Congratulations on securing your place to study at Fitzwilliam College! We very much look forward to welcoming you in a few weeks' time, and to working together over the coming years. There are a number of things for you to sort out before your arrival, which are set out below. You may find the Checklist helpful as you work through the tasks. We are keen to ensure everything is in place so that we can all support you as you settle in and get going with your course. Do ask if you have any questions – and see you at the start of October!
Dr Paul Chirico, Senior Tutor
Please read all of the information provided and undertake the action points required by the deadlines stated.
The University website also offers some tips and hints that will hopefully make your arrival and first few weeks at Cambridge as stress-free as possible.
Forms You Need to Complete - by 5th September
Accommodation Form
Accommodation is selected for you, but you need to make some choices, so please complete this form. It is important that you make us aware of any requirements that you might need and send the supporting evidence.
You will find out what accommodation you have been allocated when you receive your accommodation contract. This will be emailed to you, so please make sure you are regularly checking your email address including the spam folder.
Your address whilst you are a student will be: Fitzwilliam College, Storey's Way, Cambridge CB3 0DG
There is more information available here about the accommodation at Fitzwilliam and what to do about any problems. There is also a Residential Life Guide that will help answer any questions you have about living at Fitzwilliam.
Matriculation Dinner
Matriculation marks the formal admission of a student to the University of Cambridge. The College holds the Matriculation Dinner to welcome you officially to the College and University. Attendance at the dinner is compulsory - more information about it will be sent to you in due course. Please make sure you complete this form with your dietary requirements, even if it's to say that you have none.
The dress code for the dinner is smart (not black tie though) with academic gowns (the JCR are holding a gown sale during Freshers Week so you will be able to buy a gown from them including cheaper second-hand gowns).
Things to Do Before you Arrive
Reading Lists
STEMbridge (for Natural Sciences, Engineering and Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology students).
Information will have been sent to you about the University STEMbridge programme.
English
Information will be sent to you shortly via email.
Law
Law students will be sent details of the Legal Skills and Methodology course in September.
Other Subjects
If there is a reading list, this will be emailed to you. Make sure you are checking the email that is listed on your UCAS application regularly for communications from us - make sure you also check your spam/junk folder. If you do not hear from us, it means that there is no reading list for your subject.
Welcome from the Head of Wellbeing
Please find a welcome letter from our Head of Wellbeing here.
Registering with a Doctor
The University of Cambridge does not have its own medical practice, and all students should register with a local GP (general practitioner) when they arrive. Students may choose to register with any practice, but are advised to find one that is near to where they live. The nearest practice to Fitzwilliam College is at 1 Huntingdon Road. The link to register with 1 Huntingdon Road is here. If you feel it would be particularly beneficial to continue under the care of an established GP at home, or of specialist provision, please discuss with them whether you should continue your existing care or register locally.
More information about local NHS services and Health Guidelines are available here.
Your address whilst you are a student will be: Fitzwilliam College, Storey's Way, Cambridge CB3 0DG
Outreach Scholarships - by 31st August
The University offers a wide range of financial assistance to help students manage the costs of university study and in support of our outreach work to build a more inclusive student community. For more information about this support and to apply see here.
Freshers Week and Arrivals
Arrival in College
Freshers must arrive in College on Wednesday 1st October between 9am and 5pm. You will be met by the Porters who will give you your room key. There will be JCR volunteers on hand to help you find your room. Lunch (12.30pm - 1.30pm) and dinner (6pm - 7pm) in the Dining Hall will be available if you want.
Please note that Freshers and their supporters can unload their belongings using the College car park on Huntingdon Road car park (postcode CB3 0DH). Please do not use the Storey's Way car park as returning students will be using this. Cars must be moved once your belongings have been unpacked. The nearest car parks to the College are the Madingley Park and Ride or Castle Hill car park. There is also free parking on some of the side streets around Huntingdon Road after midday.
If your supporters are not able to help you move in on Wednesday 1st October, you can arrive with just your essential items for the first few days. Supporters can then bring your remaining belongings on the following weekend (4/5th October).
Induction Programme
Please find the timetable for the Fitzwilliam Induction Programme here. The Induction Programme is designed to help you settle into life at university and the College. All events are compulsory to attend and registration will be taken.
Photographs may be taken during the programme to be used by the College. If you do not wish to have your photograph taken, please let the photographer know.
new JCR Handbook and JCR Fresher Events
The JCR Committee have produced a Handbook for you here. This contains information about all the social Freshers events, JCR and clubs and societies.
new College Families - by 25th September
The JCR (Junior Common Room) are responsible for organising College Families. This is a Buddy system in which Freshers are matched with current undergraduate students, called College Parents. In order to make contact with you they need your consent. Please complete this form.
Library Induction Bookings
Please sign up to your 20 minute Library Induction slot here. Please only select one slot. Each slot has 10 places and will close once full. Please wait until you have heard about your Director of Studies and Tutor meetings before you sign up.
Arrive at the Library a few minutes early and register at reception.
If you need to reschedule your appointment, please contact library@fitz.cam.ac.uk.
After your induction, you can book a Resource Support session with the librarian here for personalised help — from finding books and using databases to understanding reading lists, referencing, and study skills. It’s a chance to get tailored advice that makes your work easier and less stressful.
Matriculation ID check and Photograph
As a new student at the University of Cambridge you are required to formally register as a member of the University by completing the matriculation process. Before Matriculation, the College needs to check your ID. Please attend the Matriculation ID Check and Photograph event as detailed below, bringing with you a form of ID (i.e. passport) with your photo, full name and date of birth. If you are a UK student without a passport or driving licence, please bring along your birth certificate instead.
Date: Tuesday 7 October
Venue: The Auditorium
Arrival time: from 10.30am (a specific time will be emailed to you).
This will be immediately followed by the Matriculation Photograph
Dress code is formal wear (smart but not black tie) and academic gown. If it is raining, please bring an umbrella as you will be outside some of the time.
Should you have any queries or concerns regarding attendance then please do let us know by emailing tutorial.office@fitz.cam.ac.uk.
Information for Overseas Students
If you nominated to collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card from the University
This will be available for you to collect from the College from Wednesday 1st October to Friday 10th October. Collection will be from the Seminar Room 4 (Wilson Court). We will be open from 9am to 3pm. You must bring your passport with you.
If you’re not able to collect your card during these hours, please email tutorial.office@fitz.cam.ac.uk to arrange a specific time.
If you nominated to collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card from the Post Office
You should aim to do this within 14 days. The day after collection (or as soon as possible) please bring the BRP card together with your passport, to the Seminar Room 4 (Wilson Court) for scanning (see instructions above). This is a requirement of the Student Visa Sponsorship.
Please read further guidance about your Student Visa Sponsorship responsibilities on the University website.
Building Work Information
As you may be aware, there will be building work going on in the College for academic year 2025/26. You can find up to date information about it here. You will be able to log in once you have received your CRSID/Cambridge email account.
IT Support and Wifi
Information about the IT facilities at the College are available here.
The College recommends if students are buying new IT equipment, that students purchase a laptop rather than a tablet. Some departments will provide further guidance about laptops etc on their Departmental web page.
Music, Theatre and Sport at the University of Cambridge
For a leaflet about extracurricular activities at Cambridge see here.
SU Freshers' Guide
You can find Cambridge University Students' Union guide for Freshers here.