We are aware that the current global situation is a cause of concern for many applicants. The uncertainty we face is a challenge for students, teachers, and administrators in universities around the world, and at Hughes Hall we are working hard to prepare and adapt for the new academic year in October together with all our colleagues across the University of Cambridge. We continue to monitor the situation around the world so that we are ready to adapt as necessary. At present, the University is expecting to commence the new academic year as usual, making any necessary adjustments to how we operate that may be required.
The College’s coronavirus information page is a helpful source of information and links about the College’s response to the pandemic: www.hughes.cam.ac.uk/coronavirus/
The University has a general coronavirus information page which is available at: www.cam.ac.uk/coronavirus
Applicants for postgraduate study should check the Graduate Admissions Office coronavirus advice.
Applicants for undergraduate study should check the undergraduate coronavirus advice.
New students should be ready to commence at Hughes Hall on the Registration Date for their course. If you are travelling from a country that the UK Government requires to quarantine/self-isolate on arrival, you will need to arrange to arrive early enough to complete this before Registration. Registration dates will be advised to you by the Admissions Office, or please check the Registration Dates 2020 document.
Official quarantine/self-isolation requirements are available on the UK Government Entering the UK website.
If you are allocated to Hughes Hall student accommodation you will be advised of your accommodation arrival date (Licence Start date), this may be earlier than your Registration Date in order to manage arrangements for arrivals and quarantines. If you wish to adjust your arrival date, this will need to be agreed in advance with the Accommodation Team.
The process for allocating Hughes Hall student accommodation for new students arriving in 2020-21 has now opened. All applicants who accept an offer of membership of the College will be emailed a link to the Accommodation Preference Form, this form allows you to express your order of preference for the available price bands, we will record this and when you become eligible for accommodation we will offer you the highest band available in line with availability and the college’s Accommodation Allocation Policy. We would advise you to complete the preference form as early as possible as this will enable us to begin allocations as applicants become eligible to apply for it. We are currently compiling accommodation preferences and we will begin offering accommodation to new full-time students in August. Every application is different, but in general terms once the process of offering rooms has opened and once an applicant has completed all their financial conditions they will be notified of the outcome of their accommodation application within 14 days.
We monitor developments in health requirements and relevant government regulations, and due to the nature of the pandemic it is possible that we will need to make temporary or longer-term alternative arrangements at short notice. It is our intention to provide the best service we can, however please note that should the requirements for health provision or other appropriate measures to respond to the pandemic be required we will adjust as appropriate. We hope we will have your understanding should this arise. Please arrive on your Licence Start date or arrange to adjust the Licence Start date (usually to an earlier arrival as adjustments become more difficult later in the cycle) in advance, and note that we hope to give everyone the band offered when they arrive but in some circumstances we may need to offer a different band, or arrange accommodation from another provider.
The University’s Accommodation Service is a good starting point for inquiries about accommodation from other providers:
www.accommodation.cam.ac.uk/
The College and the University work together to offer the maximum possible support to all disabled students. The earlier we are aware of any disability, the better we are able to ensure that all the arrangements you require are in place before you start here (e.g. study skills support, suitable accommodation and exam access arrangements). You may also find that you are eligible for Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) or other available funding to support your needs. If you would like support, please contact the College’s Disability Equality Officer. The University’s Disability Resource Centre can provide further guidance, tel: +44 1223 332301, email: disability@admin.cam.ac.uk.
There is additional guidance about equality and diversity at Hughes Hall in the About Us section.
It is essential all students register with a local doctor whilst studying. To do this you may need to request a letter confirming your status as a student using your Personal Information page which becomes active after registration and can be accessed from the Student Centre section. A list of local Medical Centres is available here. Try contacting them in advance to find out what information they will need to register you. (NB If you are on a 1 year course and there is less than 6 months left on your course when you register with the doctor, you will be charged for any treatment/consultation.)
There are many other University organisations which provide welcome activities and/or useful services. These include:
Useful websites for international students:
See also, the Other Helpful Information and Useful Information sections of the New Students’ Signpost page.
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