Parents' FAQs

What are the dates, times and arrival procedure for new students?

The 2023 Freshers' arrival day is scheduled for Saturday 30 September 2023. Each undergraduate Fresher arriving by car will receive by email an arrival time slot.  

If we arrive by car, are we permitted to park in College?

Parking is allowed for unloading purposes only during the permitted arrival times and all cars should be removed promptly once this is complete.  Further information regarding the special traffic and parking arrangements will be published closer to the start of the academic year.  Details regarding local car parks are provided by Cambridge City Council.  On arrival at the Regent Street entrance to College, you will be met by College members who will direct you where to park.  Getting to Cambridge and Downing maps can be found here.

My child has been allocated a room at Downing.  When will it be ready to move into?

All rooms will be available on Saturday 30 September, unless your child has permission to arrive into residence earlier.  Room keys and/or University cards will be issued at Registration

Instead of bringing everything with us, can we arrange to have items sent to the College in advance of our arrival?

Unfortunately, the College does not have sufficient on-site storage to allow this.  Therefore, nothing is to be sent to College prior to your child taking up residence.

Are there any welcome events for parents and family members?

The Butterfield Cafe will be open when your child registers with us.  Toilets will be available. 

Freshers’ Parents’ Welcome Tea with the Master and Senior Officers

Saturday 30 September 2023: 2pm-4pm, in the Hall

We invite all parents and carers of Downing’s first-year students to meet the Master and Senior Officers, in the Hall, on Saturday 30 September. This new event has been arranged to coincide with parents dropping off new Freshers that day. The Master will give a short welcome speech, around 2.30pm, and guests will be able to chat with Fellows in attendance and ask any questions.

Light refreshments will be served. Booking is not essential for this event, but if you can it would be helpful to give us an indication of expected numbers. Please book here.

Important, please note, there is no parking in College for this event. Parking is only allowed for unloading purposes during the permitted arrival times and all cars should be removed promptly once this is complete. If you are arriving by car, please see the information regarding parking on this page

Freshers’ Parents’ Virtual Q&A Webinar

Tuesday 10 October 2023: 6.45pm-8pm

All parents and carers of Downing’s first-year students are warmly invited to join the Master Graham Virgo, Vice Master Professor Zoe Barber, Senior Tutor Professor Guy Williams, Senior Bursar Gavin Flynn, Head of Student Wellbeing Dr Kate Daniels and President of the JCR Ruari Wilson for an online welcome to the Downing community.

This will be an opportunity to learn more about life in College this year and ask any questions. Invitations will be sent to the students, with a Zoom booking link, to forward to their parents or guardians.

When will my child receive their first College bill and how should this be paid?

A College bill, which is due for payment at the beginning of the Michaelmas Term, will be sent to your child's Cambridge email address.  If you would like to discuss any items on the bill or have any other questions, please contact the Bursary.  Please note:  Bursary staff will be working remotely and will be available to answer any queries you may have on Saturday 30 September 2023.