Clare is a beautiful and historic college with plenty of spaces for you to enjoy. Whether you are able to visit in person or not, we hope this “tour” will allow all prospective students to gain an idea of the feel of the college.
Included in this tour are photos of:
- Clare’s famous gardens
- The Forbes Mellon Library
- The Library Common Room (LCR)
- Clare Cellars (the bar and JCR)
- College punts
Because of the variety of options available, photos of Clare accommodation can be found in the Accommodation section of the Applying to Clare website. If there is a part of Clare you would like added to the tour, please contact a member of the UCS committee.
CLARE GARDENS
Clare has three gardens: the Fellows’ Garden, the Scholars’ Garden, and the Master’s Garden. The Fellows’ Garden is the largest of the three and is open to students during summer and autumn. Work on Old Court will result in temporary closure. The Master’s and Scholars’ Gardens are used for receptions and other events held by Clare and its societies.
THE LIBRARY COMMON ROOM
The Library Common Room (LCR) is a place to meet friends or take a break from the library. It offers several amenities and is looked after by the UCS Services Officer.
CLARE BAR AND JCR
Clare Cellars, comprising the student-run bar and the Junior Common Room, is one of the most unique and well-known student spaces in Cambridge. Students work the bar for a fair wage, and Cellars plays host to student bands and other performers throughout the year (as well as UCS-organised parties). Clare Bar have a page on our website here.
WELFARE ROOMS
The Riley Auditorium is a large, modern lecture theatre within Clare’s newest accommodation and conferencing centre in Memorial Court. The UCS books it out to host film and TV nights where students can mingle and spend time with friends (our Game of Thrones nights were very popular, for example). The UCS also has a welfare room in Memorial Court where the Welfare Officers host events and welfare drop-ins.
FORMAL HALL AND BUTTERY
Formal hall is where formal dinners are held most nights in Clare (costing around £8 for a three course meal for Clare students) as well as for special occasions like matriculation dinner (when you join the university). Buttery is the cafeteria, which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner Monday to Friday (offering brunch and dinner on Saturdays and dinner only on Sundays). Meals are priced quite reasonably (around £2-3 per meal), with ample vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available. After the Old Court renovations, the new buttery will include a riverside cafe!
CLARE PUNTS
Clare has a fleet of punts which are managed by the MCR and UCS Admirals. These can be hired for free by Clare students.
