Graduate life at Hertford

The MCR, clubs and societies, and the student experience.

‘The Middle Common Room is set in this really beautiful historic Octagon building, which we all love.’
Inka Snellman, MCR Outreach Rep

What is the MCR?

The Middle Common Room is the graduate common room at Hertford. It is run by a committee elected each year by the graduate body. Graduate student welfare is a substantial part of that work: the committee includes a Welfare Officer, an Equalities Representative and a Queer and Women’s Officer, each with their own inbox and each available for a confidential conversation as well as for the regular welfare events they run. There is also a welfare taxi scheme, so that nobody needs to worry about getting home safely late at night. You can see the current committee, our term cards, standing orders, and more at hertfordmcr.com.

As a member of the MCR, you’ll be part of a vibrant community that offers social events, academic activities and peer support throughout the year.

We run events most weeks of term: our signature Wine & Cheese events and themed cocktail nights in the Octagon, film nights, exchange dinners with other colleges, and a black-tie MCR formal every term – from Waugh Night held in honour of Hertford’s own Evelyn Waugh, to Burns Night and the May Day feast. Alongside these are cosy events: coffee mornings and other quieter events, most of them free, and an Academic Soirée where graduates present their research to one another. In 2025–26 the MCR held 149 events in total, and new arrivals are welcomed with a three-week Freshers’ programme.

Housed in the historic Octagon building, the MCR is your home in college. Whether it’s dressing up for dinner in our beautifully candle-lit Hall, choosing from the many events on offer, or relaxing in the college café or our cosy common room, there’s always something happening at Hertford. You can also book a guest room for visiting family, practise in the music room or find a quiet moment in the chapel.

Watch DPhil immunology student Zehra Azim talking about her experience

See a day in the life of DPhil biochemist Inka Snellman