

If First Aid is required, please contact the Porters’ Lodge on (3) 35660. There are trained first aiders in various departments and the Porters’ Lodge is a central source of information.

A number of members of staff have also trained to become Mental Health First Aiders. A list of First Aiders and Mental Health First Aiders can be found on the noticeboard outside the Porters' Lodge. 

Personal Security

Petty theft is unfortunately not uncommon in the Colleges, mainly because it can be difficult to establish whether all visitors are legitimate. Therefore it is essential that rooms and windows are locked when left unoccupied, and valuables should never be left unattended in public rooms. Keep valuables hidden and out of sight of the main door and/or window, and only permit people you know onto College premises.

Intruders and security breaches should be reported to the Porters’ Lodge.

Personal Safety

For your own personal safety, try to avoid walking or cycling in poorly lit parts of the City after dark. Where possible do not travel alone, particularly off the main roads, late at night.

Personal alarms are provided free by the DCSA to all members who request them. Helpful tips on personal safety for students can be found here.

Insurance

You are responsible for the security of your own property and personal possessions while resident in College. The College does not accept liability for loss or damage to such property.

You should arrange your own insurance for the contents of your room (the DCSA may be able to recommend a company). Please be sure that it offers the appropriate form of cover.  Some companies will not pay compensation for items stolen from your room unless there is physical evidence of a break-in. There may also be a clause insisting that all losses are reported within 21 days from the date they occurred, which could present problems if losses occur during vacations.

Room and Property Keys

Your keys are issued to you personally and should not be given to other people under any circumstances. Doing so is a breach of your accommodation terms and conditions.

Please ensure your door is locked when you are not in your room. 

Please ensure external doors to properties are firmly closed and locked at all times for the safety and security of all residents.

Electric scooters and electric bikes

These should not be brought inside College properties. It is against our fire safety rules to charge these anywhere on College grounds.

In light of recent incidents, the safety of our members is of utmost importance.

Please read here for further details:

https://www.cambridgeindependent.co.uk/news/electric-bike-le...

https://www.cambridgeindependent.co.uk/news/cambridge-fire-c...

Any electric scooters found inside properties, whether being charged or not, will be removed.

Reporting a maintenance fault or repair

Any emergencies should be reported by calling the Porters' Lodge immediately.

Please report any other faults or maintenance issues in your accommodation by:

• filling out a maintenance request slip in the Porters' Lodge and placing it in the Maintenance pigeonhole;
• calling the Porters’ Lodge on: 01223 (3) 35660 or Maintenance on: 01223 (3) 35688 (Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5.00pm); or 
• Emailing the Clerk of Works.

Housekeeping issues should be reported using the book in the Porters' Lodge. Alternatively the College Housekeeping team may be contacted by telephone on: 01223 (3) 35686 or by email. 

- Emergency issues are responded to immediately, and usually handled within the hour. 

- Urgent repairs are normally dealt with within 12 hours, except at the weekend when they may take up to 48 hours.

- Non-urgent repairs will be assessed within 48 hours and will be resolved within 14 days.

If for any reason a room becomes uninhabitable due to the issue, or due to the disturbance caused by the repair, alternative accommodation will be offered either temporarily or permanently at the same rate as the original accommodation.

If the Maintenance team need to carry out repairs in your room, they will aim to let you know at least 24 hours in advance, except when an emergency issue requires immediate entry. Records are kept by the Clerk of Works as to when any room has been entered, the work that has been carried out, and whether further access will be needed.

Any complaints about outstanding or ineffective repairs may be made in the first place to the Accommodation Office, who may then escalate the issue to the Head of Domestic Operations.

Room Checks

The operational staff will normally carry out room checks several times a year, including in the first term. Whenever possible you will be told in advance when access to your room is required to ensure privacy. As detailed in the accommodation licence, any possessions not permitted in rooms will be removed. 

College staff and College authorised contractors will occasionally need to enter your room to carry out essential duties such as emergency repairs, replacement or cleaning of fixtures/fittings and for inspections. Prior notice will be given by email whenever possible.

Prohibited Items

Candles and incense burners, shisha or hookah pipes, explosives, fireworks or firearms (including air-guns) may not be kept in any College property under any circumstances. The use or storage of paraffin heaters or any other forms of flammable liquids, including barbecue lighter fluid and coals, etc is forbidden, as is the use of barbecues on College property (including in the gardens).

No cooking equipment (eg microwaves, rice cookers, toasters, kettles etc) is allowed in College rooms. These items should only be kept and used in kitchens.

Failure to obey these prohibitions will be regarded by the College as a serious disciplinary offence.

Electrical Equipment

All appliances used in College properties (inc. kitchens) should conform to a British Standard and should be PAT tested before use. If you are unsure of whether any electrical equipment you have conforms to this standard please speak to the Clerk of Works. The College arranges PAT testing to be carried out in October on all electrical appliances, including student owned equipment. The Maintenance Department will issue details of PAT testing arrangements. The College reserves the right to remove unsafe electrical items from student accommodation

Students who purchase electrical equipment after the October PAT testing week are to contact the Clerk of Works to arrange PAT testing of that equipment. A charge may be levied for this testing.

Items such as fridges & freezers (in addition to those supplied by the College), microwaves, hobs or rice cookers are not permitted in individual rooms. Washing and drying (condensing) machines are allowed in certain areas subject to prior permission from the Clerk of Works.

Square electrical adaptors are no longer legal for use in College properties – 4-way extensions are allowed but Fire Regulations ban multiple usage (i.e. extensions plugged into extensions). If you are travelling from overseas, you are advised to bring the minimum of personal electrical equipment because it may not conform to British Standards. This applies to leads, adaptors and plugs as much as to appliances

Furniture

Do not replace or remove any furniture from your room unless you have the prior written permission of the Clerk of Works or the Head of Domestic Operations. Any furniture or soft furnishings that are introduced into rooms must comply with current Fire Safety Regulations in respect of fire-retardant materials.

Heating and Hot Water

Central heating will be provided in residences for a period of time that spans the winter season (hot water is provided all year). The start and end dates for heating provision is set annually depending on weather conditions and apply to all properties.

Heating and hot water times may vary from property to property but are usually 6.30am to 11.00am and 3.30pm to 11.50pm. Heating is generally maintained 24 hours a day in the Study Centre during the winter.

The use of electric radiators and/or fan heaters is not permitted in College accommodation, except with prior written permission from the Clerk of Works or Domestic Bursar.

Please see the College Heating Policy for further details.

Lighting

Remember to turn off all lights and electrical equipment when not in use or when leaving your room.  Replacement low energy bulbs are available free of charge from the Porter’s Lodge or from the Clerk of Works office. Bulbs which are difficult to reach or in public areas will be replaced by the Maintenance Department; please report any which are not working.

Pictures and Posters

Never use sticky-tape or sellotape, blue or white tack, drawing pins or stick-on hooks on College walls or paintwork. Please use the notice boards provided. If you do not have a notice board in your room please contact the Clerk of Works.

Bedding & Bed Linen

You must provide your own bedding & bed linen but please use the mattress protectors provided by the College. A ‘Get You In’ pack of basic bedding can be purchased from the Housekeeping department (or Porter’s Lodge outside of office hours) at a cost of £30. Hard boards are available on request from the Clerk of Works to support mattresses if you find them too soft. Additional beds, mattresses (inc inflatable) and futons are not allowed in College rooms. 

Laundry Facilities

There are washing machines and dryers available to use free of charge in the College Laundry Room, which is situated on the ground floor of Newnham Grange. An iron and ironing board are also provided.

Housekeeping

Housekeeping staff are employed by the College to carry out cleaning of public areas, kitchens/gyp rooms & bath/shower rooms on Monday to Friday mornings, however it is expected that residents take responsibility for the day-to-day cleanliness of both their own rooms and the shared facilities.

Cleaning of rooms and accommodation

Please check your room or flat inventory on arrival, any discrepancies must be put in writing to the Accommodation Manager within the first four weeks of occupancy.

All residents are responsible for the cleaning of their own accommodation and for ensuring that they leave all public areas clean after use.

Hoovers are available to use and must be returned to the appropriate landing/corridor after use, with the wire rewound and ensuring that all corridors and fire exits are kept clear.

All residents are responsible for leaving their room, and any public accommodation they share, clean.

Please note – if you do not clean your room before going on vacation, or if you do not clean and clear your room before handing back your keys, housekeeping charges will be placed on your College account – a list of these charges is available from the Housekeeping Office.

There is a strict ‘no smoking’ policy throughout the College buildings – this includes bedrooms.

Bath and Shower Rooms

These rooms should be left clean and the floors must be left dry at all times so please always pull the shower curtain closed when showering. Empty shampoo bottles will be removed by housekeeping staff. The Dossil (small blue rubber mat) must remain over the shower drain at all times – this is to prevent blockages. 

Ensuite rooms are descaled and the shower curtains changed by your cleaner in the first week of each month.

Used toilet paper must be flushed down the toilet not put into bins.  Conversely, paper hand towels should be put in the bin, not down the lavatory. Toilet seats are for sitting on; lift them up if you do not wish to use them. Sanitary disposal bins are provided in each property – please do not dispose of sanitary products in waste bins. Toilet tissue is only provided in accommodation on the College site, in the Old Granary and in the Malting House.

Kitchens

Kitchen facilities are provided primarily for the preparation of hot drinks and snacks.  The kitchens must be cleaned promptly afterwards. All electrical items in the kitchens must have your room number on or they will be removed. Cooking is not allowed in bedrooms; this includes the use of kettles, toasters, rice cookers and microwaves.

NEVER leave cooking unattended and check that you have SWITCHED OFF the cooker after use.

Do not leave dirty crockery or cutlery around the sink, nor food on cookers and work surfaces. Your cleaner is not responsible for your washing up.  Do not leave rice, pasta, tea leaves and remains of other foods in the sinks or basins – please use the kitchen waste bin provided.

Contract cleaning charges will be made if public areas are left in an unreasonable condition after entertaining. Kitchen rubbish must be removed if the bag is full and replaced with a clean one.

Your accommodation provides a refrigerator and kitchen cupboard storage. Out of date and mouldy foods will be removed regularly from fridges. Any cases of pilferage of others foodstuffs will be treated as theft.

Recycling

All kitchens are provided with a blue or black box for recyclable waste and one bin for landfill waste. Clear signs are provided to say what can and cannot be recycled. You can also take most items for recycling to Recycling Points around the City.  

Food recycling compost bins and liners are avilable on request from the Housekeeping department. Students are encouraged to keep these in a clean area of the kitchen and regularly change the liners to avoid smells and insects.

If the wrong waste is put in the recycling boxes the Council will not collect the waste so please read the recycling posters carefully. Everything in the recycling boxes must be washed and clean and not put in bags. No foods or liquids should be put in the recycling box (remnants of foods or liquid will attract vermin and insects, as well as smelling, especially in warm weather).

You can recycle the following items in the boxes situated in the kitchens:

Paper – not shredded
Shopping catalogues
Envelopes (including window envelopes)
Cardboard (broken into small flat pieces – no big boxes)
Tins and cans
Aerosol cans
Glass bottles and jars (with lids removed)
Plastic bottles - including drinks, shampoo and detergent bottles (with lids removed)
Drink soup cartons (e.g. tetra packs)

Lids and caps must be removed and put in the landfill waste bin to enable the bottles and cartons in the recycling box to be sorted correctly.

All broken glass must be wrapped carefully in several layers of newspaper before it is put in the recycling box (or alternatively it should be wrapped carefully and put in a plastic bag in the landfill bin.  This will avoid cuts to students and staff when dealing with the recycling. Be careful not to leave tins with sharp lids sticking out – once the tin is rinsed please fold the lid back into the tin so it does not risk harming anyone.

If you have any questions about, or problems with, recycling in your kitchen please contact either: The Darwin College Green Committee by email on dcsa_green@darwin.cam.ac.uk or the Housekeeping department housekeeping@darwin.cam.ac.uk

Mail

Pigeonholes for students, Fellows and staff are located in the Porters’ Lodge. Please check your pigeonhole regularly for any mail or notices.

The College address should be used for your mail, rather than your hostel address - this helps you if any packages are delivered as these can be signed for by the Porters’ and it also helps the College to forward any mail which arrives after you have completed your studies.

Large packages or letters will be kept at the Porter’s Lodge and a card asking you to collect them will be put in your pigeonhole. Packages that are being couriered should be delivered or picked up from the Porters’ Lodge. Please make sure the address is clearly marked on the package (preferably typed).

Notices

You may ask the Porters to put posters and announcements on the notice boards in the Rayne Building corridor, as long as their subject matter is apolitical and secular. 

Gowns

The Porters keep a few spare gowns which can be borrowed for use at Formal Halls or Guest Nights. If you need to borrow a gown please remember to book one in advance.

Porters' Lodge

The Porters’ Lodge is situated by the main Silver Street entrance and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Tel: 01223 335660             Mobile: 07774 017563            Email: porters@darwin.cam.ac.uk

All of our Porters are a great source of College and local information.

Visitors to Darwin

All visitors are requested to sign in at the Porters' Lodge. If you require any help evacuating in the case of an emergency, please ask the Porters for a PEEP form which you can return prior to your visit.

If you are hosting an event in College, please ensure you have advised the Porters or the College organiser ahead of time if any of your attendees require a PEEP form.

If you are a contractor, please ensure you report to the Porters' Lodge regardless of whether your work is on or off-site to receive a safety and orientation briefing

The Deanery

The Deanery comprises the Dean, Dr Duncan Needham, and the Deputy Deans, Dr Matthew Jones and Dr Simone Weyand. They are assisted by two members of staff, Mrs Karen Knight and Miss Gillian Davies who are very approachable and can deal with many straightforward enquiries.

In conjunction with the Graduate Tutors, the Deans maintain an oversight of the admission, registration, health, and general welfare of all graduate members and carry out all the functions associated with a Senior Tutor in other Colleges. Although the Faculty/Department and the University as opposed to your college are mainly responsible for your studies, the College is concerned about the welfare of its students. The Deans are aware of the difficulties experienced by postgraduates, and are willing to talk to you if you are experiencing problems in getting started or at other times.  All postgraduate members may see the Dean and the Deputy Deans on any matter (be it academic, financial, welfare, personal, etc.) by appointment through the Deanery Office (see contact details below).

Postal address: Deanery Office, Darwin College, Silver Street, Cambridge CB3 9EU

Mrs Karen Knight (Deanery Office Manager) ka241@cam.ac.uk

Miss Gillian Davies (Deanery Administrator) deanery@darwin.cam.ac.uk

Tel: +44 (0) 1223 (3)35675 (during normal office hours)

Tel: +44 (0) 1223 (3)35660 (Porters’ Lodge for emergencies)

Conduct in College

The College is an international community of scholars whose members are admitted without discrimination irrespective of nationality, gender or subject of study. The Governing Body expects all members to uphold the good standing of the College as a place of education, learning and research, and to obey the Master's decision on all matters within his authority.

The College hopes all members will make full use of the lunching and dining facilities provided by the College; members are encouraged to dine in College at least once a week during Full Term. Academic Gowns should be worn to Formal Hall Dinners, Guest Nights and Official Dinners.

In general, the College is run with as little internal regulation and as few rules as are necessary for the general comfort and wellbeing of all.  However, as the Vice Masters and Dean are responsible for discipline, it is appropriate that certain guidelines should be followed.  Where relevant, these guidelines also apply when using social media.

1.     Every graduate member is entitled to a private life, and there is a genuine desire to stay out of personal matters unless the member concerned would like help. On the other hand, if asked to help, the Vice Masters, Dean and their staff will do all they can to provide confidential assistance.

2.     It is important that members do not disturb the lives of others. There are many ways in which this can arise. Noisy parties for example, that go on until the early hours, or loud music played privately during the night, can disturb the sleep of members in adjacent rooms, or neighbours near to College hostels.  Communal facilities, such as kitchens, must be kept clean and tidy by those who use them. (See also Guidelines for Parties in Hostels)

3.     College rooms are provided for the sole use of the occupants; long-term sharing is not allowed. Occasional overnight guests are permitted – please do not abuse this dispensation. The Guest book which is kept in the Porters’ Lodge must be signed on each occasion to comply with fire regulations. (See also Guests in Your Room)

4.     It is College policy that, when members become involved with the civil or criminal law, the College will intervene only in exceptional circumstances.

5.     The Vice Masters and Dean will not excuse any physical action directed against College staff, other members, or College or personal property, and will take appropriate action as required. Fortunately, since its foundation, Darwin has been largely free from unpleasant episodes of this type.

6.     Following a DCSA campaign and referendum, Darwin has adopted a no-smoking policy throughout the College which also includes all student accommodation.

The Vice Masters and Dean hope that all members will endorse these principles as fair and reasonable. They are always willing to discuss their application with any member.
 

Darwin College Student Support Fund

The College has funds to help with financial emergencies that can occur once a student is already in Cambridge.  Awards are small, with most ranging between £100 and £1000, and an average award of c. £300.  Please note that hardship funds are intended to help current students cover short-term living costs, particularly if incomes have not kept pace with rising costs during the current inflation.  College financial support is not intended to cover tuition fees or regular College bills which students are expected to be able to cover before they begin their course.  Applications are considered throughout the year i.e. there are no specific deadlines and outcomes are usually communicated within a week.

Please contact your College Graduate Tutor for details on how to apply for College and University financial support.

Travel Grants

Two sources of limited support are available for academic travel. The grants are distributed by competition (either termly or yearly) with corresponding deadlines. Further details and an application form are available here:

Application Form  /    Guidelines

The College has no funds to provide financial assistance to off-set the costs of research, and travel grants are not available for work or travel that is essential to a candidate’s studies.

Darwin College Sports Bursaries

Darwin College offers Sports Bursaries to student athletes who represent the College at a University level (Blues and Half Blues). Those with significant other sporting commitments may also be considered in exceptional cases. The Darwin College Blues Sports Bursary is awarded annually at the end of Lent term.

Please note that we can usually only cover subscription fees and in some cases we can contribute to equipment costs.  We are not in a position to reimburse for travel to training camps. All applicants are required to submit a brief summary of expenses plus original supporting documents (relevant receipts or invoices). Please keep your receipts in a safe place so you can apply for the Sports Bursary in Lent term.

We will circulate another message in Lent, announcing when the applications are open, and the deadline (usually end of Lent term). For any further questions or queries, please contact the DCSA Sports Officers dcsa_sports@dar.cam.ac.uk

University Hardship Funds

All  graduate students (except MBA & EMBA) are eligible to apply for financial help from the Graduate Hardship Fund of the Student Registry. Further information can be found here.

Language Learning Bursaries

The College offers bursaries towards the cost of non-English language courses essential to students' research at the Cambridge University Language Centre. Please contact the Deanery Office

Medical resources

Crane's Charity supports students who are ill and who can demonstrate financial need. All applications have to be made through your College Tutor. Further details can be found here.

Childcare & Childcare Bursary Scheme

The University Childcare Office provides helpful information for students with children.  They provide information on the University and College provision for student parents, advice on financial issues, help with finding appropriate accommodation and health care as well as suggestions for places to visit and activities for children in the area.

Visit the Childcare Office website for information about University Nurseries, University Holiday Play Scheme, Information Service for Student Parents, and Support with Childcare Costs.

Darwin takes part in the Central Childcare Bursary Scheme, assisting with childcare costs.  The awards are means-tested and depend on family income, expenditure and are only available to eligible EU and overseas students.  Details of how to make an application can be found on the Childcare Office website.

If you have any further questions about childcare as a student parent please contact the Deputy Dean at Darwin (Dr Simone Weyand, sw644@cam.ac.uk).

Visiting Members

Darwin welcomes applications from graduate students who are visiting Cambridge as part of their studies elsewhere, particularly overseas.    

Persons seeking visiting membership should apply directly to the Dean & Senior Tutor, Dr Duncan Needham djn33@cam.ac.uk

COVID-19 information for members

If you think you may have COVID please contact the Porters who can provide testing kits.  If you test positive here is what to do.

University of Cambridge COVID testing

UK government guidance for households with possible or confirmed COVID-19 infection

Vaccination advice for incoming and current students

UK government guidance for international arrivals

University Cards

When you arrive you will be given a University card, either by your Faculty or Department, or by the College. Your card acts as a keycard to certain buildings, provides you with access to Library services and enables you to make purchases in the Dining Hall.

If you lose your card you will need to request a new one from the Deanery Office via email: deanery@darwin.cam.ac.uk

The University Card Office charges £12 for each replacement card, a charge which will be added to your College account. If your card is damaged, faded or expired card, please return it to the Deanery - you will not be charged for a replacement. 

In your card is stolen please try to obtain a crime reference number.

Cards, CamSIS, certificates & forms

CamSIS - The Cambridge Student Information System

The University manages student records through a web-based system known as CamSIS. You will need to use CamSIS via your own self-service account (referred to as a Student Centre on CamSIS) in order to manage your life data while a student at Cambridge. CamSIS, along with the manage your student information pages, are your most important sources of information.

All students have access to their own record through their online self-service. This service will be familiar to most of you already through the application process. Students are responsible for managing various aspects of their interactions with the University and its staff though their self-service, for example:

• notification of changes in contact details
• exam enrolments
• applying for allowances, intermission, leave to work away
• graduation
• supervision reports 

BA and MA Status

All registered graduate students automatically have BA (Bachelor of Arts) status if they are under the age of 24, and MA (Master of Arts) status if they are over 24.  BA or MA status confers the privileges of a BA or MA respectively in relation to the University Library, the various Museums and the Botanic Garden, and governs the type of gown that should be worn. The College claims the appropriate status for those who are entitled, but who do not acquire it automatically.

Student Certificates & Forms

The Deanery should be approached if you need any of the following documents:

·       Confirmation of study letters or degree approval letters

·       Council Tax exemption certificates

·       An introduction to UK banking facilities

Please note that at busy times, certificates may take up to three working days to be provided.

Matriculation

Matriculation is the formal on-line process of enrolling in the University of Cambridge and specifically at Darwin College. At Darwin, all new members (except those who have matriculated before either at Darwin or another Cambridge College) matriculate by completing the University Matriculation form. Details of how to complete this and a live link will be emailed out to all new arrivals at the beginning of each term.

Every candidate for matriculation must subscribe to the following declaration: "I promise to observe the Statues and Ordinances of the University as far as they concern me, and to pay due respect and obedience to the Chancellor and other officers of the University."

You can find the Statutes and Ordinances here.

By signing you will also be giving consent to the processing by the College and the University of your personal data for proper purposes (as described on the statement about the Data Protection Act 1998), and promising to observe the provisions of the Act yourself.

Keeping Terms By Residence

The University requires that all students ‘keep’  terms of residence in Cambridge before they can be awarded any degree. Residence during a term is normally taken as evidence of a term of research, provided that work is carried out to the satisfaction of the appropriate Degree Committee.

Further information is available here or here.

Graduation / Degree Congregations

General Information About Graduation 

Degrees are conferred and celebrated at Congregations (ceremonial meetings) of the Regent House, the Governing Body of the University, held in the Senate-House. Normally, these are held monthly from October to July, although like many Colleges, Darwin does not present candidates at all of them. 

The College Praelector is responsible for presenting Darwin's candidates for 'conferral' or 'celebration' of their degrees.   It is possible for your degree to be conferred 'in absence', without attending a Congregation, but graduands are encouraged to experience the ceremony.

All Degree Congregations are now videoed and available both as a livestream and on a catch-up basis for a limited period.  By attending in person, you are giving consent to being included in the livestream. It is not possible to take part in the Degree Ceremony and not be part of the recording. A private link for this will be emailed to all graduands prior to the event. The livestream is provided on the understanding that it is a private recording, not to be publicly shared on social media or in any public forum.

Booking for a Ceremony

Graduation bookings can only be made using the Graduation Booking Form.

Once received, bookings will be date stamped and places allocated in that order.  All bookings will be acknowledged by email within 5-7 working days.    

Confirmation of approval for the degree must have been received by the College from the Student Registry at least two weeks prior to the chosen date.  If in doubt, please check with your department prior to submitting a booking. You can book in 'subject to final approval' but only do this if you are sure everything will go through in time. 

All graduands must be clear of College debt, as in common with other Colleges, Darwin declines to present for a degree those in debt to the College.  Please contact the Accounts Office to ensure that you have settled all bills prior to booking: accounts@darwin.cam.ac.uk

For more detailed information on graduating please read:  Guidelines for graduation.

Graduation Day

Registration and full-dress rehearsal (mandatory)

Prior to the ceremony at the Senate House all graduands must attend both the registration and dress rehearsal with the College Praelector.   A full timetable will be emailed out to all graduands approximately one week prior to the event with further information. 

College Reception

The College will host a Reception for those attending (light refreshments with a maximum of three guests).

Collection of Degree Certificates

Certificates will be available on the day to those graduating in person and will be given out as you exit Senate House.

Photography

As well as photographing inside the Senate House when degrees are conferred or celebrated, Tempest, the University's official photographers, will offer studio photography and certificate framing services on the day.  Students should bring with them a means of payment (preferably card or phone) if they wish to purchase photographs.

Link: https://www.cambridgestudents.cam.ac.uk/degree-ceremonies/photography

Bags

Ideally, students should not bring bags as they will have to be left on the Senate House lawn for collection after the ceremony.   If the weather is wet, umbrellas can also be left on the lawn. Once finished, all students should exit via the South-East Gate (opposite Ryder & Amies).

For any queries please email the Deanery Office:  deanery@darwin.cam.ac.uk

GRADUATION DATES 2023-24

 Michaelmas Term 2023

Saturday 21 October

Saturday 25 November

Lent Term 2024

Friday 26 January (in absence only)

Saturday 24 February (in absence only)

Saturday 23 March

Easter Term & Long Vacation 2024

Saturday 27 April

Saturday 18 May

Saturday 20 July (*)

(* Darwin will be the first College to be presented at around 10am so all graduands will need to be in College early.  As registration and rehearsal are mandatory anyone considering the July date should aim to be available from 8am).

NOTE:

• All bookings must be made using the form available on the College website and not via CamSIS.  
• Anyone experiencing problems downloading the booking form or with any general queries please email: deanery@darwin.cam.ac.uk

UK Immigration and Visas

General information:

If you are from outside the EEA or Switzerland, you are likely to need to apply for a visa in order to study at the University.

If you come from within the EEA and Switzerland, you are likely to need to apply for a visa if they are moving to the UK to study.   

If you already have UK immigration permission in another category, you may be able to study on that without needing to apply for a student visa.   You will need to provide evidence of this prior to starting at Cambridge.

Irish citizens are not subject to UK immigration control and do not need to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme or a visa to live and study in the UK.

The UK operates an immigration system underpinned by the principle of sponsorship. You must apply for a visa before travelling to the UK, unless you already have a visa that permits you to apply for further leave to remain under the student route.  Further details can be found here.

For all other queries please go to The International Student Office website. 

Collecting your BRP:

When your entry clearance student visa has been granted, you will be issued a time-limited entry vignette in your passport which will enable you to travel to the UK. You must arrive in the UK while the entry vignette is valid.

You will need to collect your actual visa, in the form of a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), when you arrive in the UK, either from your College or the local Post Office. Your BRP is the documentary evidence of your UK immigration permission.

If you are required to self-isolate on arrival you should not collect your BRP until after the required period of self-isolation has been completed.

Providing copies of your immigration documents:

After you have arrived in the UK but before your studies begin, you are required to upload your immigration documents to your College for checking. An information sheet on this process will be in your registration pack.  Please read the instructions before uploading any documentation.  

Termly Registration:

The majority of students on a visa will need to undertake termly registration. At the start of Full Term you will receive an email from the Deanery Office asking you to confirm (within seven days) that you are engaged with study and are abiding by the terms of your student visa. At this time a check will also be carried out on your contact details.

The International Student Office provides specialist support to the University and Colleges to ensure compliance with student immigration legislation and has responsibility for the University’s Student Visa sponsorship of its overseas students. 

Overseas members

US Federal Loans and Consumer Disclosures

Information for American students relating to Federal Loans is available at: US loans | Cambridge students. The relevant consumer disclosures required by the US authorities are set out at: Consumer information | Cambridge students

Ways to Pay

PAYMENT OF YOUR COLLEGE ACCOUNT

By Bank Transfer / Internet Banking (Preferred method of payment):

Account Name: Darwin College — Bursar's Account

Account Number: 00298972

Sort Code: 20 17 68

Barclays Bank Plc, 9-11 St Andrew's Street, Cambridge, CB2 3AX

Reference: Please quote your College Account Number (located in the top right hand section of your invoice / statement) followed by your Surname (e.g. ABC1234 Bloggs)

IBAN: GB55 BARC 2017 6800 2989 72

SWIFT:  BARCGB22

Students with international bank accounts and debit/credit cards:

International students with an overseas bank account or card can pay their fees and deposits through TransferMate in their own currency with no currency conversion fees and beneficial exchange rates.

More about TransferMate

• No International sender/receiver fees
• Preferential exchange rates
• 24 hour online tracking of all payments
• 24 hour Customer Service
• Allows you to pay in your local currency & to a local bank account

TransferMate also accept China Union Pay.

Register here or Log in

UK Debit Card:

Payments can be made either in person or by phone as below. We do not accept payment by credit card or international cards.

By Cheque:

Made payable to 'Darwin College' with your College account number clearly written on the back of the cheque and/or a copy of the invoice attached. Your monthly statement has a tear off remittance slip which should be returned with your payment. Please post all cheque payments through the accounts office door or send them to: The Accounts office, Darwin College, Silver Street, Cambridge, CB3 9EU. 

Cash:

Cash will only be accepted where the above methods are not readily available and the payment is under £20. (In person ONLY during opening hours — please DO NOT post cash)

If you are unable to comply with these arrangements or are having difficulties with your bank, please contact the Accounts Office as soon as possible accounts@darwin.cam.ac.uk

Graduate Fees

Combined Graduate Fees are for tuition/supervision and College membership; they do not pay for housing, meals or personal expenses. Combined Graduate Fees are payable annually in advance, usually in October. Details of the Combined Graduate Fee can be found here

The Privately-funded Undergraduate Fee is currently payable only by overseas MASt students.

Fee queries should be directed to fees@darwin.cam.ac.uk  Tel: +44 (0) 1223 335679

Accommodation Charges

Accommodation charges are payable quarterly in advance. Newly arrived students should expect to receive an invoice within two weeks of entering College accommodation and the account must be settled, in full, within two weeks of receipt of the invoice. 
 

College Bills for Meals, Wine, etc.

You will be charged on a monthly basis for additional costs such as food. Payment is required no later the the middle of the following month. 

You can pay your College Account by internet banking/bank transfer (preferred method), UK debit card (we do not accept payment by credit card or international cards), or by UK cheque.

Failure to comply with these terms of payment will result in the withdrawal of relevant College facilities, and may eventually lead to the member's name being withdrawn from the College Register and thus automatically from the University's Register of Graduate Students. Click 'Next' below for the College's Bill Payment Policy.

Any queries regarding your College bill should be directed to accounts@darwin.cam.ac.uk  Tel: +44 (0)1223 335665

Bill Payment Policy

Student Debt

The College is sympathetic to students experiencing financial difficulties.  If your financial situation changes, please let your Graduate Tutor know as soon as possible – support is available.

Accommodation Charges

Accommodation charges are invoiced monthly or quarterly (you may express a preference) in advance by the Accounts Department. Your invoice will be sent to your student email address, and must be paid within 14 days unless otherwise agreed in advance in writing.  Failure to do so may result in a penalty charge (up to 1.5% per month) being made every 28 days on overdue accounts.

Any debts outstanding 28 days after the due date will be referred to the Head of Domestic Operations for action.  If any accommodation charges remain outstanding at the start of the next calendar quarter, students may be given notice to leave College accommodation as detailed in the accommodation license agreement.  Any student with outstanding debt will not be eligible to apply for any new accommodation term (e.g. continuing students will not be admissible for the ballot).

College Account – Meals / Formals / Photocopying / Keys, etc

Sundry charges are made monthly by statement, sent to your student email address.  The outstanding amount must be paid within 14 days of receipt unless otherwise expressly agreed in advance in writing.  Failure to do so may result in a charge (up to 1.5% per month) being made every 28 days on overdue accounts.

If College bills remain outstanding at the start of the next term, relevant College facilities (e.g. Meals/Formals) may be withdrawn.

Academic Fees

Academic fees are determined by the University and then invoiced for the full academic year (or the portion of that year the student is present for) at the start of the term that the student arrives.  Continuing students will be invoiced at the start of Michaelmas term for the upcoming year.

Students who are fully or partially funded by sponsors will be invoiced directly for their portion of the fees. If you are fully or partially self-funded, you will be invoiced directly for the amount you owe.  Payment of this is expected within 28 days of the invoice being issued unless an instalment plan has been agreed in writing.

Self-funded students whose fees remain unpaid at the beginning of the following term will be referred to College Officers for further action.

Persistent failure to comply with these regulations may eventually lead to the withdrawal of exam results, the inability to attend a Graduation ceremony, or (as per College Statute XVIII.7) the member's name being withdrawn from the College Register and thus automatically from the University's Register of Graduate Students.  The date for the purpose of Statute XVIII.7 shall be the end of the term following the term in which such payment initially falls due.

Payments of Grants and Bursaries

Authorised external grants and bursaries are paid by the Accounts Office, directly into UK bank accounts, around the beginning of October, January, April and July.

You will need to provide the Accounts Office with your bank details to enable them to make the payment. Hardship, language learning, travel and sports grants by the College are paid shortly after they have been awarded. 

Paid Employment

Students are reminded that the University (Student Registry) does not permit any student to undertake paid work outside the University or College while studying full-time. In accordance with University stipulations any student employed by the College must work no more than six, or exceptionally ten, hours a week. Any student employed by the College will be issued with a formal contract by the Bursary.

The Bursary

The Bursar and the Second Bursar are responsible for the financial affairs and business administration of the College, for the maintenance, security, and operation of its buildings, grounds, and services and for the general supervision of the College staff.

If you wish to contact the Bursar or the Second Bursar please direct your enquiry to the Bursary Assistant in the first instance  bursary@darwin.cam.ac.uk Tel: 01223 335661

The following pages relate mainly to the use of College facilities, and, where required, how to book them through the Bursary or otherwise.

Bookings

The Bursary administers bookings for College facilities including supervision and meeting rooms and the Island/barbecue.

Bookings can be made by College members, staff and parties external to the College, such as University Societies. All bookings are subject to final approval by the Head of Domestic Operations in accordance with the College's Code of Practice for meetings on College premises, the College's duties under s31 of The Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 and the College's wider duties under PREVENT legislation. 

Please email bursary@darwin.cam.ac.uk or call (3) 35661 for further information. 

Seminar Rooms

Seminar rooms are primarily intended for educational use or for College business. If you wish to book a room for any other purpose, the Head of Domestic Operations or the Bursar will decide whether it is appropriate. Meetings and seminars held in College rooms must be apolitical and secular. If you are unsure about this policy, please seek advice when making your booking. Resources such as projectors, screens and flip charts can also be booked for meetings.

Seminar rooms should be booked in advance with the Bursary.  Because there may be charges for the use of these rooms depending on the activity for which they are booked, ‘last-minute’ access may be denied as the College cannot provide a quotation.

If you wish to use an unbooked seminar room after office hours you will only be able to do so if the Porters (who hold the keys) are satisfied that the room will be used for private study only.

Only food provided by the College catering department in normal office hours is allowed in seminar rooms. Because most seminar rooms are underneath or close to accommodation, bookings will only be taken up to 9pm for a meeting or up to midnight for private study.  The Study Centre has 24/7 access for those who wish to work during silent hours.

There will, of course, be exceptional circumstances when these rules are inappropriate and can be waived, but those circumstances must be sanctioned by the Head of Domestic Operations or the Bursar.

Common Room

The Common Room may be booked for up to two hours between 5pm and 8.45pm during the week, and between 10am and 8.45pm at weekends. Bookings are made with the Bursary 

Use of the Common Room is free for Darwin College societies, or events which are open to all Darwin members. Bookings for University societies or private groups will incur a hire fee, and are subject to availability – please contact the Bursary for further details. 

Gardens

Darwin College is lucky enough to occupy several fine late Georgian and Victorian houses, with gardens running along the River Cam. Students are urged to maintain the tranquillity and quality of these surroundings.  Please make sure that when you use the gardens, you don't leave behind any litter or waste; you smoke only in the designated areas (and use the receptacles for butts), and don't play any amplified music.

Visit the DCSA website for more information on punting on the river and lawn games permitted in the gardens (including croquet).

To book the Small Island, where barbecues are permitted, go to the next tab.

The gardens may be used for private social events by arrangement in certain circumstances. A request for any such event must be made to the Head of Domestic Operations. If a request is agreed, the person who makes the reservation must be present throughout the entire period. Such a reservation will not, however, mean that other users of the garden may be denied access.

Barbecue & Island Booking

Barbecues are not allowed within College accommodation or in hostels. However, you can book the DCSA barbecue on the Small Island, in the area to the left of the bridge. Island bookings are usually taken from 1 May to 30 October, depending on weather conditions.

Booking forms and the terms of conditions of use for the Island & DCSA barbecue can be found on the DCSA website. To check availability and confirm your booking please email the Bursary 

The Small Island can only be booked by a current member or alumnus of Darwin College, and the member should be present on the Island throughout the booking. 

The maximum capacity for the Island is 30 people. There is no charge for current members (students or Fellows) hosting a private party. However all other bookings (for alumni, University departments, societies or private companies) incur a hire charge to be determined by the Bursary.

College Bar

The College bar – known as ‘DarBar’ - is located in the Hermitage (next to the Common Room) and staffed by students. Only students listed on the rota are permitted to serve behind the bar.

DarBar is a lively social hub for resident and non-resident students with table football, pool tables, and frequent music and events. Current listings can be found on the DarBar Facebook page or website. 

The bar is traditionally open seven days a week and the opening hours are from 9pm to 11.59pm. The bar will be closed promptly at 11.59 each evening (unless an extension has been granted by the Head of Domestic Operations). Last orders are called at 11.40pm, and the stacking of drinks near to closing time is not permitted.

Members of College may bring a maximum of three guests into the bar, on the strict condition that they must enter their name and those of their guests into the guest book held behind the bar. Failure to do so will result in the non-registered guests being asked to leave the premises for the evening. The guests remain the responsibility of their host and must leave the bar when their host leaves. Guests must be over the age of 18.

No one will be served at the bar unless they are known by the person in charge to be a member of College, or to have been signed in by a member of College. Anyone who refuses to show identification, such as their University card, will be refused service.

The Head of Domestic Operations is the College Licensee and on his behalf the Porters will ask anyone who is drunk or disorderly to leave the bar if the bar staff have not already done so. 

Study Centre and Library

The purpose-built Study Centre occupies the narrow site (formerly the Darwin family kitchen garden) between the Old Granary and the main Silver Street bridge across the Cam. The building was designed to provide members with a quiet working space and computing facilities, and to house the College Library.

The library contains a general collection of about 10,000 books, consisting of works of reference and a selection of literature, with the aim of helping to stimulate and satisfy members' curiosity and to encourage wide reading. No attempt is made to provide a comprehensive resource for members' specialised research, which is catered for by the University Library and Faculty Libraries.

Information on finding and borrowing books and DVDs and on our special collections is on the Library Information Pages.

The open-plan design of the interior of the Study Centre and Library produces an attractively light working space, but the openness also means that members must be considerate and avoid disturbing others while moving around and while working. In addition to keeping the building as a quiet area, members are asked not to eat, and to only drink from covered containers, while in the Centre.

Interested members of the College are also warmly invited to sit on the Library Committee.

Pianos

The College currently has grand pianos in the Hall and Old Library, an upright in the Basement of 1 Newnham Terrace, and an electric piano in the Bradfield Room. These can be booked by contacting the Bursary 

Front Door & Locker Keys

Front door keys, allowing access to the College via the main door when it is closed, are available to current students who have moved out of College accommodation. Front door keys are issued by the Porters' Lodge. A £10 key deposit will be charged to your College account and returned when you return the key.

Darwin has a number of lockers available for rent by current students, on a yearly basis. To register your interest please email the Bursary. You will be assigned a locker and asked to read the terms and conditions before being issued a key by the Porters.  A £20 key deposit will be charged to your College account and will be returned when you return the key. 

Everyday meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided as self-service meals, purchased through the Servery, in the Dining Hall. Formal Halls, organised in the evening during Term, are more formal meals with table service, and form part of the tradition of dining in College.

The Servery is open seven days a week but will traditionally close for two weeks during the Summer vacation, and for the week between Christmas and New Year. During this time light snacks and drinks remain available from the cafe.

A plant-based option is available at every meal, and the Catering team do their best to accommodate all dietary requests.

The Servery menu and prices are published online and displayed on the Catering notice board in The Rayne Building. Charges depend on the items selected.

All meals are subsidised by College funds for members, so guest and visitor meals are charged at a higher rate. 

The College uses an EPOS system (Electronic Point of Sale), operated by your University Card.  The tills are located at the end of the Servery. You will be invoiced via your College account for food consumed by you and any guests at the end of each month. 

Etiquette & Dress Code

Other than at Formal Halls, dining at Darwin at is an informal, social occasion. Fellows and College Officers eat with students and staff, fostering a sense of community across the membership.

There is no dress code for normal lunch and dinner service. However the standard of dress should be reasonable, as College guests may be hosted in the Hall at any mealtime. For example, beach footwear, sports clothing, and hats or caps are never appropriate items to be worn in the Dining Hall during meals.

Conversation should be kept at a reasonable volume, avoiding the need for anyone to shout. College members are expected to act with respect and courtesy towards other diners and staff. 

Lunchtime Research Seminars

Darwin students are encouraged to present their research at informal seminars held on Tuesdays and Thursdays during term. All members are welcome, whatever your degree or discipline. These talks are an excellent opportunity for members to become acquainted with the enormous breadth of research undertaken at Darwin. Members on two or three year courses are encouraged to present a talk at some time in the duration of their study.

Darwin members pick up lunch from the Servery at 12.45pm as normal, taking it into the 1 Newnham Terrace meeting room (on the opposite side of the Dining Hall). Non-Darwin members are welcome to attend, although lunch is only available to guests of members. Talks begin at 1.15pm, lasting about 20 minutes, and are followed by questions over coffee.  Please return your trays to the clearing station in the Hall by 1.50pm.

Tuesday lunchtime is generally devoted to topics in the Humanities and Social Sciences.

Thursday lunchtime is generally devoted to topics in Technology and the Natural Sciences.

Dining in College

Formal Halls

Formal dinners are  served on most Wednesdays and Fridays during full term.

You can book your place at a Formal through Upay, available in an app or desktop version. Please follow the instructions in the information book to register. Alumni should contact the Development Office who may make bookings on your behalf.

In addition to yourself, you are permitted to book places for up to three guests using the online booking system (except on especially busy evenings such as Burns Night or the Christmas Formal Halls, when only one guest is permitted). If you wish to bring additional guests, please apply to the Catering Manager for permission.

Full names of all guests must be supplied in the online booking system. Any dietary requirements must also be added to your online booking – the Kitchens work from this list and it is the member’s responsibility to ensure the booking has been made correctly. Please note that you cannot bring your own wine to Formal Halls. Wine must be purchased through the Upay account at the time of booking.

Formal Halls are held in the Dining Hall for a maximum of 120 guests. A drinks reception is held from 7pm with dinner at 7.30pm. Dinner is announced by the sound of the College gong, after which diners follow the senior member present to the dining area. Diners remain standing by their seat until after the College Grace has been said.

You may cancel or amend your booking at any time up until 2pm on the day before your meal. After that time your payment will not normally be refunded.

Formal Hall Etiquette

By definition, Formal Halls are formal meals, often used for the entertainment of special College guests. As such they are governed by certain guidelines, customs, and rules set out to ensure all College members enjoy the occasion. Failure to observe these guidelines, customs, and rules may result in the individual(s) being asked to leave the Dinner.

Each College member is responsible for hosting their guests and for their behaviour, for introducing them to the Master or Presiding Fellow, for ensuring that they are aware of the dress code, informing them of the customs and procedures, and for guiding them through the evening. Therefore you are not permitted to ask other College members to book guests into Formal Hall on your behalf. 

All guests attending Formal Hall must be accompanied by the host who made the booking. Any guest who is not accompanied by a Darwin member will not be allowed to dine.

Diners should arrive in good time for the pre-dinner reception.  At 7.30pm the College gong will announce dinner. The Master or senior member and their guests will enter the Dining Hall first followed by the rest of the diners. Members and their guests should not delay in moving into Hall once called.

On being called to table, diners remain standing behind their seat. The gong will be sounded and once those present are silent, The Master (or deputy) will give The College Grace. At the end of the meal, the gong will again sound and all diners stand for Grace and the departure of the Master’s or Deputy. 

Diners should leave the Hall reasonably quickly after the gong has sounded to allow the catering staff to clear the Hall. Coffee and port will be available in a post-dinner reception room. 

As these dinners are more formal than normal meals, it is expected that members and guests will remain seated throughout. It is not usual to leave the table during the meal unless you feel unwell. If you do need to leave at any point, you should exit the room, and return if recovered, as discreetly as possible. Please note that this dispensation is not intended to be used for taking cigarette breaks.

The use of electronic equipment is not allowed in the Hall. Please ensure that your and your guests' mobile phones are switched off before entering the Hall.  Conversation should be kept at a reasonable volume, avoiding the need for anyone to shout. 

Photos may be taken after the Master or Deputy has left the table at the conclusion of dinner. Diners are expected to show respect for guests, other diners and staff. The Butler on duty has been instructed to ask any member or guests exhibiting unsociable or unacceptable behaviour to leave the room.

Formal Hall Dress Code

There is a dress code at all formal dinners, defined without reference to gender identity or expression. At Formal Halls and Supervisors' Evenings this is a lounge suit/jacket with a tie or appropriate equivalent attire. College Members, and guests who are members of the University, are encouraged to wear gowns. Persons wearing a shirt without a jacket and tie, or appearing in jeans, training shoes, beach footwear, and/or hats or caps, will be refused entry. If you are unsure of the requirements, please consult the Catering Manager before the event. 

Formal Hall bookings

Bookings

Please read the Formal Hall Etiquette before making any Formal Hall bookings. Please be aware that all guest names must be completed for the booking to be made. Failure to do so may result in no admittance on the night.

Once you have registered, you may then purchase Formal Hall tickets as follows:
·      Choose the date of the Formal Hall you wish to book
·      Choose the number of tickets you wish to purchase
·      Enter your guests’ names
·      Click on ‘Event Options’ to choose your ticket type and tick your ticket option. Please ensure you purchase the correct ticket for your guests. Student statuses will be verified before admittance to the dinner.

       Make your wine or drink choices

·      Click on ‘Confirm and Pay’
·      Please at this stage add any dietary requirements e.g 1 x vegetarian meal, 1 guest has a gluten and nut allergy
·      Click on ‘Place Booking’
·      Confirm payment with cashless card.
·      You will be emailed confirmation of your booking. If you have not received a confirmation email, the booking has not been completed.
·      Cancellations or amendments must be made via Upay before 2pm the day before the date of the booking

Statements

You will now be able to view your current statement online or though the apps.

Guest Nights

Guest Nights are special occasions to which College members and students are able to invite non-College members to dinner. A tasting menu is served. These are normally held once a term - dates can be found on the College Calendar.

As this is a special formal occasion, the dress code is a dinner jacket/black tie (or dark suit with a tie), or the appropriate equivalent. College members are expected to wear academic gowns.

Bookings for Guest Nights are administered by the Catering Department.

Supervisors' Evenings

These are held periodically, in the Michaelmas, Lent and (if required) Easter terms. Groups of supervisors are invited to join their students, and others, for dinner, following which coffee, wine and dessert are served in the Richard King Room. Bookings for Supervisors’ Evenings are administered by the Deanery.

Catering Department payments (Upay registration)

Bookings

Upay is an online booking system for the purchase of Formal Hall tickets. You will need to register an account before you are able to make a booking.

Note that this facility is available to current Darwin members only. If you are an alumnus of the College please contact the Development Office to make a Formal Hall booking.

Please note that in order to set up an account you will need the Affiliate ID along with your unique user ID.

The Affiliate ID is: DARWINKITCHENS
 
If you do not know the user ID, please refer to your last statement which will have your account details on it.

Mobile Apps

The UpayChilli website is mobile-friendly but you can also download a mobile app. Please note that in order to synch the app with Raven you should first:

• Download the appropriate app. Do not register yet.​

• Go to the UpayChilli website  in your mobile browser. Enter your Raven authentication and then launch the app for the first time using the "Load UpayChilli App" button. The app will then be linked to your Raven credentials for future use.

For further information on UpayChilli please refer to the Upay User Guide & FAQ available online at
www.upaychilli.com

Then follow the details below:

• Once these details have been obtained, click on the link above for UpayChilli;
• You will be asked to confirm a Raven affiliate terms and conditions, please confirm;
• Click 'Yes or No' to remain logged in on the device you are registering from;
• Click 'Return to Log In';
• Click ' Register My UpayChilli Account';
• In the next page, you will be prompted to enter the Affiliate ID 'DARWINKITCHENS' ;
• You will then be asked for your user id, please use the account code from your Catering Meals Statement
• You will the be asked for your email address - please use your @cam.ac.uk address

    Once you have completed these steps an email will be sent to you confirming your user account details.

Bicycles

If you plan to keep a bicycle on site, you will need to register it with the College (either via the Porters' Lodge or the Bursary) so that it is not removed from the premises and disposed of.

Bicycles racks are available in the area under the Dining Hall, in front of the Rayne Building or near the Old Granary/Study Centre. There is also a bicycle shed in the basement of the Old Granary. Bicycles left elsewhere on College grounds will be removed by the Maintenance team or Porters. Please do not take bicycles into the College gardens, or cycle in College grounds. If you are living in accommodation such as Newnham Terrace, which has bicycle racks in the front gardens, please use them. Bicycles must not be kept in your rooms or brought inside any College properties.

Please note that the College insurance does not cover bicycles. It is the responsibility of individual member to have them adequately insured. Since bicycle theft is common in Cambridge, it is advisable not only to mark them but also to buy - and use - a very strong lock. Take care - cycling in Cambridge can be dangerous. You are urged to wear a cycle helmet and other safety equipment (ie reflective belt or jacket), and to make sure your bike is in good repair, with functioning front and back lights. Cycling at night without lights is against the law and can incur a fine if you are stopped by the Police.

There are several bike shops in Cambridge and the DCSA will be happy to advise on where to purchase either a new or second-hand bike.

The use of skateboards, scooters or rollerblades is not permitted within College grounds.

Cars

Darwin has very few parking spaces available for student use (currently four at Frank Young House).  Preference for these will be given to those with a disability or a need to commute on a daily basis to their school/work placements.  If you would like to be added to the waiting list for a parking space, please email the Deanery Office.

The car park under the Dining Hall is entirely reserved for College Officers and members of staff, and access must be kept clear at all times. 

Students under the age of 24 are only permitted to keep a car in Cambridge if their vehicle is licensed with the Senior Proctor.  Full details, including the on-line application can be found here. 

Members are reminded, however, that a licence will not be issued unless the applicant has arranged to garage the car in an approved place. Public car parks and the streets, for example, are not approved places.

Cambridge Universal Bus

The Universal bus service links Eddington with West Cambridge, the City Centre, the railway station and the Cambridge Biomedical Campus (Addenbrooke's Hospital).

This service runs every 15 minutes Monday to Friday, every 20 minutes on Saturdays and every 30 minutes on Sundays.    The nearest stop to the College is just outside the Study Centre (toward West Cambridge) and just opposite outside Queen's College if you are heading into town or the Bio-medical campus.   

For further information, including a full timetable please go to:  https://www.environment.admin.cam.ac.uk/travel/travel-bus

Further information on The Cambridge Green Challenge and sustainability can also be found on this page.

Darwin College Students' Association

For information on the Darwin College Students' Association (DCSA) and its activities and societies please visit https://www.dcsa.darwin.cam.ac.uk

Alumni and Development Office

The Alumni and Development Office is the primary contact point for all alumni of the College. The Office organises regular events for alumni, including reunion dinners, drinks receptions, and the annual Old Darwinians’ Garden Party. It publishes The Darwinian, which is mailed to all Old Darwinians across the world. An e-bulletin with news from the College is also sent periodically. 

The Darwin College Society was set up in 1987 to encourage Old Darwinians to maintain contact with the College and with each other. Membership of the Society is free and automatic for all former graduate members, former Fellows and members of the Governing Body. The Society is run by a committee of Old Darwinians and Fellows, and assists the College Alumni and Development Office in its work.

See further Alumni and Supporters 

Smoking Policy

The College has a smoke-free policy. Smoking is not permitted in any College buildings, rooms or bedrooms, and only in designated areas of the College grounds.

College merchandise

The College tie, scarf, cuff-links, shield, teddy bears and other items can be purchased from Messrs Ryder & Amies, online here or at their shop at 21 King's Parade, Cambridge. The DCSA, the Development Office, and the Porters' Lodge also offer a small selection of similar items for purchase.

College Photograph

The College Photograph is usually taken on a Friday lunchtime in October. Once the date has been decided it will be advertised around the College and in the DCSA What’s Up email newsletter. All members are invited to take part. Copies of the photograph can be purchased from the Bursary.

Cambridge University Careers Service

The Careers Service provides careers advice and information to all current University of Cambridge undergraduates, postgraduates, postdocs and alumni. They are impartial and can work with you from day one to explore options, connect with employers and navigate the complex job market – saving you time and maximising your employability. 

The services offered include one-to-one consultations; major careers events each year; an extensive programme of briefings and skill sessions; coordinated employer presentations; CV and application resources; and a job vacancies database.

Register and access a wealth of resources at www.careers.cam.ac.uk

Wolfson - Darwin's Sister College in Oxford

Like most Cambridge Colleges, Darwin is twinned with a sister College at Oxford, Wolfson, which is also a Graduate College. There is an annual Sports Day held in the Lent term, organised by the DCSA Sports Officer, hosted by Darwin and Wolfson in alternate years. In addition, each College offers hospitality and accommodation to visitors from its sister College.

Term Dates

The University of Cambridge term dates can be found here.

Further information on Terms of study can be found here.