Freshers

Freshers’ Week

Welcome and congratulations on being accepted to Sidney Sussex College! 

From the 3rd of October 2026 until the 11th, there will be a number of activities for Freshers Week. See the MCR Calendar and the timetable here for more information! Please add the MCR Calendar to your calendar app so you get updates if things change. A sign up sheet will be circulated closer to the time via email.

For advice on settling into Cambridge and moving into college accommodation, please see the MCR Freshers’ Handbook. For help on getting setup with WiFi and finding your way around, please see the College’s postgraduate arrivals information page.

Also - don’t forget to tune in for more by following our Instagram @sidneysussexmcr!

Accommodation

  • The college does not always have enough accommodation available to house all postgraduates. Any rooms available will be allocated first-come first-served. As a new student, you will be allocated a room once you have filled out the “Proof of financial support” part of your Cambridge application.

  • The college website incorrectly states that some postgraduates are housed on-site in 26 Sidney Street. As of the 2025/26 academic year this is out of date. All postgraduates are housed off-site, primarily in Cromwell Court, a short 3 minute walk from college, or “hostels” (aka shared houses) on Park Parade, St Eligius Street, De Freville Avenue or Elizabeth Way. You will be able to express a preference for which of these you prefer.

  • To report any issues with your accommodation, please submit a ticket on Sidnet. For any big issues like broken heating, showers or kitchen equipment, please direct your request to Maintenance. For new room furnishings or issues with the toiletries provided in bathrooms, report it to Housekeeping. For poor Wi-Fi, report it to IT.

Herne Lodge, 6 St Eligius Street

One of the college’s postgrad houses on St Eligius Street

Funding opportunities

  • Sidney has some generous funding opportunities for postgraduate students, including:

    • Funds to cover the cost of participation in University sports, music or arts clubs.

    • Funds to cover the cost of study trips, conferences or language courses. In particular there is a large pot of money for research visits or conferences in the US.

    • Hardship funds to help in times of financial difficulty. For these you need to speak to your tutor, but they are usually very supportive.