Dear Freshers,

I would like to warmly welcome you to St Edmund’s! I hope that you will have an amazing time here and have no doubts that you will very soon realise just why Eddies is the friendliest college in Cambridge!

Eddies is a bustling place full of individuals from all over the world. Everyone studying here comes from such diverse backgrounds and thus you are guaranteed to meet some very interesting people with vibrant stories to tell. Over an incredible seventy, different nations are represented here. The college was founded in 1896 and is one of the four colleges in Cambridge which is oriented towards mature students. It’s motto- ‘Per Revelationem et Rationem’ (Latin for: Through revelation and reason) resonates through the college and you will encounter students from a broad spectrum of disciplines and will be able to engage in colourful debates and undoubtedly learn from each other. The college is a fun and relaxed place to be in and I assure you that you will feel welcome from the outset of your time here. As a student from an International background myself, I have a great fondness of the place and am certain that your time at Ed’s will be exciting, memorable and one that you will always cherish.

In this letter I want to let you know about some of the things to keep in mind and organise before you arrive at college.

Immigration Requirements:

To begin with, it is important that you visit your nearest British Council and check your immigration requirements. Most British Councils should have an information sheet for students, including details of medical screening requirements. It is highly recommended that medical screening for immigration clearance be done before departure. It can be done at the immigration checkpoint itself, but this will delay immigration clearance, sometimes by a few hours. Have in your hand luggage the following documents to present to the immigration officer at passport control:

Your Passport A Letter of acceptance from the College or Board of Graduate Studies Proof of funds for your course of study (bank draft/banker’s letter / letter of sponsorship) Your Student Visa (if required)

Accommodation Information:

If you have not been given a room in College, do come early to look for accommodation. The best place to go is the University Accommodation Service (http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/accommodation)

Commercial estate agents can also be very helpful. There is no need to rush into anything, as it is generally possible to find accommodation if you arrive a few weeks before term begins however good living environment will make life much easier! Other than the facilities the College provides, your social life is likely to revolve around the College; it is therefore advisable for first-years to find accommodation within easy access of College.

Some of the other things which you should keep in mind while packing:

For electrical appliances:

The electricity supply is 240V AC at 50 Hz, which is different from continental Europe and North America. Make sure you have the correct adapters/converters for your laptop and the other electrical appliances you decide to bring.

The weather in Cambridge and what to pack

Cambridge is a gorgeous place, however it can have really unpredictable weather and can be quite chilly in winter. Last winter temperatures drop regularly below zero. Despite Cambridge being in the driest region in the UK, a good waterproof jacket, jumper and an umbrella will come in handy. If you are coming from a tropical country you may find a better selection of suitable winter clothing here when you arrive. At the end of Easter term the weather will be warmer so summer clothing will also be needed.

A little on formal events and clothing

There are a lot of formal events in Cambridge. These range from Formal Halls to black-tie events. Ladies, you will need smart evening dresses and gentlemen, you will definitely need a suit. For black-tie event, a dinner suit (tuxedo) may be necessary. There are plenty of shops in Cambridge where you can hire or purchase one.

Upon your arrival, you will have to buy a gown, as you will need it for matriculation and formal hall events. We will direct you to the shops where they can be purchased from.

Travelling in Cambridge

Cycling is the main means of transport in Cambridge. If you are planning to purchase a bike, there are a lot of bike shops in town. Eddies bike doctor’s can advise you upon your arrival. Bike helmets and lights are also very essential for your own safety. During autumn and winter, the police can fine you for cycling without lights on in the evening. Eddies is also within a walking distance to town centre and most of the departments, so it is advisable that you bring appropriate footwear.

Help when you get here

As soon as you get to college you will be able to get help and information. This will be found in the CR (Combination Room) and will be run by the CR committee, and volunteers from the college. They will be able to guide you through your first few days at Eddies and will hopefully help you settle in. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with any member of the CR committee, with any other questions you may have, no matter how small they may seem to you. Our contact details can be found on the CR website.

I look forward to meeting you all soon and welcoming you to St Edmund’s. I hope that you have a great summer and wish you a smooth journey here.

With best wishes,

Tim Rademacher

CR International Officer St Edmund’s College
Email: ttr22@cam.ac.uk