Access Guide
Getting To and Around Fitzwilliam College
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Arriving By Car or Bike
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- Fitzwilliam College is on the north-west side of Cambridge, between Huntingdon Road and Storey's Way and it can be accessed from both roads. The main entrance is located on Storey's Way.
- Fitzwilliam College has two car parks, one at the main (south) entrance on Storey's Way, the other on Huntingdon Road (north entrance). If you are a visitor and wish to use the car park please report to the Porters' Lodge on Storey's Way. If you are a conference guest you must speak to your conference organizer. In addition, on-street car parking is available along Storey's Way by the College entrance. Students are generally not permitted to use cars in the immediate locality unless given permission based on specific requirements.
- Cycling is a popular form of transport in Cambridge. The city is relatively flat and there is an extensive network of cycle routes. The College has plenty of on-site storage for bicycles, including to the rear of Blocks A-D and next to the Porters' Lodge.
- For more information on getting to Fitzwilliam College please click here (opens new tab).
- For more information on cycle routes and maps in Cambridge please click here (opens new tab).
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By Bus
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- There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the campus.
- There are bus stops in Huntingdon Road close to the College.
The bus services that stop in Huntingdon Road include; 5 citi and 6 citi.
These bus services give direct links to; Oakington, Swavesey, Bar Hill, Fenstanton, Madingley, and Cambridge city centre.
The main bus station in Drummer Street is approximately 1.2 miles away from Fitzwilliam College. - Cambridge City Centre Bus Station AccessAble Access Guide (new tab) - click here.
- For more information on planning a bus journey in Cambridge please click here (opens new tab).
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By Train
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- The nearest Railway Station is Cambridge.
- Cambridge Station is approximately 2.1 miles away from Fitzwilliam College. The station has direct links to London Kings Cross, London Liverpool Street, Cambridge North, Kings Lynn, Stansted Airport, Brighton, Ipswich and Norwich. The rail companies that operate out of this station are; Cross Country, Great Northern, Thameslink and Greater Anglia.
- For more information on Cambridge Station please click here (opens new tab).
- For more information on planning a train journey to Cambridge please click here (opens new tab).
- Cambridge Station AccessAble Access Guide (new tab) - click here.
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Accessing the College Site
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- The main (south) entrance to the College site is located at the south side of the College site off Storey’s Way. Access is to the right of the Porters’ Lodge and through a foyer out to Gatehouse Court. The first door is level, with a slightly raised threshold, and opens automatically with a key card (Photographs 1 and 2). The width of the door opening is 96cm and the height of the car reader is 104cm. The second door to exit, at the rear of the foyer, is power assisted and opens away from you (Photograph 3). The opening width of the door is 93cm. After exiting the foyer there is a sloped path with a slight upwards gradient leading out to Gatehouse Court (Photograph 4).
- Alternative pedestrian access to the site, for key card holders, is via the north entrance which is located off Huntingdon Road next to the main car park (Photograph 5). Access to this entrance is via ramp or steps to either side (the ramps can be used to bypass the steps). The ramp to the right of the entrance has an easier gradient (Photograph 6). There are 2 steps to the right of the entrance and 4 steps to the left. Both sets have handrails on both sides (Photographs 7 and 8). There are 2 sets of doors at this entrance (Photographs 9 and 10). The first door is key card activated and opens automatically towards you. The width of the door opening 88cm and the height of the card reader is 92cm. There is also an intercom system at a height of 110cm. The second door opens automatically away from you and has an opening width of 84cm. This entrance gives access to the site through D Block next to Tree Court.
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Getting Around the College Site
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- The external areas of the College site have an extensive network of paths. The paths mostly have a flagstone paving surface which may be slightly uneven in places (Photographs 11 to 19). The access road to the rear of Blocks J to S has a tarmac surface (Photograph 20) and the walkways around Fellows' Court are tiled (Photograph 21). The site is mostly quite flat, however, there are some stepped and sloped sections along the paths. Steps can be bypassed by taking alternative routes. There are bench seats for resting throughout the College site.
- The width of paths does vary, many are wide (150cm+) but there are some narrower sections such as past the Chapel (80cm - Photograph 22) and between Wilson Court and The Grove (100cm). The garden area in the central area of the College site is accessed via 7 unmarked steps from the Hall Building (Photograph 23) or 5 unmarked steps from the Chapel (Photograph 24), however, these steps can be avoided by accessing the garden from the path leading from The Grove. The steps do not have handrails. Paths to and around the garden have a gravel, loose bark or grass surface (Photographs 25 and 26).
- There are some steep gradients on some sections of the paths such as; outside the Auditorium, to the rear of The Grove (Photograph 27), past the Library, outside Block L (Photograph 28) and leading down to the Hall Building in Tree Court. Stepped sections between The Grove and the Hall Building and outside Block L can be bypassed using these steeper paths.
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Additional College Site Information
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- Many of the buildings at Fitzwilliam College have step-free access into them although some of the accommodation buildings have stepped access. Please see our Detailed Access Guides for further information on access to buildings.
- There is extensive directional signage around the College site which makes navigation easier for those unfamiliar with the layout (Photographs 29 to 31). The signage is consistent and clearly presented with good colour contrast. Accessible toilet facilities are located in the main (south) entrance foyer, the Hall Building, Wilson Court and the Auditorium.
Useful Information
- To see more information on Equality and Respect - Disability please click here (opens new tab).
- Email: [email protected].
- To see more information on University of Cambridge Disability Resource Centre please click here (opens new tab).
- Telephone Number: 01223 332 301.
- Email: [email protected].
- To see more information on Accommodation please click here (opens new tab).
- To see more information on Admissions please click here (opens new tab).
- Telephone Number: 01223 332 030.
- Email: [email protected].
- To see more information on Coronavirus Advice please click here (opens new tab).
- Email: [email protected].
Site/Campus Car Park (South Car Park)
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Car Park
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- The car park is located at the front of the College site, off Storey's Way.
- The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are the Porters' Lodge and the Gatehouse.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
- The car park surface is loose chippings.
- Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
- There is/are 2 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
- The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 319cm x 432cm.
- The Blue Badge parking bays have a marked zone only at the rear.
- The marked zone is 71cm wide.
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Charges and Restrictions
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- This car park can be used by staff, visitors and Blue Badge holders.
- There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
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Drop Off Point
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- There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
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Car Park Access
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- There is step free access from this car park.
- Buildings are not clearly signposted from this car park.
- There is not a campus map available within the car park.
- The nearest designated bay is 17m (18yd 1ft) from the South/Main Entrance.
- Of the two blue bade bays one is clearly marked and signposted and the other is just signposted.
The path leading to the South/Main Entrance from the car park is 125cm wide
(Photographs 17 and 18).
There is an area off this car park specifically for Fellows' parking. There are two electric vehicle charging available in the car park.
Site/Campus Car Park (North Car Park)
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Car Park
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- The car park is located at the rear of the College, off Huntingdon Road.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
- The car park surface is tarmac.
- Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
- The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
- There is/are 2 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
- The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 240cm x 480cm.
- The marked zone is 130cm wide.
- The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
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Charges and Restrictions
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- This car park can be used by staff and visitors.
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Drop Off Point
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- There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
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Car Park Access
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- There is step free access from this car park.
- Buildings are not clearly signposted from this car park.
- There is not a campus map available within the car park.
- Of the two blue badge bays one has hatched marking on either side and the other on both sides. There are four electric vehicle charging bays available within the car park as shown in photographs 8 and 9.
Getting To (The Auditorium)
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Location
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- The Auditorium is situated off Gatehouse Court.
- Gatehouse Court is beyond the entrance building after entering the College via the Main/South Entrance.
- There is wayfinding signage along the route to the Auditorium.
- The Auditorium Meeting Rooms are located within the Music Practice Rooms area.
- Fitzwilliam College link (new tab) - click here.
- Music Practice Rooms link (new tab) - click here.
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Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities
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- Accessible toilet facilities are located on the basement floor.
- Female standard toilet facilities are located on the basement floor.
- Male standard toilet facilities are located on the basement floor.
Outside Access (Auditorium)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the Auditorium towards the South of the College.
- This entrance gives access to the ground floor Atrium.
- The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
- There is step-free access at this entrance.
- There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
- The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is not an intercom.
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 130cm.
Inside Access
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Access and Circulation
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- There is step-free access throughout the building.
- The type of flooring is tiles.
- There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor.
- The lighting levels are good.
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Signage
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- Wayfinding signage is not provided.
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Safe Place(s)
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- There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
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Audio
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- This area does not play background music/sound.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The system is a fixed loop.
- The is a fixed loop located in the Auditorium.
Lecture Theatre(s)
- Signage for the lecture theatre(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible on or near the door.
- The corridor outside the lecture theatre(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
- There is step free access into the lecture theatre(s) from the corridor.
- The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the lecture theatre(s).
- The door(s) for the lecture theatre(s) is/are not push pad activated.
- There are designated spaces for wheelchair users within the lecture theatre(s).
- The designated spaces for wheelchairs users are located at the back.
- There is level access to the designated seating from an entrance.
- There is space for an assistance dog.
- There is step free access to the speaker's area at the front of the lecture theatre(s).
- The height of the lectern is 94cm.
- The lectern is not height adjustable.
- There is staggered seating within the lecture theatre(s).
- The steps to the staggered seating do have handrails.
- The steps have handrails which are wall mounted on either side of the room.
- There is a hearing assistance system for the lecture theatre(s).
- The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
- There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the lecture theatre(s).
- There is fixed furniture within the lecture theatre(s).
- A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
- There is a/are chair(s) with armrests on both sides within the lecture theatre(s).
- The room does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- Floor coverings in the lecture theatre(s) are even with no trip hazards.
- There are two alternative entrances to the Auditorium on the ground floor, both of which provide step-free access to the rear and sides of the Auditorium (Photographs 1 and 2). There are also two similar entrances on the basement floor which provide step-free access to the speaker's area and stepped access to the rest of the Auditorium seating (Photographs 3 and 4).
Other Floors (B, G)
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Stairs
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- Stairs can be used to access other floors.
- The stairs are located to the right after you enter.
- The stairs are approximately 6m from the entrance.
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are B, G.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the step(s) is/are 17cm.
- The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
- The steps are not clearly marked.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The steps have a handrail on both sides.
- Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
- Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- Handrails are easy to grip.
- Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
- There is a landing.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
- The lighting levels at the steps are good.
Other Floors (G, 1)
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Stairs
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- Stairs can be used to access other floors.
- The stairs are located ahead as you enter.
- The stairs are approximately 9m from the entrance.
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The height of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the step(s) is/are 19cm.
- The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
- The steps are not clearly marked.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The steps have a handrail on the left going up.
- Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
- Handrails do not cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- Handrails are not easy to grip.
- Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
- There is not a landing.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
- The lighting levels at the steps are low to moderate.
Lift
- The lift is located ahead as you enter.
- The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the entrance.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are B, G, 1.
- The weight limit for the lift is 1000kg.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
- There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
- Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
- The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
- The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is low.
- The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is high.
- The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 220cm (3ft 7in x 7ft 3in).
- There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
- There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
- The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
- The lift does have an audible announcer.
- The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
- There is not a hearing loop system.
- The lift does have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting levels in the lift are good.
Toilet with Adaptations (Basement - Right Transfer)
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
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Location and Access
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- This accessible toilet is located on the basement floor, to the left after you exit the lift.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the lift.
- There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- There is written text and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is heavy.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm.
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
- The door has a horizontal grab rail.
- The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is high.
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Toilet Features
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- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 160cm x 215cm (5ft 3in x 7ft 1in).
- The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The lighting levels are good.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
- The lateral transfer space is 80cm (2ft 7in).
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- There is not a spatula type lever flush.
- There is a lever flush.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is low.
- There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
- There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
- There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
- There is not an emergency alarm.
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
- Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
- There is a/are female sanitary disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Additional Fixtures
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- There is a mirror.
- The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- The toilet has a fixed horizontal rail without a padded backrest.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
- There is a toilet roll holder.
- The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 80cm (2ft 7in).
- The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is low.
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
- The height of the wash basin is 72cm (2ft 4in).
- There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the right hand side of the wash basin.
- The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is low.
- The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
- There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 93cm.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the hand dryer is 92cm (3ft).
- The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is low.
Standard Toilet(s) (Basement)
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Toilet Facilities
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- The female and male toilets are located on the basement floor, to the left after you exit the lift.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 8m from the lift.
- The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
- The height of the wash basin(s) is 86cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
- Lighting levels are good.