There are many ways to get around Cambridge and most destinations are easily reached by foot, bike or bus.
Bikes
Bikes are the most useful form of transport in Cambridge, enabling you to reach all parts of the University within minutes. However, there are often many competing cyclists, cars, taxis and buses on busy and narrow roads. So note the following carefully, in order to enjoy cycling in the city, retain your bike and stay alive! UK rules and government advice are given in the Highway Code. See below for details of a bike rental scheme.
- Safety – You must use lights after dark, and are strongly advised to wear a helmet and reflective clothing or bands. These cost very little, and could save your life. The police can fine you for riding without lights.
- Security – Always use a strong lock or locks, especially in public places. Unfortunately bike theft is common, and has even occurred on the College site. To make things easier if your bike is stolen:
- insure your bike
- keep receipt of purchase and take a photo/description
- register your bike with the free property registration scheme www.immobilise.com. You can also add ANY valuable property you wish to this registration scheme and we recommend that you do.
- Registration – You must register your bike with Hughes Hall. The Porters administer the scheme. At registration, you should hand in a completed registration form and you will be issued with a tag with a unique number for you to attach to your bike. If you pass your bike on to another student, please ensure that the Porters are informed. Occasionally all bikes left in College are checked, and those without a tag may be removed.
- Bike racks – Please use these. Note that if you leave your bike where this is prohibited (including in buildings), it will be removed and you may be fined.
Bike rental scheme
Hughes Hall works with Cambbikes to offer students and staff the opportunity to rent bicycles to use during their time studying or working at the College. There is a Depot for collection/return of these bikes once rented, inside the College grounds – just see the Porters.
Cambbikes source pre-loved bicycles and fix them up to provide an affordable and convenient mode of transportation. Their bicycles include a variety of models and are regularly maintained. Rental options include daily, weekly and termly rates and the process is straight-forward, with online booking and payment options. Bikes come with D-locks but do not have lights so you must provide your own after dark (these can be bought at the Lodge).
To rent or purchase a bicycle, visit their website (www.cambbikes.co.uk), create an account, and follow the instructions on the Buy or Rent pages, noting the lock code for collection of bike on the day of rental. If you need help with the scheme, or would like the seat height adjusting, please see the Porters. Ensure you lock your bike securely (see here for guidance: https://youtu.be/ij_iI-ij1Y4).
Cars
Cambridge was not designed for the car, and has very limited parking. So students are strongly discouraged from bringing a car or any other vehicle with them. The two main exceptions at Hughes Hall are PGCE and CGCM students who need cars for placements or clinical work. Any other student who wishes to park in College must gain approval from their Tutor. Following approval, you will need to arrange the following:
- University Motor Licence – This is required for all students who have not yet reached MA status, which generally means graduates under 24 and undergraduates, and is granted by the university’s Proctors. To apply, you first need a signed slip from the Senior Tutor.
- College Parking Permit – Download and complete the HH Parking Form, then email it as indicated. Permits are £40 per term.
- College Visitor Parking Permit – If you need this, please contact the Porters’ Lodge before your visitor arrives.
Buses
Cambridge has a good local bus service. Note especially the University ‘Universal Bus‘ service which goes one way to West Road and the West Cambridge laboratories, and the other way to Addenbrooke’s Hospital.