Information for new undergraduates

New undergraduates starting in Michaelmas Term 2024

We look forward to welcoming you to Downing in October!

Essential information relating to living and studying at Downing as a new student will be published here in the next few weeks.

In late August, you will receive by email an invitation to complete your Student Registration with the University of Cambridge and also to complete a Downing College accommodation form.

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.

Undergraduate arrival dates for Michaelmas Term

Undergraduate Freshers

If you are an International Fresher you should already be aware of the arrival dates. If you are an International Fresher who has previously studied in the UK your arrival date is Saturday 5 October.

For all other UG Freshers your arrival date in College is Saturday 5 October between 10am and 2pm. Earlier in September, you will receive by email an arrival slot of 30 minutes (eg. 11am to 11.30am) from the Tutorial team. Car parking will be regulated by arrival slots as a way of managing the number of people on site.

Returning undergraduate students

If returning to College accommodation, please plan to arrive no earlier than 9.00am on Sunday 6 October. More details will be published in September.

Undergraduate Matriculation

Tuesday 8 October

* COMPULSORY attendance; all students must adhere to Matriculation dress code

Welcome talks *

TBC 9.15am - gather in the Assembly Room, Howard Building, where tea, coffee and pastries will be served.

Welcome from the Master, Senior Tutor and the Dean, followed by talks on wellbeing and safety from Downing staff and JCR Committee members.

Matriculation *

TBC 12.45pm- gather in the main court for the group photograph.
TBC 1pm - Group photograph with Lafayette photography.
Followed by Matriculation ceremony in the Master's Lodge Garden. You will receive further details by email from the Tutorial and Admissions team.
Portrait photographs - following the Matriculation ceremony you will have the opportunity to have an individual portrait photograph taken under the Portico of the Master's Lodge by Lafayette Photography.

Matriculation dress code:

Smart dark suit
Long, smart trousers or a smart skirt (dark colours only)
Shirt or blouse (shirts should be collared and worn with a tie or cravat)
Smart dark dress (not party wear)
Smart dark shoes (no trainers)
Jeans, shorts or other casual clothing is not allowed
A Downing undergraduate academic gown must be worn throughout (please do not borrow/purchase a gown from a student from another College as the gowns for each College are different)