Fitz combines the academic excellence <strong>of</strong> every <strong>Cambridge</strong> college with unbeatable opportunities to get involved and enjoy every minute. James Crawford
Undergraduate students are guaranteed a <strong>College</strong> room, either on-site or in one <strong>of</strong> the nearby <strong>College</strong> houses. All <strong>College</strong> rooms are light, warm and comfortable, and allow for privacy and independence. Many have ensuite bathrooms or showers; every room on-site is fitted with at least a washbasin. First years are allocated single occupancy rooms in Old Court. After that, students may choose their rooms, a room ballot is organised by the Junior Members' Association (the undergraduate student body). With around 360-370 on-site rooms for undergraduates, only a minority <strong>of</strong> students occupy rooms in houses. Indeed many choose, in their second year, to join with a group <strong>of</strong> friends to enjoy the sociability and independence <strong>of</strong> sharing a college house. The cost <strong>of</strong> renting in <strong>College</strong> (whether on-site or in a <strong>College</strong> house) varies according to the size <strong>of</strong> room and its facilities – a large room with full en-suite is naturally more expensive than a small room with washbasin. Students on a tighter budget may forego these luxuries in order to pay lower rent. Rents at <strong>Fitzwilliam</strong> are broadly in line with those charged by the other colleges. See Finance for more information. All students have access to small kitchens (gyp rooms) for self-catering. The rooms in New Court are grouped around a well-equipped kitchen and dining area. But in practice, not having to bother cooking and washingup attracts students to the Buttery for most meals. Computers The college has two student computer rooms – one for undergraduates, the other for graduates. In addition there are sites with 'cybercafé' facilities for easy access to email. All student rooms, on and <strong>of</strong>f the main college site, are networked for personal computers, allowing access to college and <strong>University</strong> networks and via them to the internet. All student rooms also have a telephone point. The Chapel The chapel is a resource for the whole college community. Like most <strong>of</strong> <strong>Fitzwilliam</strong>'s buildings, the exterior is FITZWILLIAM COLLEGE | UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE | 7 Living at Fitz Students are <strong>of</strong>fered a <strong>College</strong> room for all three or four years <strong>of</strong> their undergraduate career. simple and austere, but the interior is light and welcoming. It is a beautiful and peaceful place at the heart <strong>of</strong> the <strong>College</strong> site. Sunday and weekday services are held, and there are times when it is reserved for private prayer. The chapel is ecumenical, and anyone, whether they see themself as a Christian or not, is very welcome to attend services. See www.fitz.cam.ac.uk/chapel. The chapel is also regularly used for musical recitals, with a two-manual Collins organ, a Steinway grand piano and a harpsichord. Other facilities Other rooms for student use include the Stretton Room, with a fully-equipped kitchen adjoining where students can entertain on a larger scale than would be possible in the gyp rooms, and the Society Room, where students can read the newspapers or access their email. There are two music practice rooms in the central building and three in the auditorium. The undergraduate common room (the JMA), next to the bar, is equipped with a pool table, table football and cable TV. There is also a laundrette, so you don't have to take your washing home. Eating The <strong>College</strong> hall is where meals are taken, whether formal or informal. The use <strong>of</strong> a common space by Fellows, students and staff enhances the <strong>College</strong>'s spirit <strong>of</strong> community. Sharing meals is at the heart <strong>of</strong> collegiality. All meals are available self-service through the buttery, adjacent to the hall. The buttery <strong>of</strong>fers a wide range <strong>of</strong> low-cost meals, always including vegetarian options, fresh fruit and salads, and ice creams. Special dietary needs can be catered for. Through consultation with the JMA, <strong>Fitzwilliam</strong> aims to provide the food students want, at the times they want it. The buttery is open for breakfast, and stays open for take-away sandwiches and snacks all morning until lunchtime. An evening meal is available 6-7pm. Some week nights there is also a Formal Hall, a formal three-course dinner, with the trappings <strong>of</strong> <strong>Cambridge</strong> college tradition (a high table, grace, gowns, candles, silverware…). Dining with college friends and guests at a Formal Hall is a popular, relatively cheap way <strong>of</strong> marking special occasions. The shared kitchen facilities make self-catering possible and there are supermarkets within easy reach <strong>of</strong> the <strong>College</strong>. Most students combine some selfcatering (cornflakes, toast, sandwiches…) with buttery meals.
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