Getting Involved

Getting involved in the MCR is a great way to meet fellow postgraduates, make friends and just generally have a great time during your time here at Clare. From the regular formals, events and bar openings to just hanging out in the MCR during the day and chatting over a nice brew and biscuit — we have you covered.

Come to Formals

One of the corner‐stones of MCR social like is “formal hall”. This is a weekly (during term time) formal, served, three‐course meal normally served in the Great Hall. Wearing gowns at these dinners is optional, but encouraged, for postgraduates.

MCR formals are on Fridays, with pre‐drinks served in the MCR from 19:00 and dinner itself starting 19:30. There is wine provided on the table (roughly enough for 1 glass per person) and you are free to bring your own (within reason!). They are an excellent chance to meet new people and catch up with friends. Each MCR member is entitled to book one ticket for themselves and normally at least one guest ticket too (so you can bring your partner or a friend).

Afterwards, the fun continues and turns up a notch in the MCR bar which remains open until late (23:30).

There are limited spaces at each Friday formal, so we operate a booking system (found here). Booking for each normally opens midday the Sunday before and closes by the end of the following Monday (i.e. 00:00 Tuesday).

Come to the Bar

The MCR bar is regularly open on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays — but also on other days too for specific events or upon request at the discretion of the bar managers. Wednesday and Thursday openings are normally fairly relaxed, with a good few people about to chat to over a drink or two. Friday is normally when things get busy, particularly after a formal. However, you are always welcome to join us regardless of whether you went to formal or not, so do drop by!

Volunteering to work behind the bar can also be an excellent way of getting to meet other MCR members. Nothing fosters friendship quite like supplying people with alcohol…

Come to the MCR

Outside bar openings, the MCR also serves as our common room to which we have ²⁴⁄₇ access. There’s typically always a handful of people in the MCR during the day. Some people use it as a space to work (although it is not a quiet working area, it’s primarily a space for socialisation, so do not expect for people to be quiet if you decide to do this). There is free tea, coffee, hot chocolate and biscuits available for use by MCR members, lots of comfy armchairs, sofas, and newspapers/magazines.

It’s a great place to meet up with friends over lunch (you can bring your plate in from the buttery if you’d rather not eat surrounded by undergraduates), tea/coffee, or just pop in to find who’s there and make some friends! We have a smart TV (and TV license), Wii, and plenty of board games to keep you occupied too.

Join the Committee