Information for new postgraduates with a confirmed place
We look forward to welcoming you to Downing. At registration you will need to do the following:
- Provide original documentation to confirm your identity - we are unable to register you without these.
- If you are a visa holder, you will need to bring your visa (BRP) and passport documentation, which will be scanned.
- Student Loan payment authorisation - If you are a new Clinical Medic, Clinical Vet, PGCE student or have taken out a Postgraduate Master's Loan from the Student Loan Company, the process to release your student loan will start as soon as we have seen either your UK passport or driving licence.
- Collect your Registration documentation and University Card.
If you need to gain access to the College, please ring the bell on the wall just inside the College gates, or call the Porters’ Lodge on 01223 334800.
Your CRSid
Once you have completed your University of Cambridge registration, you will receive your Cambridge credentials [CRSid@cam]. After this, you will automatically be sent your Downing credentials [CRSid@dow] which will enable you to access the Downing College intranet where more information for Freshers is available.
Welcome and Matriculation
Thursday 6 October 2022
All new Postgraduate students will be formally welcomed into College membership by the Master and Praelector at a Matriculation Ceremony. Matriculation will consist of welcome talks in the Howard Theatre in the morning, with a break for lunch, followed by the group photograph and your Matriculation ceremony. The Tutorial team will email you with more details and arrival times. Part-time Postgraduate students typically Matriculate in September.
If you haven’t yet already done so, you will need to purchase a Downing College academic gown from Ryder & Amies. Wearing a gown is a symbol of your joining the community of scholars. You first wear a gown for Matriculation. You will also need a gown for other formal occasions, to attend Formal Hall and for your graduation.
Gown purchase
It may be possible to hire, borrow or purchase gowns, subject to availability, for such occasions from the Graduate Union. However, many new postgraduate students opt to have a gown of their own, which can be purchased directly from Ryder & Amies. Before ordering your gown, please contact the Tutorial and Admissions Office to obtain a voucher code, which is redeemed online to receive a discount on the cost of any postgraduate gown over £50. It is important to wear the correct gown, so please contact the outfitter if you require any guidance before making a purchase. Alternatively, please refer to the Graduate Union's Gown Guide for further information.
Postgraduate Matriculation dress code
Dress code is as follows, which is defined without reference to considerations of gender identity or expression:
- Suit
- Long trousers or a skirt (jeans or shorts are not allowed)
- Shirt or blouse (shirts should be collared and should be worn with a tie or cravat)
- Dress
- Smart shoes
- Downing College postgraduate gowns must be worn.
Checklist
| Arrival in College |
If you have obtained College accommodation, you will be informed of the arrival date by the Accommodation Office. Information for international students including pre-arrival and orientation information |
| Accommodation |
Information on postgraduate accommodation at Downing. The College policy and how to increase your cover |
| Accommodation: Room agreement | Once received by email, must be signed and returned immediately |
| Accommodation: Room inventory |
If you are living in College accommodation, you must undertake an inventory and condition report of the fixtures, fittings and furniture in your College room on arrival in Cambridge. The link to an online room inventory will be published in September. Please ensure this form is submitted as soon as possible to avoid the cost of any damages caused by previous occupants being charged to your College bill. Please see the Accommodation Handbook for further information on Furniture, Fittings and Decoration |
| Academic gown | Purchase a gown - see information above. |
| Health and wellbeing at Downing |
Introduction to the Head of Student Welllbeing and College Nurses and health information Registering with a College Nurse via Moodle |
| Cambridge health and wellbeing |
How to register with a doctor in Cambridge Check which vaccinations you need before coming to Cambridge |
| Health Questionnaire |
At the beginning of September, or following confirmation of your place, you will be emailed a link to your personalised online health questionnaire. If your place at Downing is confirmed in late September, please complete the health questionnaire as soon as possible. |
| Information Technology |
IT services for students at Cambridge Quick-start guide for Freshers |
| University Student Registration process | How to update your personal information and collect your Cambridge email address and passwords |
| Finances |
How and when to pay your College Bill |
| University Card | Information on your University Card and how to collect your card |
| Documentation |
Information on a range of Tier 4 and related areas of immigration |
|
Postgraduate Tutor Appointment |
Book an appointment via Moodle |
|
Director of Studies Appointment - BTH, LLM, MCL and MAST students only |
Book an appointment via Moodle |
|
College Policies and Terms & Conditions |
Confirm you have read the policies via Moodle |
Any queries should be directed by email to the Tutorial and Admissions Office.
Pre-arrival Freshers' events this summer
If you're a new student coming to the University of Cambridge this autumn you're probably feeling excited, nervous and have lots of questions. Get answers, tips and advice by speaking to current students and alumni at one of the optional pre-arrival Freshers' events taking place around the world in August and September. Hosted by Cambridge alumni groups, these events are an opportunity to make some friends before you arrive.
Visit the Freshers' Events website to find your nearest event and book a place.
Please don't worry if you are unable to attend any of the above events, as there will be plenty of opportunities when you arrive in College as part of Freshers' Week.
