Cambridge pre-arrival information

We are really looking forward to welcoming you to our Summer School. On this page, you will find useful information to help you to prepare for your arrival.

This information on this page is not yet final and will continue to be updated as we get closer to the start of the Summer School. We encourage you to check back regularly for the most up-to-date information.

Before you travel

Arrival and departure dates

When booking flights and planning your travel, please ensure that they align with the arrival and departure dates:

2026 Arrival Dates for Boarders:

• Group 1: Sunday 28th June
• Group 2: Sunday 12th July
• Group 3: Sunday 26th July

2026 Departure Dates:

• Group 1: Saturday 11th July
• Group 2: Saturday 25th July
• Group 3: Saturday 8th August

For boarding students, arrivals day is a day for settling in and getting to know each other. For those students being dropped off at the accommodation by friends and family, we advise arriving between 12pm and 5pm, however, we can accept students from 9am-9pm.

What to bring with you

• Toiletries such as shower gel, handwash, shampoo, toothpaste, etc. These items will NOT be provided in rooms.
• If you are using our transfer service, please ensure you only have 1 medium size suitcase (23kg) and 1 small piece of hand luggage. More luggage than this cannot be accommodated unless you want to pay for a premium private service. This must be organised with our team in advance.
• A pair of comfortable and supportive walking shoes. We walk a lot in both London and Cambridge.
• Casual clothes, suitable for both warm and cool weather.
• Waterproof jacket and umbrella.
• Sun protection cream and a hat.
• A reusable water bottle. Please carry this with you at all times.
• Make sure you bring something loose and comfortable to wear for sports and activities.
• The dress code for summer school classes is comfortable and casual.
• Smart clothes for the Summer School party taking place on the final Friday evening of each group.
• A mobile phone so you are contactable during free time and offsite trips.
• Please install WhatsApp as staff will use this app on designated school phones to communicate with students. Note: Some countries restrict WhatsApp. In this case, if you can obtain an E-sim with a UK number before arrival and download the app at the airport, it will help to connect with our transfer service and staff if required. Please share this number with us prior to arrival, if possible.
• A laptop or tablet is useful, especially for Business and Medicine students but it is not essential! You will have access to desktop computers at the school.
• Mobile/laptop chargers and travel adaptors.
• Portable charger
• UK SIM card or E-sim
• Hairdryer, if needed. Please note, we do not provide any hairdryers or hairstyling tools.
• Towels and bed linen will be provided.
• A pre-paid international bank card for spending pocket money (avoid bringing large amounts of cash). Some international bank cards will not always work at UK bank machines. Apple and Google Pay are widely accepted.
• You will be provided with one pillow. If you require an additional one, please purchase this and bring with you or buy when you arrive.

On your journey

Travel documents to keep in your hand luggage

• Passport: You will need your valid passport (the same one as used to apply for ETA or Visa) if you are travelling from overseas to the UK. Photo ID cards are no longer accepted as identity documents for European travellers entering the UK.
• Travel Consent form: signed by both parents (if applicable) at the UK border control.
• Confirmation of Enrolment Letter (if you applied for an ETA) letter for UK Border Control stating your tuition and accommodation fees are paid in full. If not provided, you may be asked to demonstrate proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.
• Visa Supporting Letter (if you had to apply for a Visitor Visa before travelling to the UK) for UK Border Control stating your tuition and accommodation fees are paid in full. If not provided, you may be asked to demonstrate proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.
• Medical insurance document. We provide boarders with this at travel confirmation stage. You may have your own insurance information.
• International bank card and/or cash.
• Any medication you may need.*

*If you are bringing medication into the UK, you will need to bring a doctor’s prescription (translated in English) with you confirming your condition and need for the medication. We confiscate all medication on arrival to the boarding house for safe storage.

Arriving at MPW

Veezu is our airport pick up service for our Cambridge residential students. If you require an airport transfer service, you must submit your flight details and have and transfer payment at least two weeks in advance of your flight.

On arrivals day, your taxi driver will be present in the Arrivals Hall (after luggage collection) at the airport to meet and greet you on arrival. They will display a Meet board with your name, the taxi company logo and our school’s name.

If you cannot find your taxi driver on arrival day, please stay calm, stay where you are and call their emergency number. The emergency contact number for Veezu is TBC

If you cannot connect with the company, please call the Accommodation Team: Tripos Court accommodation TBC

They will assist you in locating the driver to ensure your safe arrival to MPW. Our team have an emergency plan in place to assist you in the event of complications.

After your arrival

On arrival at the residence, please call TBC to let you into the complex. The driver can help with this. Please note that the residence complex reception will be closed over the weekend. Our staff will come to meet you at the gates and show you to your room. We are in Block B.

Depending on the time that you arrive at the accommodation, you will have time to relax in your room, meet and socialise with other students and go on tours with staff of the local area. The tours will include trips to the shops to get anything you may have forgotten.

The accommodation is split into same-sex cluster flats of six rooms on each corridor. Please note that smoking is not allowed on any of our school premises or offsite trips.

You will be given a special key for the accommodation and for your room. If this is lost, it is a £150 pound replacement fee.

The residence address is Block B, 10 Homerton St, Cambridge CB2 8NY (view on a map).

Laundry

Communal washing machines and tumble dryers available to use free of charge. This is self-serve. We will provide washing powder. Given our busy timetable and planned weekend trips, if you are joining us for two weeks, we recommend that you bring a sufficient amount of clothing for your entire stay.

Illness, Medication and Parental Consent

Please note that students will not be admitted to the summer school until the Consent pack (Parental, Model and Medical Consent forms) have been completed. If you have not received them, please contact us immediately. Our qualified First Aiders are available to provide assistance with minor issues and to provide medication such as paracetamol or throat lozenges. If you need to see a doctor, our summer school medical insurance policy covers this*. Please note this applies to summer school boarding students only.

If you are bringing medication with you, you will need to bring a doctor’s prescription (translated into English) with you confirming your condition, need for the medication and dosing schedule. This must match what was disclosed to us on the medical consent form and/or communication with us prior to arrival. Staff confiscate all medication on arrival to the accommodation for safe storage. Staff will administer the medications to students as outlined in the prescription and according to their Individualised health plan, if applicable.

*If you are travelling outside of the programme dates (i.e. departing your home country days before the arrival date), you may not be eligible for the Medical/Travel insurance policy included in the residential fees. Please get in touch with the summer school team with the details of your travel plans to discuss eligibility for this insurance.

Timetable

Day only students (non-boarders)

If you live locally and are not staying in our Cambridge Accommodation, the day only fee includes all lessons, Monday to Friday, lunch and the final awards ceremony & party evening. If you wish to join the after school and/or evening activities, please contact the summer school team. This is available to join for a fee, subject to availability.

Your first day of Summer School is Monday. Day (non-boarding) students should arrive should arrive at MPW Cambridge (view on a map) at 8.45 am on the first day, Monday 29th June or 13th July to 27th July to get settled before classes begin at 9am.

Week 1

• Saturday: Late breakfast and relaxing local activity or free time, if permitted by parents (see parental consent form).
• Sunday: Early breakfast and day trip to London – arriving back late evening.

Week 2

• Friday: BBQ, Awards ceremony and Farewell Party
• Saturday: Departure day