Societies and clubs at Selwyn College, Cambridge

Formal Hall is on Tuesday and Thursday at 19:30 during term. The student guide describes it as an occasion to invite guests from other colleges and outside Cambridge. A student can book up to two guests online; if space permits, the Deans will consider requests for up to two more, provided the guests are personally known to the host. Members must not book guest tickets for other people's guests, and Formal Hall cannot be used to entertain large groups, including university clubs and societies, which should book a separate dinner through the Conference Office. All guests must be over 16. Booking is through Selwyn's members-only portal; no public booking cutoff was found. The 2026-27 charges are £18.25 member / £21.95 guest in the undergraduate schedule (opens in a new tab) and £17.75 / £21.30 in the postgraduate schedule (opens in a new tab), subject to review. Food and drink (opens in a new tab).

Entry usually begins by 19:10, the Porter checks names against the booking list, and doors close promptly at 19:30. Gowns are worn with formal dress (jacket and tie or equivalent); jeans, shorts, cropped tops and trainers are not allowed. Checks include a maximum of one bottle of wine per person, and drinking games are prohibited. Hosts are responsible for their guests. Formal-dinner rules (opens in a new tab).

Practical assessment: a Selwyn student can bring you as one of two guests; more needs the Deans' agreement, and groups need a separate private dinner.