08/03/2020
Downing College: A Comprehensive Guide for Students
Established in 1800 through the visionary bequest of Sir George Downing, Downing College stands as a distinguished institution within the esteemed University of Cambridge. Nestled amidst 20 acres of verdant grounds, the College offers a serene yet vibrant environment at the heart of the historic city. It is a community dedicated to fostering intellectual curiosity and nurturing the future leaders across a multitude of disciplines. This guide aims to provide prospective and current students with essential information regarding life at Downing College, covering crucial aspects such as transportation, bicycle security, and vehicle regulations.
The Founding of Downing College
The genesis of Downing College can be traced back to the will of Sir George Downing, a prominent figure who envisioned a new college for Cambridge. His bequest, made in 1717, laid the foundation for what would become a significant addition to the University's collegiate landscape. The College officially opened its doors in 1800, commencing a rich history of academic excellence and community.
For many students, bicycles are a primary mode of transport in Cambridge. Downing College has specific regulations in place to ensure the safety and orderliness of its grounds. Understanding these rules is paramount for all cyclists.
Bicycle Registration and Security
Upon arrival with a bicycle, students are required to complete a Bicycle registration form. This process involves visiting the Porters' Lodge, where a label will be issued to be affixed to the bicycle. This registration is crucial as unregistered bikes are not covered by college insurance in the event of theft.
Cycling Restrictions within the College
While bicycles are a common sight, cycling is generally restricted within the College precincts. Only Official Governing Body Fellows are permitted to cycle within the College grounds and may bring their bicycles into the Quadrangle and other designated areas. For all other members of the College community, cycling is not permitted anywhere within the College itself. This means bicycles must be walked once inside the College gates, with dismounting expected as soon as possible after passing the Porters' Lodge.
Permitted Bicycle Access
There are specific exceptions to the general cycling ban. Postgraduates residing in the Singer Building may wheel their bicycles through the Quadrangle when travelling to or from their accommodation. However, it is strictly prohibited to bring bicycles across the front of the Library. All bicycles left unattended must be secured in a College bike shed. Bicycles found elsewhere on College property are liable to be removed by the Porters.
Student Bicycle Marking
In adherence to University Regulations, all student bicycles must be marked with a unique personal number allocated by the Porters. This serves a dual purpose: compliance with University rules, which can include fines for non-compliance, and an increased likelihood of recovering a stolen bicycle. The University Proctors have the authority to issue warnings or on-the-spot fines for failure to comply with these regulations.
Bicycle Insurance: What You Need to Know
The College's insurance policy offers a degree of cover for bicycles, but it's essential to understand the limitations. The College insurance provides cover of a maximum of £200 (less any policy excess) for a bicycle. However, as previously mentioned, this cover is contingent upon the bicycle being registered and is void for unregistered bikes in the event of theft. It is advisable to consult the College's insurance webpage for more detailed information regarding policy specifics and any potential excess amounts.
Motor Vehicles and Student Parking
The University and its Colleges have a responsibility to manage traffic congestion in Cambridge. Consequently, there are stringent regulations concerning the use of motor vehicles by students.
University Regulations on Motor Vehicles
It is considered an offence against University rules for a student to keep, hire, or drive a car or motorcycle within a ten-mile radius of Cambridge while in residence, without explicit permission. The University Motor Proctor enforces these regulations and can impose fines for breaches.
Applying for Parking Permission
Permission to park a motor vehicle within the College is granted only in exceptional circumstances and requires a formal application. This application is made via the online Student Forms portal, requiring login with Downing College credentials. The request must be approved by a student's Tutor and can only be granted if an authorised parking space is available. The same application process is necessary when seeking permission to park a motor vehicle in College.
Student Car Parking at Downing College
Student parking at Downing College is notably limited, with permission typically reserved for special cases. A parking badge is mandatory for any vehicle parked within the College, and there is an annual charge for this permit. Students with a registered disability are exempt from this fee. The College normally receives more parking requests than available spaces, meaning not all applications can be accommodated.
Rules and Regulations for Student Car Parking:
- Students require a University Motor Licence to keep, hire, or drive a car in Cambridge.
- A car parking application must be completed and sanctioned by the Senior Tutor to park a motor vehicle in College.
- Student parking is very limited and granted on a case-by-case basis, dependent on available capacity.
- Parking spaces are generally located on Lensfield Road, not within the Domus, and do not grant access to the Domus itself.
- Parking or driving on the Domus without prior permission from the Senior Tutor, or the Porter's discretion for specific reasons (e.g., unloading, medical), is prohibited.
- Extreme care must be taken when using the rising bollard for Domus access.
- A strict speed limit of 5mph is enforced on the Domus.
- Vehicles are forbidden in Main Court, Kenny Court, or First Court.
Downing College Student Car Parking Process (On-site Residents)
For students residing on-site, the car parking application process is as follows:
- Complete the online parking application via the Downing Student Forms portal. The deadline for applications is typically in early September.
- Your Tutor and the Senior Tutor will review your application.
- If approved, the College office will assess space availability and provisionally allocate a parking space, communicating this via email.
- Upon confirmation of a space, apply online for a Motor Proctor's licence. This form will need to be signed by your Tutor or the Tutorial Office.
- Submit the signed Motor Proctor's licence to the College Office to confirm your parking space.
Additional Parking Information
- Parking permits are valid from 1 October to 30 September of the following year.
- If you vacate College accommodation before September, inform the College to allow for reallocation of parking spaces.
- Parking entitlements cease if you move off-site or complete your course and no longer require a vehicle for placements.
- New postgraduate students arriving before October may apply for temporary September parking, subject to availability, at a charge of £24.50.
- The annual parking charge is £105, which will be added to your College bill.
- Parking permits must be displayed clearly, as Porters conduct checks to ensure compliance.
- For any issues with the Student Forms portal, contact the College Office.
Visitor Parking
Parents and carers of junior members may park in the College when visiting, provided they report to the Porters' Lodge. Additionally, a limited number of visitor parking spaces can be pre-booked through the Porters' Lodge.
Comparison of Transport Options
When considering how to get around Cambridge, it's useful to weigh the pros and cons of different modes of transport:
| Mode of Transport | Advantages | Disadvantages | College Regulations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bicycle | Environmentally friendly, cost-effective, good for short distances, promotes fitness. | Vulnerable to theft, weather dependent, requires registration and adherence to cycling rules. | Registration required, no unregistered bike insurance, restricted cycling areas, must be locked in sheds. |
| Walking | Free, healthy, no restrictions, allows appreciation of surroundings. | Slower for longer distances, weather dependent. | No specific regulations. |
| Public Transport (Buses) | Convenient for longer distances, avoids parking issues. | Can be costly, subject to schedules, can be crowded. | No specific regulations for students using public transport. |
| Motor Vehicle | Convenient for carrying goods, comfort in all weather, faster for long distances. | Expensive (purchase, insurance, fuel, parking), environmental impact, strict University regulations. | Requires University licence and College parking permission, limited spaces, annual charges apply. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much insurance does Downing College offer for a bicycle?
Downing College's insurance provides cover of a maximum of £200 (less any policy excess) for a bicycle. However, this cover is only applicable if the bicycle is registered with the College and is not valid for unregistered bicycles in the event of theft.
Am I allowed to cycle anywhere in Downing College?
No, cycling is generally not permitted anywhere within the College grounds except for Official Governing Body Fellows. Other students and staff must dismount once inside the College gates and walk their bicycles.
Can I park my car at Downing College?
Parking is very limited and granted only in exceptional circumstances upon successful application and approval by your Tutor and the Senior Tutor. A parking permit is required, and there is an annual charge.
What happens if my bicycle is stolen and it's not registered?
If your bicycle is stolen and it has not been registered with the College, it will not be covered by the College's insurance.
Who founded Downing College?
Downing College was founded by the bequest of Sir George Downing in 1800.
This comprehensive overview should equip you with the necessary knowledge to navigate the practicalities of student life at Downing College, ensuring a smoother and more informed experience.
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