As members of other colleges will NEVER tire of telling you, Girton is literally miles from the centre. So unless you fancy trudging through all weather for an hour to get to lectures, this blogger recommends a bike!
2. A swimming costume!
One of Girton's finest features is that it is the only Cambridge college to have its own (heated, indoor) swimming pool! Huzzah!
3. An ethernet cable
I think this applies to all colleges...Cambridge lives in the dark ages and there is very little chance of you getting wifi in your room.
4. A wifi repeater
...having said that, pick up one of these bad boys for £15 on Amazon and wifi is yours! (And possibly everyone else's on your corridor if, like me, you're technologically challenged and cannot work out how to put a passcode on. I reckon by third year, I'll be there.)
5. A bike lock!
No one likes having to trudge two and a half miles home in the pouring rain because they didn't bother to lock up their swanky new bike. Having said that, number 1 should be an old bike, because then people are less likely to nick it.
6. A sense of humour
Girtonians need to be able to laugh at themselves, because lord knows everyone else will. ;-)
7. A fancy outfit
Again, applicable for all colleges. This is required for putting under an academic gown for various events, including, but not limited to: meeting the mistress, the Matriculation Photo, Matriculation formal and multiple formals at other colleges where you get rip roaringly drunk and tell basic strangers your darkest secrets. Ahem.
8. A fancy dress costume, probably 90s themed.
There will definitely be a fancy dress Ent/Bop/club night at some point during your first year and most likely on a week day night during Freshers week so come prepared. 90s seems to be a popular theme, so if the details haven't been released yet then it's probably a safe bet.
9. Your brain
Likely to be required for lectures.
And finally...
10. Waterproofs; waterproof hats, gloves, trousers, coats, anything.
Because cycling in the rain in a cotton dress, tights and a cardigan might not be that bad, but steaming in lectures as you dry off is.
Bonus items: deodorant and a watch.
Girtonians are notorious for turning up to lectures late and sweaty due to the cycle ride. You have been warned.
