The MCR refers to the graduate common area as well as the graduate student body in college. The common room itself consists of two adjoining rooms: the Red Room (the one with the red walls and sofas) and the Blue Room (thankfully no longer actually blue). The latter also contains a small kitchen.
In the Red Room, you will find computers connected to the university network (and of course, the internet). These require your PWF password for access. The general policy on these machines is that if you are alone in the room, you may use them as long as you like; however, if there are other people waiting to use the computers, please be courteous and remember that this isn’t the time to beat your personal best at Robot Unicorn Attack. You will also find in the Red Room a television offering the standard UK freeview channels (BBC, ITV, Channels 4 and 5, and many more).
Strewn about both rooms you will find a selection of Britain’s finest broadsheets and magazines for your perusal. The Guardian, the Independent, the Daily Telegraph, the Times, the Financial Times, and the Economist as well as a few foreign weeklies are all available. Other papers of questionable quality and unpopular political leanings were “banned” from the MCR following a survey of the student body conducted in the 2009-10 academic year.
The kitchen attached to the Blue Room is open to all MCR members, and has a fridge, toaster, microwave, coffeemaker and teapot, as well as crockery and cutlery. Best of all, everything that is stored in the kitchen cupboards and fridge (unless it has someone’s name on it) is there for you to enjoy, so please help yourself! This generally includes hot chocolate, tea, coffee, sugar, milk, bread and jam. The cupboards are kept stocked by your Stewards—feel free to let them know if supplies run low. You’re also welcome to store your own (labelled) food in the fridge.
The MCR is a very pleasant place to read, grab a coffee, or chat with friends. If there is anything you think we can do to make it even nicer, please send us an email with your questions and comments anytime!
Left: MCR Pub Quiz, Michaelmas 2010