Societies and clubs at Hughes Hall, Cambridge

Formal Hall is open to members of Hughes Hall and their personal guests only; guests can attend only with the member hosting them, and a host who cannot come cannot send guests alone. Formals are usually on Tuesdays and Fridays in term: drinks at 19:00 in the Peter Richards Room, dinner in Hall at 19:30. On arrival the Porter checks the reservation and number of guests, and the group must meet before joining drinks. Formal Halls (opens in a new tab).

Book and prepay in Upay from meal credit. Deadlines: Tuesday formal by 10:00 the preceding Friday; Friday formal by 10:00 the preceding Tuesday. Each student may bring up to three guests (up to four places); some popular evenings have tighter limits. Larger groups, such as MCR swaps organised by the External Social Secretary, recognised Hughes societies or PhD research groups, must be approved via formal.hall@hughes.cam.ac.uk. Bookings are personal and non-transferable and may not be resold; the Conference Office may be able to reassign a ticket if asked by 14:30 the day before. Hosts wishing to bring under-18 guests should check with the College in good time. The page lists £17 for students and £20 per guest without stating a year (page last updated 12 August 2026). Formal Halls (opens in a new tab).

Dress: lounge suit (jacket and tie) or equivalent; no jeans, T-shirts or trainers; gowns optional. Hosts are responsible for their guests' behaviour; phones off or silent. Formal Halls (opens in a new tab).

Practical assessment: a student from another college needs a Hughes Hall member to book and attend with them, a few days ahead of the published deadline; groups and swaps need prior approval.