THE COLLEGE

Peterhouse is a college of superlatives - the oldest, one of the smallest, wealthiest, and definitely the most glorious. It was founded by the Bishop of Ely Hugo de Balsham in 1284. During its colourful history, Peterhouse has always tended towards eccentricity. From 1642-9 during the English Civil War it enjoyed a stint as a rare Royalist stronghold in Parliamentarian Cambridge. In 1756 the poet Thomas Gray climbed out of his Peterhouse window and fled across the road to Pembroke College, enraged by a practical joke in which his fellow Petreans pretended to set his room on fire. In the nineteenth century, Peterhouse's Hall was the second building in the country (after the Palace of Westminster) to have electric lighting installed. The Fellows swiftly decided it was a change for the worse and had the lights removed. In the 1980s the College acquired a reputation for both Thatcherism and homosexuality, since it housed many members of the so-called “Peterhouse right”, as well as the dinners of the Adonian society. Neither of these groups are active in college today (so far as we know). After admitting women in 1984, Peterhouse has since grown into a diverse student body, welcoming people from all backgrounds, lifestyles and nationalities to become part of its vibrant, and often quirky, community. You’ll be following in the footsteps of prime ministers, poets, inventors, historians, archbishops and filmmakers. We look forward to welcoming you into this splendid mix!

the m.c.r.

All graduate students in Peterhouse are members of the College’s graduate society, known as the M.C.R. Members are given a key to and a pigeonhole in the common room (the ‘Middle Combination Room’ after which the society is named) on arrival and can take part in the numerous graduate social events held in college.

In the most literal terms, the MCR offers you a cosy common room in Old Court - where you can pick up your post, have a cup of tea or browse Netflix. But the MCR can also offer you a whole host of events, ranging from candlelit formal dinners to lazy weekend brunches, and everything in between. Most importantly, the MCR is a community where we look out for one another, learn from one another, and grow together as scholars and as people. As a part of that community, we hope you can get involved in as many ways as you can, both in your first few days – known as freshers’ week, packed with events to help you meet people and settle in – but also in the quieter moments of the weeks and months beyond.

COLLEGE LIFE

The M.C.R. provides a whole calendar of social events including Superhalls, Burns Supper, Graduate Dinners, Research Symposiums, film nights, day trips to nearby sights and much more. Everyone is strongly encouraged to get involved in our vibrant graduate community. We are also part of the wider college community and get involved with the sports clubs, the boat club is particularly active, college societies like the Politics or History societies which bring interesting people in to speak with us over a glass of wine and the active Chapel community.

Facilities usually available to Graduates at Peterhouse include: bookable guest rooms, the Chapel, College Library laundry, MCR free punt hire, college bar, gym, squash courts, shared tennis courts, croquet pitch, boat house, pool table.