Bedder
A bedder, short for bedmaker, is the housekeeper who looks after student rooms, staircases and shared areas in a Cambridge College. The role is part-time College employment, and its Oxford equivalent is known as a scout.
In practice
At Trinity, bedmakers clean communal areas and offices as well as rooms occupied by Fellows, students and guests; experience is not required since full training is given, but reliability, tact and discretion are. At St John's the job is described the same way: bedrooms, offices and public areas cleaned to the required standard as part of a housekeeping service for members, guests and visitors. Rotas and the level of service vary between Colleges. Keep your room accessible on cleaning days, and report damage early rather than leaving it to be found.
Why it matters to newcomers
For a fresher, the bedder is the College face they see most often, and the relationship sets the tone for communal living. A clear floor on cleaning day and a friendly word go a long way. For families, it helps to know that College rooms are cleaned by staff, and each College's accommodation pages say what students need to bring.
Related
- Porter and the Porters' Lodge - the front desk behind the same household
- College - the institution that employs bedders
Sources: Bedmaker vacancy at Trinity; Bedmaker vacancy at St John's; Bedder.