Starting university can be a little daunting, but at Newnham we have a supportive network in place to help you settle in. Luckily the JCR create a helpful booklet, called the Freshers’ Handbook, that tells you anything and everything you need to know about Newnham. [You won't be able to access this until you receive a secret password in your information pack at the end of August!]
We are having a few problems with the JCR website just now, but hope to have it up and running soon. In the meantime, click here for the exciting Freshers' Week timetable!
The JCR Freshers’ President is responsible for making you feel at home. She organises the “College Mum” scheme: every new student gets two Mums who are here to look after you. One does your subject and can help with work-related advice. The other one who doesn’t do your subject, but can help with other issues. The Mums will write and introduce themselves to you shortly after your exam results come out. They will then arrange a family lunch or dinner when you get here, possibly together with other college sisters, aunties and grandmas…
The JCR Freshers’ President also organises Freshers' Week, a time packed full of events, parties, college and university tours, etc. Newnham student societies also hold their welcome events then. Another highlight of the week is the University Freshers’ Fair, where you can sign up for various clubs and societies from spaceflight to tiddlywinks. Joining societies is also a good way to get involved and make new friends.
Your Director of Studies will also want to meet with you to discuss your academic timetable and commitments, and your Tutor will throw a party for you (and all the other tutees) and hold individual meetings. Before you know it, term will be under way.
As many of you will be living away from home for the first time, you will want to stay safe, and the government has produced a Student Survival Guide to help with this - we don't want to worry you unnecessarily, as Cambridge is generally a very safe place, but it pays to take sensible precautions. Cambridge police have also asked us to draw your attention to this letter, student survival checklist, and leaflet about personal safety.
If you would like to find out what life has been like for some of our students, read their blogs:
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