Image of Postgraduate students talking in the Webb Library

Postgraduate FAQs

Here you can find answers to some of the questions we're most often asked about postgraduate life at Jesus College.

If you don't find the answer you're looking for here you can call us on +44 (0)1223 339421 or email us at graduate-tutor@jesus.cam.ac.uk.

How far is Jesus College from my Department?

You can find maps on the University website showing where your department or faculty is located, with their postcodes. Our address is Jesus College, Jesus Lane, Cambridge CB5 8BL.

How many postgraduates are there in College?

Every year around 150 new postgraduate students join us, and 50 to 60 of these are first year PhD students. There are around 400 postgraduates studying at the College at any one time. 

Do I have to share a room?

No, all student rooms are single occupancy. We do have a few properties that are shared by two couples, but each couple has their own private room.

Do I need to leave my College room in the holidays?

No, postgraduate students are all offered an 11 month tenancy which runs from the middle of September to the end of August and includes the Christmas, Easter, and summer vacations.

Can I have mail sent to my house?

You should have all your post sent to the main College address, rather than to your individual property address. All post is sorted and distributed to pigeonholes in the Porters' Lodge. Students will receive a notice if they have received a package that is too large to fit in their pigeonhole.

Can anyone attend Chapel?

Yes, everyone is welcome. For more details about the Chapel and our services please contact the Dean of Chapel or College Chaplain.

Is there a choir?

With our rich tradition of music, we have a number of choirs. Find out more on the Music page.

Is there good internet coverage?

All our properties have network points and there is good wireless broadband coverage across the College. Internet access and use is included in your rent.

When should I come to Cambridge?

The academic year begins at the start of October but you need to be in Cambridge for induction events the week before. If you're living in a College property, your accommodation will be available from 15 September.

Why is a May Ball held in June?

In the 1880s the celebrations were held when examinations were over, but when it was moved from May to June, the name stuck!

Which gown should I wear?

As a postgraduate student, you should wear the gown of the highest degree that you already hold and if you do not hold a degree from the University of Cambridge, it should be the undergraduate gown. There is some useful information on the SU Gown Guide or you can contact the MCR for advice.

What sports clubs and societies are offered?

The Jesus College Students Union (JCSU) runs a wide range of clubs and societies which are open to all members of the College. Have a look at the list on the JCSU website. If you think there's a society missing why not set it up?

Where can I get a bicycle?

You can buy a secondhand bike through the College from a student who is leaving. There are also a number of bicycle shops in Cambridge itself. Don't forget to buy a lock, lights, and a helmet too!

Do I have to pay fees before I arrive?

You don't need to pay your University fees until you get your first College bill at the beginning of term. If you'd like to make a payment in advance, you can do this by contacting our finance office.

What is the accommodation like?

We have a range of single study bedrooms, as well as flats and houses for those with partners. All our accommodation is close to the main College site, with some houses backing onto College property.

Most single study bedrooms have shared bathroom facilities, although there are a small number of ensuite rooms available. All properties have well equipped kitchens and laundry facilities and are fitted with network points, though there's also good WiFi coverage across the College. Rooms are priced according to size and features, so larger rooms and ensuite accommodation will generally be more expensive.

Our accommodation for partners are one and two bedroom units and have a kitchen, shower room and laundry facilities. Our properties are not generally suitable for families with children. We would advise anyone coming to Cambridge with children to contact the College well in advance to discuss accommodation options. 

Do postgraduates and undergraduates live together?

It's rare for undergraduates and postgraduates to share accommodation, we have properties set aside for each. There's a different process for room allocation, and different tenancy lengths.

Rooms inside the main College site are generally reserved for undergraduate students, especially first years. There are a range of shared houses close to the College that are offered to undergraduate or postgraduate students.

Can I visit College and view College accommodation?

As our accommodation is generally occupied all year round, it's unfortunately not possible to arrange viewings of individual rooms. However you're most welcome to visit the College, no appointment is necessary. If you'd like someone to show you around, please contact the Middle Combination Room (MCR) when you know the date of your visit and they'll arrange for a current postgraduate student to be your guide. 

Is there an age limit?

No. Our postgraduate students' ages have ranged from just 21 to over 60 and every age between.

Do we have to eat in the College cafeteria (also known as 'in Hall')?

Not unless you want to. Many of our postgraduates cook for themselves or share meals with their housemates.

What do I have to bring with me?

Once your admission to Jesus is confirmed you'll be sent a welcome pack including useful links and details on how to log in for full access to the College intranet JNet. Here you'll find lots of detailed information about what to bring. 

Hear from our students

  • Photograph of a postgraduate student

    Ahsan

    Postgraduate

    It is a well-accepted opinion in Cambridge that Jesus College is the best college and no other college even comes a distant second. Its sports grounds are enormous, its buildings are mesmerising, its libraries are rich, its chapel is the oldest, its accommodation is the best value for money, its international community is diverse, its religious circles are the most welcoming, and its members are the smartest, kindest and the friendliest. It is one of the central colleges that aims to offer three years accommodation to postgraduates, and has comparatively...

    Read more
    Postgraduate
  • Photograph of a postgraduate student

    Tara

    Postgraduate

    Jesus College has all the benefits of being large, historical and prestigious college, whilst also retaining fantastic welfare: the staff and other students all care about each other, and will be there to cheer you on when you are thriving, but also there to support you if you need any help. I chose Jesus due to several reasons, including its prime location, where it is very central, and easy to access everywhere, even if you work in one of the institutes further out. I also selected Jesus for its MCR...

    Read more
    Postgraduate
  • Jesus College Postgraduate Student

    Imogen

    Postgraduate

    I chose Cambridge for my PGCE as it’s the leading UK institution for teacher training and Education, with an exciting, research-dominated, cutting edge course. The staff are welcoming and approachable, and make studying here an absolute joy. I’ve already completed one of my three primary school placements, in a reception class in a school just outside Cambridge, and am due to start the next one soon. I chose Jesus because of its reputation as a sporty College, but the proximity to the city centre is a big bonus. Jesus also...

    Read more
    Postgraduate
  • Photograph of a postgraduate student

    Jake

    Postgraduate

    When applying to Cambridge colleges it can feel a bit overwhelming as there are so many to choose from. I applied to Jesus College because it has a large MCR which was important for me because I wanted to feel part of a community. Now that I’m doing my PhD here, I’m very glad I did choose a college with a large postgraduate community. Throughout the year there are lots of postgraduate events, including formal dinners, special formals at Christmas and Easter, bops in the bar and film nights in...

    Read more
    Postgraduate
  • Photograph of a postgraduate student

    Alison

    Postgraduate

    What first attracted me to Jesus College was its reputation and history, central location without being touristy, and the postgraduate housing options. When I arrived at Jesus I was so pleased to find the partner accommodation was spacious, affordable, and situated very close to the college, allowing us to really take advantage of the facilities. We especially enjoyed The Roost, the nicest of all the college bars, doubling as a café during the day - ideal for studying or meeting up with groups - and a lively pub in the...

    Read more
    Postgraduate