MCR and JCR
The MCR and JCR are the graduate and undergraduate communities of a Cambridge College and their common rooms: the Middle Combination Room for graduate students and the Junior Combination Room for undergraduates. The Fellows have a Senior Combination Room, the SCR. Cambridge says "Combination Room" where most other universities say "Common Room".
In practice
Each MCR and JCR elects a committee that represents students to the College, organises social events, swaps and welfare support, and runs the room itself - often a lounge with newspapers, a kitchen and a television. Some Colleges use different names, such as a Graduate Union or Students' Association. Graduate students usually join the MCR automatically when they matriculate.
Why it matters to newcomers
If you arrive as a graduate student, the MCR is your College's social network: its welcome events, formal hall swaps with other Colleges and peer support are the quickest way to meet people. Partners of graduate students are often welcome at MCR events; ask the committee.
Related
- Fellow - the senior members with their own Combination Room
- College - the community the rooms belong to
- Formal hall - where many MCR events happen
Source: University of Cambridge.