Selwyn is committed to the welfare of our students and aim to make sure that everyone is properly supported and that our site is as inclusive and accessible as possible. We are happy to discuss the support that you may require at any time and encourage you to get in touch with us at an early stage and to look at the facilities we can offer.
We encourage anyone thinking of studying, visiting or working at Selwyn to use our "AccessAble" guides, available here: Selwyn College access guides
Applying to Selwyn?
If you are thinking of applying to Selwyn College and would like to discuss accessibility arrangements, your first point of contact depends on whether you are considering an application for an undergraduate or a postgraduate course.
For undergraduate student applicants, the College's contact details can be found at https://www.sel.cam.ac.uk/joining-selwyn/undergraduates/visiting-and-contacting-us. Postgraduates should start their journey here: Applying | Selwyn College (cam.ac.uk)
If you are considering applying to the University of Cambridge to study, we encourage students with disabilities to contact the Accessibility & Disability Resource Centre as soon as possible.
Information for students with disabilities is available on the Cambridge University website: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/application-process/how-do-i-apply/disabled-applicants and also https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/funding/funding-disabled-students
Already a Selwyn member?
If you are an existing student at Selwyn, please contact the Accommodation Officer (Mrs Alison Benham) in the first instance:
Email: accommodation@sel.cam.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)1223 769339
Our Accommodation
Several student rooms are accessible for wheelchair users, with adapted en-suite facilities. Flashing beacon fire alarms are installed in three student rooms and vibrating pillows are available on request. Some rooms have been adapted for visual and hearing impairments. One room has a nearby adapted kitchen with lowered worktops.
The College takes a pragmatic approach to student needs and further individual adaptations could be made with notice. Arrangements for students with learning difficulties are made on an individual basis, in conjunction with the Disability Resource Centre.
Typical accessible accommodation, Cripps Court
Features include an adapted wardrobe and emergency alarm. The en-suite has a wheel-in shower, adjustable shower head, emergency alarm, drop down rails and wall-mounted rails. The nearby kitchen has lowered worktops with knee recess and low level cupboards.
Our Facilities
Some of our historic buildings in Old Court were not built with accessibility in mind, but adaptations have been made to ensure all students can access facilities such as the cafeteria, historic dining hall, chapel and the bar.
Most buildings, meeting rooms and teaching rooms are accessible, either on the ground floor, or via a ramp or lift. There is one accessible music practice room on the ground floor in Cripps Court. Access to Cripps Court is via a step-free push pad security gate.
The Junior Common Room (JCR) has lift access and an accessible toilet. The Middle Combination Room (MCR) is on the ground floor in Cripps Court, with an accessible toilet nearby.
The gym is accessible on the ground floor, with an accessible toilet and shower. The College Bar has ground floor level access and a lowered counter. There are spacious, moveable chairs and tables and some sofas.
Newer developments such as Ann’s Court, built in 2005-09, have lift access, as does our new library and auditorium which opened in 2021 and study centre which opened in April 2022.
It is generally quiet and peaceful around the College.
Other useful information
The Sidgwick Site – which houses faculties such as Law, Economics, English, History, Classics and Modern Languages – is right next to our gardens and accessible via a step free path from the College. The access guide for the Sidgwick Site can be found here
.jpg)
