Matriculation
Matriculation occurs at the start of a student’s course, it marks the student’s entry to the University community, and their agreement to the rules and regulations of the University. The word itself comes from medieval Latin matriculare and reflects the ancient practices of the University. Your matriculation marks the formal admission of a student to membership of the University and the occasion is marked by a Matriculation Photograph and a Matriculation Dinner at the start of the year.
When you matriculate, you will be required to subscribe to the following declaration by signing the Matriculation Registration Form:
“I promise to observe the Statutes 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.”
Only by signing these documents does the student become recognised as a full member of the University and College.
The University matriculation register is now “signed” electronically and you will receive a link from the Tutorial Office. The College also has a Matriculation book, and you will be invited to sign the book at at your matriculation reception or dinner.
Matriculation Dinners
At Hughes, we celebrate this milestone at Matriculation Dinners throughout Michaelmas Term. These dinners are a great way to start meeting other new students in your subject and year group. You will receive an invite to your Matriculation Dinner at your registration day via your @cam email address.
Academic dress
At Hughes Hall we do not require students to wear academic dress (i.e. a gown) for
events such as Matriculation or formal halls, however, many students choose to
wear them. If you wish to hire or purchase a gown, this can be done online or in
store from either Ryder and Amies or Ede and Ravenscroft.
Students wear the gown to which they are presently entitled. This depends on your
status:
- Undergraduate students, i.e. all BA and BA Affiliate students (regardless of
age and previous degrees): the Hughes Hall undergraduate gown with blue
button and string on the sleeve, also known as ‘the undergraduate gown for
the graduate colleges’. - Graduate students aged 24 and over: the Cambridge MA status gown.
- Graduate students under 24: the Cambridge BA status gown.
The Cambridge Students Union also has a Gown Guide to help you find which gown you are eligible for.