.jpg%3Fv%3D2026-01-05T07%3A22%3A29.841Z&w=3840&q=75 "Students chatting at Front Quad (Photo: John Cairns)")
Life at Merton: Facilities - Common Rooms and Social Activities
The Junior Common Room (JCR) and the Middle Common Room (MCR) are:
- all undergraduates and all graduates of the College respectively
- physical Common Room spaces for undergraduates and for graduates [link to relevant sections of facilities page]
- Committees that represent the undergraduate and graduate student bodies and play a key role in co-ordinating events and activities.
The Common Rooms receive funding for the students’ benefit and each Committee has a President and Vice-President as well as roles focusing on entertainment, welfare, charities, food, access, and arts and culture. The JCR and MCR also elect representatives for community members from LGBTQ+, Black and Minority Ethnic, and international backgrounds, as well as students with disabilities.
‘The best thing about the college system is the welcoming atmosphere it offers, especially at the start of your degree.’ Eloise, History
Our fantastic JCR and MCR Committees organise a variety of events, from regular themed college parties (Bops) to board games, from pumpkin carving to cultural activities, and from fundraisers to crafts (sometimes led by Merton’s resident Fellow in the Creative Arts). New ideas are always welcome.
Student events and activities are frequently held in the Games Room or College Bar, which serves non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks and offers a range of board games and a duke box. The Bar hosts regular quiz nights, live music, karaoke and themed evenings. [link to Facilities page].
Students enjoy use of the private College gardens [link to green spaces on facilities] for relaxation, social events, garden parties and an annual outdoor play produced by Merton’s Drama Society.
Click on the links below for examples of JCR and MCR activities and events.
JCR & MCR Activities
Bar and Games Room
The College Bar is a casual meeting place for students to socialise. Our friendly bar staff serve both non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks and the bar is well stocked with board games and a duke box. A number of events are held throughout term, including quiz nights, live music, karaoke, and themed evenings.
Close to the bar, the Games Room is a space is shared by the JCR and MCR and provides a free pool table, darts, and table football. It’s a popular location used throughout the day, for a study break or spending time with friends in the evening.
Green Spaces
Merton’s main garden (Fellows’ Garden) is much loved by its students and staff, particularly in the summer when it becomes the site for outdoor tutorials, independent study, relaxing with friends, our annual garden play, and a series of social events and garden parties. The Rose Lane Garden and Chestnut Lawn provide further garden spaces for use by Merton members, with one offering outdoor tables and chairs, and one a summer croquet pitch [link].
The College’s sports fields are a short walk from the main site and include wildflower meadows, walks by the river and wooded areas.
The College’s green spaces are cared for by the wonderful garden team who continually develop their practices to improve biodiversity and sustainability.
There is a Gardening Club as well as term-time wellbeing walks, which the Warden’s dog Eva regularly joins. The College benefits from its location being both in the heart of the city and bordering extensive meadows leading down to the river Thames.
