A Space to Gather, Connect and Belong: The Refurbished JCR Opens Its Doors to Students

The Junior Combination Room (JCR) at St. Stephen’s College has always been more than just a room. Rooted in the Cambridge tradition, it is the heart of student life — a shared space where junior members gather between classes, unwind after a long day, and build the everyday memories that come to define their years on campus.

Thanks to the generous support of The Week and the Malayala Manorama Group, that much-loved space has been given a new lease of life. Following an extensive refurbishment, the JCR reopened its doors in a warm inauguration ceremony on 2nd September 2026. The event was marked by the traditional ribbon-cutting and a series of heartfelt speeches. The inauguration was graced by Principal Professor Susan Elias, Bursar Dr. Benston John, representatives from The Week and the Malayala Manorama Group, esteemed members of the faculty, the Junior Combination Room council members, and the wider student body. Their presence was a fitting tribute to a project brought to life through partnership and a shared belief in creating spaces where students can truly thrive.

The renovated JCR comes packed with new facilities, all chosen with one goal in mind: helping every student feel at home. Junior members can now enjoy a pool table, new table tennis tables, a television, comfortable new seating, air conditioning, and a vending machine — with plenty more still to come. In recognition of just how central the space is to student life, the JCR’s timings have also been extended, giving students far more freedom to make the most of everything on offer.

As the doors of the refreshed JCR swing open once more, St. Stephen’s College looks forward to seeing it filled again with laughter, friendship, and the sense of belonging that makes it a true second home.