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Common Room - JCR

Fitzwilliam College, Storey's Way , Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB3 0DG

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Access Guide

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Getting To and Around Fitzwilliam College

  • Arriving By Car or Bike View
    • 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).
  • By Bus View
  • By Train View
  • Accessing the College Site View
    • 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.
  • Getting Around the College Site View
    • 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.
  • Additional College Site Information View
    • 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

Site/Campus Car Park (South Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • 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.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by staff, visitors and Blue Badge holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • 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)

  • Car Park View
    • 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.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by staff and visitors.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • 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 Common Room - JCR)

Approach (South Entrance)

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is block paving.
    • The approach surface is uneven in places.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope on the approach.
  • Comments View
    • There is level access on the approach from the left as you face the entrance (Photograph 1).
    • There is a slight slope on the approach from the right as you face the entrance with no handrails. There is a 150cm x 150cm turning space at the top of the slope. (Photographs 2 and 3).
    • There are 7 medium steps with no handrails in front of the entrance. The steps do not have tactile paving at the top and bottom of the steps (Photograph 4).
    • The approach path to the left or right is used to overcome the steps.

Outside Access (South Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the south of the Central Building.
    • This entrance gives access to the South Entrance foyer including the lift.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • 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 double width but one door is locked.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 82cm.
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located ahead as you enter.
    • There is/are 3 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on the right going up the step(s).
    • 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.
  • Lift View
    • There is a lift to access this entrance.
    • The lift does bypass the step(s).

Lift (South Entrance)

  • The lift is located ahead as you enter via the South Entrance.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the South Entrance.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1.
  • The platform lift accesses a small level change.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 410kg.
  • 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.
  • 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 high.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is medium.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 150cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 11in).
  • There are 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 not have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not 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.

Approach (East Entrance)

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is block paving.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope on the approach.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent, has a slight gradient and has no handrails.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • Comments View
    • There is a slope in front of the entrance (Photograph 1) and to the right of the entrance (Photograph 2).

Outside Access (East Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the East of the building.
    • This entrance gives access to the ground floor corridor.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Coffee Shop Entrance'.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not 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 double width but one door is locked.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 65cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 125cm.

Outside Access (West Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the west of the Central Building.
    • This entrance gives access to the Old SCR.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped 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 double width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 110cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 120cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.

Step(s) (West Entrance)

  • Stepped Level Change 1 View
    • There is a/are step(s) located between the West Entrance and the main corridor.
    • The step(s) is/are used to access the main corridor and all other ground services except the Old SCR.
    • There is/are 3 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on the right going up.
    • 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.
    • The lighting levels at the step(s) are good.

Outside Access (Junior Common Room - Walter Grave Room External Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the west of the Common Room.
    • This entrance gives access to the JCR.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • 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 84cm.
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located to the right of the entrance and at the base of the entrance door.
    • There is/are 2 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).

Breakout Space(s) (Junior Common Room - Walter Grave Room)

  • Signage for the room(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible on or near the door.
  • The corridor outside the room(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • There is step free access into the room(s) from the corridor.
  • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
  • The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
  • There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
  • There is not fixed furniture within the room(s).
  • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) is 74cm.
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There is a/are chair(s) with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
  • The room does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.
  • There are coffee tables at a height of 48cm. There is a vending machine within control and payment heights between 110cm and 150cm.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located next to the JCR on the ground floor of the Central Building.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the East Entrance.
    • 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 pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens by sliding.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 93cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is poor.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 225cm (4ft 11in x 7ft 5in).
    • 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a waste disposal bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There is no dropdown rail.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on the right.
    • There is not 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 good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is poor.
    • 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 general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not 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 wall which acts as a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • 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 58cm (1ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
    • 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 are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • 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 116cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 108cm (3ft 7in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is poor.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a flip down baby change table available .
    • The height of the baby change table is 90cm.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located in the corridor to the West of the building.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 20m from the East Entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 85cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
    • Lighting levels are good.
    • These toilets can be seen in photographs 1, 2 and 3.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The female and male toilets are located at the far end of the corridor to the West of the Dining Hall on the ground floor.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 15m from the West Entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • 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 88cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are good.
    • These toilets can be seen in photographs 4 and 5.