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Common Room - MCR

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 (Common Rooms - MCR)

Outside Access (MCR Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • This entrance gives access to the MCR.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'MCR'.
    • There is ramped/sloped 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.
    • A key fob is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key fob reader is 90cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • There is a push pad/button to exit the main automatic doors.
    • The exit push pad or push button is 95cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 85cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • 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 not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.

Approach (The Grove Main Entrance)

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is block paving.
    • The approach surface is uneven in places.
    • There is step-free access on the approach.
    • There is a slope with a very easy incline.
  • Comments View
    • There is block paving along the paths to the front of the entrance where the width of the path is restricted to 120cm and to the left of the entrance where the width of the path is restricted to 140cm.
    • To the right of the entrance is a loose gravel path with a width of 128cm (Photograph 3).

Outside Access (The Grove Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • This entrance gives access to the Dean's office area on the ground floor.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped and 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.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • A key fob is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key fob reader is 120cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single 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 not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • The ramp/slope does not bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located at the base of the entrance.
    • There is/are 1 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 4cm.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).

Approach (Rear Entrance)

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is block paving.
    • The approach surface is uneven in places.
    • The bollard(s) does/do not have a good colour contrast to prevent them being hazardous to visually impaired people.
  • 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 an alternative route to the entrance via a loose gravel path which bypasses the slope.

Outside Access (Rear Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the rear of the MCR Room.
    • This entrance gives access to the MCR bar room.
    • The entrance area/door is not 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 not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) by sliding.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 168cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Comments View
    • There is a single heavy door located nearby that enters the building next to the toilets to the rear of the building with a width of 86cm (Photograph 3).

Eating and Drinking (MCR)

  • Location and Access View
    • The following information is for the lounge.
  • Service Counter(s) View
    • The height of the counter is 92cm.
    • There is not a moveable card machine available for payment.
  • Tables and Seating View
    • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • The majority of tables are accessible to wheelchair users.
    • The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 73cm.
    • The surface height of the lowest table is 35cm.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs are permanently fixed.
    • Some chairs have armrests on both sides.
    • There are also coffee tables.
    • The type of flooring in this area is tiles.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is an external eating area with a table at heights of 68cm (photograph 5) There is also a table tennis table located here (photograph 6).

Breakout Space(s) (MCR Lounge Area)

  • Signage for the room(s) is not 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 73cm.
  • 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 not even.
  • There are multiple entrances into the room (photographs 1, 2, 3 and 4). These include a door with a width of 64cm between this room and MCR Kitchen Area Photograph 4 .
    There are coffee tables with heights between 35cm and 51cm.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located to the rear right of the building.
    • The stairs are approximately 15m from the MCR Main Entrance.
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available from the entrance.
    • There are manual, heavy, single doors to enter and exit the stairwell on the ground floor and on the first floor.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2.
    • 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 clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail on the right 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 good.

Meeting Room(s) (Blue Room)

  • Signage for the room(s) is not available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible on or near the door.
  • The corridor outside the room(s) is not 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 under 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 68cm.
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There is a/are chair(s) with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
  • Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.
  • The Blue Room is located directly off the stairwell on the second floor.

Meeting Room(s) (Green 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 not 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 under 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 some fixed furniture within the room(s).
  • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) ranges between 71cm and 73cm.
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There is a/are chair(s) with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
  • Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.
  • The Green Room is located directly off the stairwell on the second floor.

Accessible Toilet(s) (MCR - Ground Floor - Left Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the rear of The Grove near the ground floor MCR Rooms.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the MCR Main 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 signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • 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 good.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is good.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 340cm (4ft 11in x 11ft 2in).
    • 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 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • 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 good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • 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 a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 153cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • 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 cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • There is not a toilet roll holder.
    • 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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 100cm.
    • 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 93cm (3ft 1in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is fair.

Standard Toilet(s) (MCR - Ground Floor)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located to the rear of the ground floor MCR Rooms.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 8m from the MCR Main 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 lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are good.
    • This toilet can be seen in photograph 1.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The gender neutral toilet is located to the right as you exit the stairs on the second floor.
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 2m from the stairs.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 79cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are good.
    • This toilet can be seen in photographs 2 and 3.

Standard Toilet(s) (The Grove)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The gender neutral toilet is located to the left after you enter.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 8m from the main entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is poor.
    • There is pictorial and written text 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 twist/turn.
    • Lighting levels are good.
    • The width of the toilet door is 55cm.
      This toilet can be seen in photographs 1 and 2.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The shared toilet is located on the first floor, near Rooms 1-3.
    • There is stepped access into the toilet(s).
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is poor.
    • There is no signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 81cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are good.
    • This toilet can be seen in photographs 3 and 4.