Hughes Hall Cambridge
Cambridge's oldest graduate college, welcoming mature undergraduates and postgraduates across all disciplines. A unique community.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience vibrant student life
Hughes Hall Cambridge
Best Time
Experience vibrant student life
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Cambridge's oldest graduate college, welcoming mature undergraduates and postgraduates across all disciplines. A unique community.
"A lovely, cosy place for Cambridge students!"
Porter's Lodge Vibe
Porters can be helpful, but some visitors have reported unhelpful experiences. Be prepared for varying levels of service.
Accommodation Search
College accommodation isn't guaranteed; explore private housing options early if you're a postgraduate student.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The College Grounds
Main College Site
Explore the brick red buildings and unique shipping container porter's lodge, offering a glimpse into college life.
Dining Hall Experience
Dining Hall
Enjoy delicious food in a welcoming canteen, with formal dinners offering a less rigid experience than other Cambridge colleges.
Mature Student Community
Throughout the College
Experience a vibrant community of mature undergraduates and postgraduates, fostering a unique academic and social environment.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Mature Student Focus
Location & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Porter's Lodge Vibe
Porters can be helpful, but some visitors have reported unhelpful experiences. Be prepared for varying levels of service.
Accommodation Search
College accommodation isn't guaranteed; explore private housing options early if you're a postgraduate student.
Virtual Tour Available
Get a feel for the college, including the dining hall, library, and accommodation, with their virtual tour.
Mature Student Focus
This college is ideal for mature students, offering a supportive environment for all areas of study.
Tips
from all over the internet
Porter's Lodge Vibe
Porters can be helpful, but some visitors have reported unhelpful experiences. Be prepared for varying levels of service.
Accommodation Search
College accommodation isn't guaranteed; explore private housing options early if you're a postgraduate student.
Virtual Tour Available
Get a feel for the college, including the dining hall, library, and accommodation, with their virtual tour.
Mature Student Focus
This college is ideal for mature students, offering a supportive environment for all areas of study.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise Hughes Hall for its welcoming atmosphere and its unique focus on mature students and postgraduates. The canteen receives positive mentions for its food and friendly staff, and the college's location near Mill Road is seen as a plus. However, some guests have encountered unhelpful porters, and the limited public grounds are noted.
"A quaint college located near Mill Road with brick red buildings and a unique shipping container as a porter's lodge at the front gate! Public grounds are rather limited though."
Mabel
"Very nice college of Cambridge. All students are mature students (above 21-22 years old). Very good canteen with delicious foods and kind staff. The formal dinners are not as "formal" as other colleges of Cambridge. Good location - near city centre with plenty of shops and restaurants. The Parker's Piece just nearby is a good place for a relaxing promenade."
S. H.
"Porter was rude and wasn’t helpful to visitors. Prospective applicant dropped by over the weekend, but was rudely stopped by the Porter that the college is closed to visitor on weekend due to understaff despite the College website mentioning that the college is open everyday. The porter should have been nicer and more welcoming. Will probably apply to other colleges instead."
Edward Anuha
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hughes Hall is conveniently located near Mill Road in Cambridge. It's accessible by public transport and within walking distance of the city center. For specific routes, check local bus schedules or use navigation apps.
Information on visitor parking at Hughes Hall is limited. It's advisable to check with the college directly or consider public transport and cycling, which are popular in Cambridge.
From Cambridge train station, you can take a taxi or a local bus service towards the city center and Mill Road area. The journey is relatively short.
While the college website may indicate it's open daily, some visitors have reported being turned away on weekends due to staffing. It's best to contact the college in advance to arrange a visit.
As a historic college, accessibility can vary. It's recommended to contact Hughes Hall directly to inquire about specific facilities and access for individuals with mobility needs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Hughes Hall is a college of the University of Cambridge and primarily for its students and staff. Visitors may be able to tour the grounds, but it's best to confirm visiting policies with the college beforehand.
While the college website might suggest it's open daily, some visitors have encountered restrictions on weekends. Contacting the college directly for current visitor hours is recommended.
Typically, there is no admission fee for visiting the grounds of Cambridge colleges for prospective students or general visitors, but it's always wise to check with the college directly.
Hughes Hall hosts various events, including concerts and dinners. Information on upcoming events and how to attend can usually be found on their official website or social media.
Accommodation at Hughes Hall is not guaranteed. Prospective students should consult the college's admissions and accommodation pages for detailed application procedures and deadlines.
🎫 🎓 Student Life & Academics
Hughes Hall is Cambridge's oldest graduate college and welcomes mature undergraduates (over 21-22) and postgraduates in all fields of study.
Hughes Hall accepts postgraduate students and mature undergraduates in all areas of study and research, offering scholarships and bursaries.
The college is known for its supportive community for mature students, providing a unique environment for those pursuing higher education later in life.
Yes, Hughes Hall offers scholarships and bursaries targeted at new and continuing students. Details can be found on their official website.
Students have access to a dining hall, library, on-site accommodation, and a gym, among other facilities.
📸 📸 Photography & Vibe
The college has a distinctive look with its brick red buildings and unique shipping container porter's lodge. It offers a different aesthetic compared to more traditional Cambridge colleges.
It's described as a lovely, cosy place with a welcoming atmosphere, particularly for its mature student population.
As with most university colleges, it's respectful to be mindful of students and staff. General photography of the grounds is usually permitted, but always be considerate.
Its status as the oldest graduate college and its focus on mature students and postgraduates sets it apart, along with its distinctive architectural elements.
Photography inside academic or dining facilities may be restricted. It's best to ask for permission or observe any posted signage.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎓 Postgraduate Students
The college provides a supportive environment for all fields of study and research, with opportunities for scholarships and bursaries. The mature student demographic fosters a unique academic and social atmosphere, ideal for those pursuing advanced degrees.
🚶 Day-Trippers & Sightseers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A College for Mature Minds
+1This emphasis on maturity means the college experience might differ from traditional undergraduate colleges. It's a place for those seeking a focused academic journey, often balancing studies with existing life commitments. The community is built on shared experiences and a mutual respect for diverse backgrounds and life stages.
For prospective students, understanding this mature student focus is key. It shapes the social dynamics, the types of events held, and the overall atmosphere of the college. It's an environment designed for serious academic pursuit within a supportive, adult-oriented setting.
Navigating Accommodation and Location
When it comes to accommodation, it's important to note that college accommodation at Hughes Hall is not guaranteed. This is a crucial piece of advice for postgraduate students, who are encouraged to explore private housing options well in advance of their arrival. Reddit discussions highlight the need for trusted private accommodation providers and suggest looking into areas known for being good for postgraduate students.
The college itself features a unique architectural element: a shipping container porter's lodge at the front gate, adding a modern touch to the traditional brick red buildings. While the public grounds may be somewhat limited, the college offers on-site accommodation for those who secure it, contributing to a cohesive student living experience.
The Hughes Hall Experience: Beyond Academics
Beyond dining, the college offers various facilities to support student well-being and engagement. These include a library, essential for academic pursuits, and a gym for physical fitness. The college also hosts events, such as concerts and Christmas dinners, adding a vibrant social dimension to the student experience.
+1While the primary focus is academic, the college strives to create a holistic environment. The community spirit, particularly among mature students, is often highlighted, making Hughes Hall a place where students can feel supported both academically and personally.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit