Cambridge New Student Guide
Before You Leave
Read through this guide, pack your bags and be ready for some reserved fun. It rarely drops bellow zero in Cambridge, but the winter is humid (often 100% humidity while just 35 degrees). Humid cold is a new experiance and as far as I know doesn't exist in the US. Bring layers, many layers. As for the rain, Cambridge may be in England, but the dry part (seriously). A rain coat is good, but you probably won't need more then one. It's not like you're going to Oxford or anything.
Also, check out the dressing guide below for some suggestions on what formal wear to bring. Remember, we get paid in dollars, the exchange rate sucks, and clothing is England is over priced to begin with. So don't count on poping down to London for a quick shopping spree unless you have mommies credit card.
Upon Arrival
In addition to filling out some basic paperwork, ther are a couple of key tasks to accomplish in your first few days in Cambridge. Pay close attention to the Reporter and Fresher's Fair sections, they could change your life.
Bank account
Most important task and arguably the most difficult. For what ever reason, getting a bank account is harder than getting into Cambridge especially for foreigners and rumors of mandatory organ donation are largely true. Here is what you need to do:
- Select a bank:
- Get a letter from your college:
- Go get an account:
Most banks are equally bad, although I would recommend HSBC or RBS. For HSBC, sign up for an appointment immediately as slots get filled up quickly and waits of over two weeks are not uncommon. Banks to stay away from are Barclays (minimum balance of 2000 quid) and Natwest (gave me the run around... muppets).
To get a back account, you need a letter from your college stating what you are doing on this god forsaken island. This letter is mandatory and must be perfect, this is critical. The name and date of brith must be on the letter and must match your passport exactly. Many banks request that your college inculde a description of your course and how long you intend to be here. All letters must be specifcally addressed to the bank of your choice.
Good luck sucker! This is the hard part. Take your letter, your passport, your Cambridge admission letter and prayers from you immediate and distanct relatives down to the bank and spin the wheel. Some people get lucky and things go well, but I was still waiting for my chequebook more than six (6) weeks later. As for depositing money, cheques in dollars take over a month to clear. Most people just withdraw money from their US account at the ATM and deposit cash. People have been searching for years for a way to transfer money easily and cheaply, but so far no luck. If you figure it out, please tell us; I hear they are offering a Nobel prize in economics.
Phones
With out a bank account, which you won't have for a couple of weeks, you are limited to "pay as you go" options. This is not so bad since your phone usage in the country will be far less than in the states. I recommend using a land line (a pay phone, your lab phone or you can get a land line for maybe 8 quid a month) for calls to the states. There are many numbers that offer cut rates (1p/min) for calls to the US from land lines. Other than that, most of your phone usage will be "texting" (welcome to Europe).
Reporter
The Reporter is the lecture list for that academic year, you can buy them at most bookstores in town including but not limited to Borders. Buy one. Even if you aren't going to take any classes, buy one. Buy one the first day you get to Cambridge. One of the great things about Cambridge lectures is that they are broken down into sub-sections which are often taught by different professors. Popping in to a lecture to hear about the fundementals of neuron formation for two hours is a really priceless opportunity. Most of the lectures are in the first term, so plan to attend things in the fall. Although you may feel like you need to get your lab work up and running early, you don't. At the end of your Ph.D., some off topic lecture will matter way more then if you screwed up 6 versus 5 experiments in the first month.
Bikes
Bikes are everywhere in Cambridge. Cambridge was the first place where I have ever encounter a bike parking lot that was truly full with people pacing the aisles look for a parking spot. Many people survive with out them, but if you are ever in a hurry, a bike is a must have. If you can find someone in the program who has an extra bike (maybe from another student who has recently left) that is your best bet. Otherwise buy used, buy cheap and lock you bike everywhere, bike theft is rampant.
Internet
Your college should have internet, your lab should have internet, and you should be able to get internet in your room (although some of the older buildings aren't wired yet, and by old, I mean pre-Declaration of Independance old). But, if you need internet before any of these are available there are a couple of internet cafe's in town. Best bet is the yellow cafe near the market across the street from the visitors center.
Fresher's Fair
Get involved. During the week before lectures start in the fall, there is a big fair where all the university wide societies recurit new members. Go. Cambridge is great about letting grad students get involved in campus life from sports teams to music clubs. Find something that you are interested in, and get involved. Clubs and societies kick off early in the fall term and it can be difficult to join mid-year. This is your one oppurtunity to avail yourself of all Cambridge has to offer, do be hesitant or you will regret it.
Housing
Housing while you're at Cambridge will likely be provided by your college and charged on a per term basis. Most students will have single rooms (some with your own bathroom) and will be in shared houses or dormitory style buildings. Depending on which college you are in and the accommodation provided, you could either be in the city centre or a bit further away. However, since Cambridge is a relatively small town everything is a short cycle, walk, or bus ride away. If your college doesn't give you housing, they will help you navigate the local rental market. The many students (especially post-docs) come from all over the world and need and apartment, so the rental assistance is quite good.
Formal Wear
Upon arrival to Cambridge (and perhaps even before), you'll be invited to all sorts of events that are categorized as "fancy dress", "smart," "smart casual," "gown", "black tie" or "white tie." Sorry girls, most of the advice is for the gents. But really, don't y'all have a little black dress for any occasion?
A bit of a primer: England has a funny relationship with formal wear. You wear it so often, it ceases to be formal. I had never seen a sloppy tuxedo until I arrived in Cambridge. Here, sloppy formal wear is common. You will attend "black tie" events at least twice a year and "smart" events probably more then twice a term. These events may appear nice, but often they only start that way. Many formal events will migrate to a club or bar later and some may require you to cycle, walk in the mud, run, jump across a stream or even climb a tree in your formal wear. Dry cleaning is incredibly expensive, so cheap formal wear that can be cleaned by hand or in the laundry is a must. The key is that you don't need expensive, high priced, designer goods. Good looking formal wear from discount stores is the perfect solution. Try Filene's Basement in Friendship Heights or the thrift shop just past Mongolian BBQ on Wisconsin in Bethesda.
Fancy Dress: (Said in a posh accent [Fahhncy Dress]) Ahhh, let the misnomers continue! As it turns out, fancy dress isn't fancy at all, rather more of a costume. Usually these events have a theme (i.e. beach, schoolboy/girl, rappers and slappers [a.k.a. pimps and… well you know]). For cheap(er) costumes, there is a thrift shop just past Sainsbury's going toward the bridge on your left and a gag shop on the right.
Smart: Most events, "outings" and formal halls or a formal dinner served at the college. Frequency depends on the college, but from once a week to every night.
Guys: Sports coat, slacks and most often a tie. Suits are not necessary, but they work fine. You will go to "smart" events at least twice a term and likely more often. I recommend bringing a couple of sport coats with you (see primer).
Girls: Anything from a cocktail dress to a skirt and top is fine, a suit is fine too
Smart Casual: Same as smart, don't be fooled by the casual. There is no occasion were khakis are OK. Khaki's are an American invention, and unlike rap and jazz, it has not caught on overseas. They are seen as even more casual (not to mention way tackier) then jeans. I recommend leaving your khakis at home, but under no circumstances should you wear them to any event.
Gown: Just as it sounds, you wear a gown. Unlike your graduations of yore, be sure to wear something "smart" underneath, they can see and they will check. Some people recommend buying a gown, but this is really depends on your college. Some colleges require gowns at all formal halls, while others never do (not even for matriculation). Gowns are easy to rent (student union/most colleges), so I would start by renting and see how often you need one.
Black Tie: Balls, Christmas dinners and the occasional formal hall.
Guys: A tux, but this is easier then you think. All you really need is some black dress pants, a tux shirt, a DJ (Dinner Jacket, or Tux Jacket in American) and a bow tie. DJs in England are pricy, but even new ones are cheap in the states. You will get some serious wear out of your DJ so I recommend getting a cheap (under 100 bucks) DJ from your local tux shop or thrift shop (see primer) before you go. As for your tie, learn how to tie a bow tie. The best part of the night is when things start winding down and you can go James Bond with a untied bow tie dangling round your neck. Some guys go for the switcheroo, but the Brits can spot a clip on a mile away. Not to mention, some societies have their own bow tie which is worn with pride to formal events. Most of these only come in the traditional variety.
Girls: Long or short dress; good luck walking in heels!
White Tie: White tie is rare (Magdalene and Peterhouse May balls), but an easy modification to black tie.
Guys: A la Tom Hanks in Big. Get a white bow tie, maybe add a vest or cumber bun and bam!: Bob's your uncle.
Girls: Same as black tie, but maybe nicer…you know, add some gloves and a scarf or something.