New undergraduates starting in Michaelmas Term 2023

We look forward to welcoming you to Downing in October!

Essential information relating to living and studying at Downing as a new student will be published here in the next few weeks.  

In late August 2023, you will receive by email an invitation to complete your Student Registration with the University of Cambridge and also to complete a Downing College accommodation form.

Once you have completed your University of Cambridge registration, you will receive your Cambridge credentials [CRSid@cam]. After this, you will automatically be sent your Downing credentials [CRSid@dow] which will enable you to access the Downing College intranet where more information for Freshers is available.

Undergraduate arrival dates for Michaelmas Term 2023

Undergraduate Freshers

If you are an International Fresher you should already be aware of the arrival dates. If you are an International Fresher who has previously studied in the UK your arrival date is Saturday 30 September.

For all other UG Freshers your arrival date in College is Saturday 30 September between 10am and 2pm. Earlier in September, you will receive by email an arrival slot of 30 minutes (eg. 11am to 11.30am) from the Tutorial team. Car parking will be regulated by arrival slots as a way of managing the number of people on site.

Returning undergraduate students

If you returning to College accommodation, please plan to arrive after 4pm on Saturday 30 September.  More details will be published in September.

Undergraduate Matriculation

Tuesday 3 October

* COMPULSORY attendance; all students must adhere to Matriculation dress code

Welcome talks *

9.15am - gather in the Assembly Room, Howard Building, where tea, coffee and pastries will be served.

Welcome from the Master, Senior Tutor and the Dean, followed by talks on wellbeing and safety from Downing staff and JCR Committee members.

Matriculation *

12.45pm- gather in the main court for the group photograph.
1pm - Group photograph with Lafayette photography.
Followed by Matriculation ceremony in the Master's Lodge Garden. You will receive further details by email from the Tutorial and Admissions team.
Portrait photographs - following the Matriculation ceremony you will have the opportunity to have an individual portrait photograph taken under the Portico of the Master's Lodge by Lafayette Photography.

Matriculation Dress Code:

  • Dark suit
  • Long, smart trousers or a smart skirt (dark colours only)
  • Shirt or blouse (shirts should be collared and worn with a tie or cravat)
  • Smart dress
  • Smart shoes (no trainers)
  • Jeans or shorts are not allowed
  • A Downing undergraduate academic gown must be worn throughout

Clubs & Societies Fair

2.30pm to 4.30pm - open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students, in the Dining Hall.

A range of clubs and societies will be taking part, including sports clubs, academic societies, musical societies and many more.

Matriculation Reception and Dinner

From 6.45pm in the Fellows' Garden

Please note: All students must adhere to Matriculation dress code.