Societies and clubs at St John's College, Cambridge

The College says there are 150 Formal Hall tickets five days a week, students wear black gowns, and students are welcome to bring friends or guests. College food and drink page (opens in a new tab)

The SBR's Postgraduate Freshers' Guide 2026, an informal guide written by the postgraduate committee, gives the details. Dinners run every evening except Monday and Saturday in term. Tickets are bought on Upay before 09:00 the day before (09:00 Friday for Sunday). Prices are around £25.20 with wine / £19.39 without for guests (£19.20 / £13.18 for members). Dinner starts at 19:30 sharp and latecomers are not admitted. You need your University Card to be checked in. Apart from gowns there is no dress code, though most people dress fairly formally. The guide says members may take up to four guests. BA Table (Tuesday and Friday, postgraduates only) is a separate Upay ticket that often sells out, and Superhalls may sell out quickly. SBR Postgraduate Freshers' Guide 2026 (opens in a new tab)

Conflict: the College's Guide to Student Behaviour, updated 25 September 2026, §6.6, says students need the Dean for Student Conduct's permission to bring more than 2 guests to Formal Hall. Under §6.7, students are responsible for their guests' behaviour. Treat two as the ordinary allowance. Guide to Student Behaviour (opens in a new tab)

Practical assessment: A visitor needs a St John’s student to book them on Upay by 09:00 the day before. Without the Dean's permission, that student can bring two guests at most. Prices come from the SBR's informal guide; check Upay for the actual rate.