Societies and clubs at Robinson College, Cambridge

Formal Hall is on Tuesday and Friday in Full Term; doors open at 19:20. A member books themselves first and then up to three guests on the members-only Meal Booking Website (opens in a new tab), entering each guest's full name and college; incomplete names may be refused entry. Places generally go on sale six days ahead (midnight Wednesday for Tuesday, midnight Saturday for Friday) and close at 17:00 the day before. The undated prices are £14.96 member / £25.83 guest including VAT; Robinson members booked as guests pay the guest rate. A late-cancellation fee applies: the Formal Halls page (opens in a new tab) gives £8.87 for cancelling less than 24 hours before booking closes, while the booking procedure (opens in a new tab) says places cancelled within 24 hours of the hall incur a fee.

Groups: Tuesday is the night for clubs and societies, with up to 36 people and no member-to-guest ratio; Friday groups are up to 18 with three guests per Robinson member. Bookings with more than three non-member guests must be on a Tuesday and go through the Catering Office: check availability at least 14 days ahead, then hand in the group booking form (opens in a new tab) with names, colleges and diets no later than one week before, when payment is taken. The organiser signs an agreement taking responsibility for guests' behaviour and for Robinson members wearing gowns. Dress is smart casual and Robinson members wear gowns. Wine can be bought at the Bar before Hall. Drinking games and excessive drinking can lead to removal or a ban.

Practical assessment: a Robinson member can bring three guests, and Tuesday group bookings of up to 36 make organised visits comparatively easy if arranged two weeks ahead.