TRINITYHALL Alternative Prospectus I Est. 1350
Rebecca's desk and workspace
WHY TIT HALL?
Trinity Hall – or “Tit Hall” as it’s known to college members – is located in the centre of Cambridge. Founded in 1350, it is the fifth oldest college. Trinity Hall is one of Cambridge’s smaller colleges; with just over 100 undergraduates in each year, the college is known for its friendly atmosphere. We have three sites: Central Site, Wychfield Site and Thompson’s Lane. First years will usually all live on Central, which really helps to cement the bonds that you will take with you through the length of your degree! Located in the centre of town and next to Trinity
College, Trinity Hall is a hidden treasure offering beautiful gardens, a gorgeous view of the River Cam and a peaceful working and living environment. College facilities include:
“If you choose to apply to our college, you’ll leave Trinity Hall with not just a degree, but a community for life!”
The Jerwood Library A range of sports pitches and gym. Music practice rooms. College Café and Bar. JCR: The “Junior Common Room” is a space specifically for the members of the JCR to use. It has a pool table, dart-board, television and lots of space to relax, work or socialise.
– MICHEALA, 3RD YEAR
Avery Court (H Staircase) in the bright sun
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y's ther Sainsbur o n a 's e r e h T . P.S and an Aldi n to g in d d E in nearby too
TOWN MAP FROM CENTRAL SITE IN MINUTES Wychfield (20 walk/10 cycle) WYNG/BBC (7 walk/5 cycle) Train station (25 walk/15 cycle) Sidgwick/UL. (10 walk/5 cycle) Downing/CUSU/NM (7 walk/5 cycle) Sainsbury’s (5 walk)
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2
Introduction to Trinity Hall
4
Accommodation
10
College Facilities
12
Student Life
15
A Day in the Life
17
Welfare
20
Applications
CENTRALSITE ACCOMMODATION All freshers usually live together on Central Site; although the size of the rooms in this accommodation site can vary considerably, each room will have a desk, some drawers, shelves, a wardrobe and a sink. On your staircase, you will have shared toilets, showers and gyp rooms (basic kitchens) cleaned by the “bedder” (a member of the housekeeping team) every weekday. In the gyp room there’s a fridge, microwave, sink and cupboards to store food. You will also have access to two washing machines in the laundry room. Washing machines cost £2 to use and tumble dryers cost £1. There is also an iron and ironing board available in the laundry room. The benefits of living on Central Site include quick access to the cafeteria, the Jerwood library, the Aula bar and the city centre.
Prices per week: £95 to £170 (2018-2019)
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The rooms from top to bottom: A Staircase (Boat Club Set), G Staircase, and S staircase
“Living on Central Site in your first year is the best way to kick-start your Cambridge experience. Not only are you surrounded by your friends, but you’re also a stone’s throw away from Cambridge’s historic town centre.” – RUBY, 1ST YEAR
yn in front of b o R d n a h a r Sa use Wychfield Ho
"Green Lane" betw een the New-Build stai rcases in the snow
hotos on the Pre June Event p lpture Rib-Cage-like scu "Twelve"
ide in the Designing this very gu om! Wychfield computer ro
WYCHFIELD Trinity Hall’s Wychfield site – or “Tit Hall on Hill” – is located just ten minutes on a bike from Central Site. As well as having accommodation for undergraduates, graduates and staff, Wychfield is also home to Trinity Hall’s sports pitches and modern pavilion. There is also a computer room, music room and relaxing spaces. Undergraduates have the choice to move to Wychfield after their first year and can usually choose to live either in New Build, Boulton House or Coote House with their friends.
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BOULTON HOUSE Boulton House (BoHo): kitchens and bathrooms are shared, every room has a large window seat overlooking Wychfield’s beautiful grounds and on the ground floor there is a large common room.
BoHo inside and out!
Prices per week: £115 to £135 (2018-2019)
COOTEHOUSE
Coote House has 5 rooms, kitchen, and a bathroom and is perfect for a small group of friends looking to live together. Prices per week: £115 to £150 (2018-2019)
NEWBUILD New Build accommodation is very similar to small flats, with most floors having four single en-suite bedrooms and a kitchen complete with cooking and dining facilities. Every staircase also has access to a common room.
NewBuild
Prices per week: £150 to £170 (2018-2019)
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Alasdair's bookshelf and Rhys's room
WYNG GARDENS Located only a five-minute walk from Central Site, is WYNG Gardens. In WYNG Gardens, the rooms are large and ultramodern. The bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms and predominantly double beds, while the kitchens are new and furnished. The other great advantages of living in WYNG Gardens are the common room, the quiet, airy garden and the incredibly central location of the building. Prices per week: £175 to £195 (2018-2019)
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BISHOPBATEMAN COURT (BBC) BBC is in a really good location, close to college, Sainsbury’s and the centre of town. There are a few big rooms and sets (a bedroom with living room attached) but most of the rooms are on the smaller side, making them cheaper than other accommodation sites. Usually, 10 people share a kitchen, so it is social without being too crowded. There are also 2 showers, 2 toilets and a bath between around 10 people so there is hardly ever any wait period to use the facilities! As well as living facilities, there is a common room that students can use to socialise in. Prices per week: £115 to £160 (20182019)
Gen has one of the smaller rooms in BBC but really makes it her own
These windows face towards Wyng Gardens Page 9 I Accommodation
LIBRARIES
Entrance to the Jerwood
As well as having access to most faculty libraries and the University Library, every college in Cambridge has a library packed full of resources for its students. Trinity Hall has two libraries; the Old Library is the oldest library in Cambridge still in its original setting, while the other is called the Jerwood and is one of the newest. The Jerwood has over 30,000 books (though you won’t be expected to read them all!) and a range of facilities such as an Edwardian reading room, a modern computer room and a host of DVDs. The librarians are lovely people too, providing blankets for those making use of the library’s 24/7 availability, and squash and biscuits to those preparing for exams. Situated on the edge of the River Cam with beautiful views, the Jerwood is the perfect place to work.
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View from the 1st Floor
Contrary to what punt guides may say, we don't sleep here (often)
Lunch in Hall after morning lectures
FOOD&DRINK
Setting up for formal hall - regular hall still st runs every night beforehand fir
As well as having the opportunity to cook basic meals in the shared gyps, there are plenty of alternative options for food and drink on Central Site. The college cafeteria serves breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday to Friday, and brunch and dinner on a Sunday, with all meals eaten in Trinity Hall’s beautiful dining room. Being a college member means a hot meal can be put on your account by scanning your university card and the catering staff ensure there is an option for every dietary requirement. Twice a week, students have the opportunity to go to Formal Hall where for no-more than £15.00 you can have a three-.
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Dom and Jennie unpacking the ingredients for fajitas course meal served to you in the candle-lit dining room. Formal Halls are often a great way to celebrate a friend’s birthday and give you the chance to dress-up and wear your gown. The Aula Coffee Shop and Bar is another option for food and drink on Central Site. During the day, the Aula serves coffees, light-bites, and snacks and provides students with a relaxed working space. In the evening, the Aula transforms into a bar that sells alcohol, soft drinks, and snacks. It is the perfect place to socialise with friends.
SPORTS “Cambridge is an open, inclusive environment where everybody is welcome to come and learn a sport and to let off some steam.”
– JOSEPH, 4TH YEAR
Trinity Hall has teams for rugby, football, tennis, cricket, netball, badminton and lacrosse, with opportunities for both men and women - either in separate or mixed teams. In most college teams there will be a match on the weekend and training during the week. It is also very easy to set up your own college sports team. Another popular sport at Trinity Hall and across Cambridge colleges is rowing. Trinity Hall has several boats of 8 rowers each, with “Outings” (training sessions)
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taking place early in the morning and finishing in time for 9am lectures. If you don’t want to be a rower, you can sign up to be a “cox”, whose role is to instruct the rowers and navigate the boat along the winding River Cam.
Director Kath taking the lead in rehearsals (Preston Society)
SOCIETIES Trinity Hall is home to a range of societies. Some of the societies are academic, such as History Society, Natural Sciences, and Engineering. Alternatively, there are recreational societies; the Hummus Society is probably the most informal, offering students the chance to unwind, mingle, and of course indulge in some hummus! The Board Game Society can also bring some light-hearted relief (provided it doesn’t get too competitive) to the end of a busy week. FemFo encourages lively debate on feminist and gender
Femfo host student discussions, panel talks and celebratory dinners!
issues, as well as hosting socials for female and non-binary members, such as its annual garden party. For those gifted musically, there is the college choir, who perform twice weekly in the college chapel, and its members are rewarded with free formal dinners on these days!
The view of Old Schools, King's Chapel, & Clare College
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The Crescent Room is where most of our ents happen
James and Abdul punting past the vines at St. John's
Term Party First Year End of
"Bridgemas" (Cambridge's early Christmas celebrations) takes place on the 25th November
ENTS&SOCIALLIFE “Ents” (short for Entertainments) are events run by the JCR and a key part of college life. Ents are run most weeks of term and are usually either a Superhall, which is a dinner with themed food, decoration, and fancy dress, or a Crescent Room, which is a themed party held in a room adjacent to the bar called the Crescent Room. A DJ, usually from the college community, plays music and fancy dress is encouraged! Every year the Trinity Hall Garden Party also kicks off May Week celebrations. May Week – which takes place after term finishes in June – celebrates
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the end of the academic year through June Events and May Balls held at different colleges. To start the week off, the annual Garden Party brings Pimms and non-alcoholic beverages, ice cream, and live music runs all afternoon; it is the perfect way to bring everyone in college together before the long vacation. If you want to get involved there are plenty of opportunities to help out with Ents once you get to Trinity Hall!
ADAY INTHELIFE Alannah King, 2nd year Biological Natural Science Hi! I’m Alannah, a second-year biological natural scientist (or “Bio NatSci” as they are known in Cambridge!). This is an example of my busiest day as a Bio Natsci, encompassing all the elements of my course.
8:00am Wake up! This gives me plenty of time to get ready and have breakfast, as well as pack for the day.
Hall Alannah in Formal
10:00am-11:00am Depending on the day, I have one or two lectures each morning - including Saturday! Lectures are an hour long, and usually there are handouts provided which cover the key points so you can really focus on understanding the content.
5:00pm-7:30pm Dinner! I either walk back to Wychfield site - one of the college’s accommodation sites - to cook, or I eat in main hall on Central Site.
Going through the Handouts... 11:00am-5:00pm A practical biochemistry session. (Don’t worry - it very rarely takes the full six hours!) At least an hour is given for lunch, which you can take whenever is most convenient, and I just walk the short five-minute distance back to college to eat in the main hall. If I have a particularly long lunch break I’ll grab a coffee in the Aula too, our coffee shop, and chat with friends before heading back. Practicals don’t just have to be in a laboratory, they can also be computer based, such asmodelling metabolic pathways or studying protein structure.
7:30pm-8:30pm A pathology supervision at Gonville and Caius college. In second year, you have three supervisions a week. It’s great as you can learn more about a topic which particularly interests you, and get support for topics which you find difficult! 8:30pm-12:00am After walking back to Wychfield site, I use this time to catch up with friends, watch a movie, or go to the college gym, before heading to bed.
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Edwin Boadu, 1st year Modern and Medieval Languages (MML) Hey, I am Edwin and I am a current first year, who studies Modern and Medieval Languages (Spanish and ab-initio German)
9.00am My alarm wakes me from my deep slumber of roughly 8 hours. The perks of being an MMLer is that you do not have many 9 am classes (I only have one, on Tuesdays).
Edwin on Central
10.00am German grammar class. The beauty of Trinity Hall’s location means that I can leave my room at 9:40, and walk, slowly, to Sidgwick (where my lectures/classes are held). 11.00am German oral supervision in Newnham College. These oral supervisions are organised by your faculty, rather than your college, and they take place after week 4 of Michaelmas. Whilst it may seem daunting that you are having oral supervisions in a language that you practically started two days ago, you will quickly realise that the supervision can be fun.
Afternoon Rush to Sidgwick 12.00pm Back to Sidgwick for a Spanish grammar class (use of the language). These are weekly classes that help you learn or revisit grammatical points and consolidate them. 1.00pm Back to college and have lunch with friends, or sometimes meet with people outside of my own college and have lunch elsewhere.
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1.30pm Nap time! Naps are a vital part of my day, as they help me to function properly throughout the rest of the day! 3.00 pm Go down to either the college bar and grab some coffee or stay in room and do some work. In Lent Term, I was part of the poetry sub-committee for the Mays, which is a literary publication that takes submissions (poetry, prose and artwork) from Oxford and Cambridge students. On average, I would get 150 poems per week, so it was crucial to set some time aside and go through these. The committee met weekly, usually on Sundays, to discuss the poems. In Easter Term, I was the Arts Section Editor for Varsity, a student newspaper. 5.00pm Spanish extra grammar supervision. These were incredibly useful, as we usually went through points in the grammar classes that we did not understand. 6.00pm-9.00pm Back to college to have dinner and catch up with friends. 9.00pm-late Go and meet a friend in another college. If it is a Friday or Sunday, I sometimes go to the club with my friends. Otherwise, I go back to college to either get some work done or stay with the friend that I had met up with in the other college.
Weekly Welfare Tea, often takes place on Latham Lawn
WELFARE
There is nothing more important than your health, wellbeing and happiness, and Trinity Hall has one of the most extensive welfare systems in place of any college of the University. It is ok to feel down or upset, we all do, especially when transitioning to University, but the college is really friendly, so often, the first point of contact when you do feel down is the people around you. The college employs a mental health advisor, counsellor and cognitive behavioural therapist. Your personal tutor also looks out for you and is there for advice or a chat. Trinity Hall's Benn Bursary scheme also provides funds for those students in unexpected financial difficulty - whatever you need, college is there to help.
Central Site has a Welfare Room, open to everyone in college
There are two welfare officers on the JCR Committee, they are always happy to discuss any issues you may have — whether they're health, relationship, family or work related. You can contact them via email and messages - however trivial, they are happy to help. They run an extensive welfare programme of events every term – recent events have included: Puppy Therapy (always a favourite), yoga sessions with a professional instructor, art and chill sessions, games and a film night. Every Sunday afternoon there is also Welfare Tea people come for a break, free snacks and a chat, and you'll find the welfare officers there too. There is also an LGBT+, international, women and non-binary, BME, and special considerations and disability officer on the JCR, with the Welfare Officers they form the welfare team. Trinity Hall is a happy place, with an extensive support network.
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BME
LBGT+
The college has a JCR BME Officer whose job it is to ensure that the welfare concerns of BME students are catered to. The BME Officer also has a duty to keep students updated on the activities of BME clubs and societies across the university.
Starting university is nerve-wracking for everyone, especially LGBT+ people. Nevertheless, at Trinity Hall everyone is welcome, however they identify. The JCR LGBT+ Officer helps maintain this friendly and inclusive ethos - through offering support with any LGBT+ related issue and representing your views in college. The LGBT+ Officer also puts on fun events where you can meet other LGBT+ people and take part in charity events. Some recent events include the Trinity Hall LGBT+ community organising an LGBT+ swap (the Cambridge term for a social event with one or two other colleges) and a t-shirt fundraiser for International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia! Events held outside of college are also advertised, so your experience as an LGBT+ individual is not dictated by your college choice.
Black, Minority Ethnic students from 2018 will have access to a BME tutor who they may also consult if any issues arise. The summer of 2018 saw Trinity Hall host a BME garden party and there are hopes to host more BME mixers with other colleges, offering students a way to meet other BME students from across the university.
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SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONSAND DISABILITY Coming to university for the first time is a daunting change and having a strong support network is vital to ensure you get the most out of your time here. This weighs particularly heavy if you have any special medical conditions or illnesses that require considerations. Both the college and university ensure that you are not negatively affected by any disability or mental health-related problems. Whether you require extra time in your exams, have problems getting around town or require access to counselling resources, everyone is working together to provide you with what you need. Moreover, should you decide not to disclose your disability or mental health problem when coming, be assured that there will always be somebody ready to help you, whatever it might be!
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Trinity Hall is devoted to supporting everyone in their studies, no matter what part of the world is home for you. The college has an admissions officer who corresponds with overseas students during the application process and also provides storage for overseas students for vacations. On the JCR Committee there is an International Officer who is the key point of contact and representative for international students. During Freshers’ Week, International Students move in slightly earlier to ensure they are completely settled before the term begins and during this time and there are events specifically for international students. At Trinity Hall, there is lots of support for overseas students both before they arrive and during their time studying here.
When leaving the Porter's Lodge, you enter Front Court which gives access to the rest of college such as the JCR, MCR, and student accomodation
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HOWTOAPPLY Hi, I’m Helena! I studied Education, English and Drama at the University of Cambridge, and now work as the Schools Liaison Officer at Trinity Hall – in my job, I help people who are considering applying to Cambridge to learn about the university and its admissions process. Cambridge’s undergraduate application process may include more ‘parts’ than many other universities’, but it’s all aimed at ensuring that Colleges have enough information to make fair and justifiable decisions about who gets a place. Each part gives you an opportunity to shine!
@TrinityHall_SLO
UCASAPPLICATION You apply to Cambridge as one of your five UCAS choices. The main thing to note here is that Cambridge applicants must have submitted their UCAS application by 15th October (there is an earlier deadline for applicants wishing to be interviewed in some overseas countries). At this point, you’ll also get to pick a College or choose ‘Open Application’ and be allocated to a College.
Sitting on the River Wall is an experience unique to Trinity Hall!
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SUPPLEMENTARYAPPLICATION QUESTIONNAIRE(SAQ) Shortly after submitting your UCAS application, you will be asked to complete this online questionnaire. The SAQ helps the university to collect more information that can be used to assess your application. There is a handy document on the University website that guides you through completing the SAQ, question by question.
ADMISSIONSASSESSMENT For most courses at Cambridge, applicants are required to take a written admissions assessment. Depending on the course that you’re applying for, this assessment might be done pre-interview or atinterview. For pre-interview admissions assessments, applicants usually need to register to sit the assessment before 15th October (there is an earlier deadline if you are registering to take the BMAT for Medicine), so it’s worth checking out the arrangements for your admissions assessment well in advance of applying. Few people enjoy sitting assessments, but don’t worry or be put off by them – resources that will help you prepare are available on the University’s website. Also, they’re not pass/fail tests: your performance in them will be considered alongside all the other parts of your application.
WRITTENWORK Particularly for courses in the arts and humanities, applicants may be asked to send in one or two examples of written work that may be used as discussion topics in their interview. The College that’s assessing your application will let you know what type of work this should be – usually you’ll be asked for essays that you’ve written recently as part of your school/college studies.
INTERVIEWS Interviewers at Cambridge are usually specialists in the subject that you’re applying for; they’re looking to see that you’re genuinely interested in the subject and that you’re well-suited to discussion-based teaching methods used at Cambridge. You typically discuss topics relevant to the course and are challenged to apply your existing knowledge to unfamiliar problems or material. Tip: when you are working through a problem or thinking of a response to a question, voice your thoughts out loud. This allows the interviewers to understand your thought processes and offer guidance. Also, remember: you’re not expected to get everything right. The topics discussed are purposefully challenging and you are likely to need a bit of help – that’s how you learn, after all. It may surprise you, but people often admit that they enjoyed their interviews, usually because it’s a chance to talk about their subject interests with people who are fascinated by them too!
For lots more detail and advice on all parts of the admissions process, the University of Cambridge’s website is the best place to go: undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/applying
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Design Tian Chan Editor Grace Bassett Photos Becca Martin, Izzy Aughterson, Tian Chan, Lucy Holland, and Ben Peart Content Rashidat Animashaun, Arthur Barnard, Helena Blair, Edwin Boadu, Charlotte Brinkley, Micheala Chan, Tabitha Dodd, Mary Flanagan, Jan Helmich, Rebecca Horner, Peter Hunt, Christel Jeff, Alannah King, Joseph Myers, David Powell, Ben Peart, Jacob Stevens, Alfie Vaughan and Ruby Wells.
Find us at trinhall.cam.ac.uk
@trinityhallcamb
@trinityhallcamb
jcr.trinhall.cam.ac.uk
The information included in this Alternative Prospectus was accurate at the time of publishing (2018). As changes and developments may occur, please refer to the Trinity Hall website for the most up-to-date information