Our Postgraduate Events are designed to foster a vibrant community and enhance your experience at the university. From academic talks and symposia to social gatherings and formal dinners, there are numerous opportunities to connect with fellow Johnians. Explore our calendar for upcoming events and be sure to sign up for those that interest you! Events are announced via college e-mail and also advertised on social media. 

Academic

• Grad talks. Grad talks offer Johnians a chance to share their research with the college community in a relaxed and informal setting. Talks are held periodically throughout Michaelmas and Lent terms, typically before BA Table, and consist of a 12-minute presentation followed by discussion. Complimentary wine is provided for attendees. Speakers are welcome to enjoy a complimentary formal dinner at any time during the term as a thank-you for their contribution. Sign-up sheets for grad talks are sent out at the start of Michaelmas and Lent terms.

• Postgraduate research symposium. Each year, in Lent term, the SBR hosts a one-day research symposium open to all postgraduate students. This event gives Johnians the chance to share their research with the college community and alumni in a more formal setting, similar to what might be seen in an academic conference. Symposium talks are a maximum of 15 minutes, with an extra 5 minutes allotted for questions. Complimentary refreshments are provided for attendees between sessions, and a special drinks reception is held in the SBR after the conclusion of the final session. Sign-ups for symposium talks open at the beginning of Lent term.

Ents

Throughout the year, the SBR hosts multiple parties: Halloween, St Patrick's day, end-of-term parties, etc. Announcements are made via e-mail and on our Instagram.

Formal Halls

• Postgrads dine with fellows. Every term, fellows invite postgraduate students to dine with them at high table. Tickets are free, but limited. They are available on UPay. Postgrads should not attend more than once per academic year.

• BA Table. Every Tuesday and Friday during term, one of the three hall tables is reserved for graduate students. Be sure to purchase your BA Table ticket in advance on UPay, as it often sells out. Tickets are exclusive to graduates.

• Swaps. Swaps are inter-collegiate dining events where we dine at other Cambridge colleges and invite them to dine with us. These events may include parties, and we also have swaps with colleges like Balliol (Oxford), Trinity (Dublin), Ghislieri (Italy), and Uppsala (Sweden).

• Port & Sherry. Port & Sherry is offered in the SBR after hall on Fridays, for just £1.50 per glass. 

Fresher's Fortnight

The SBR hosts a wide range of events over a span of two weeks to welcome postgraduate freshers.  These events are integrated into a programme comprising mandatory freshers activities such as registration, matriculation, and orientation as well as university-wide activities such as the CUSU Freshers' Fair and Societies Fairs.

Sans Frontières

These exclusive events for postgraduates, fellows, and visiting fellows offer unique opportunities to engage with history, culture, and the college community. Enjoy historical walks, museum tours, cheese tastings, wine cellar tours, and social gatherings like dining with fellows. Special events such as ghost stories and commemorative evenings provide a mix of learning and entertainment throughout the term.