Choosing the perfect Cambridge college for you is an overwhelming step in the Oxbridge admissions process. With 29 undergraduate colleges to choose from, let us help. Get the inside scoop on every college below!
In the second (and, shockingly, final) instalment in our Oxbridge colleges series, we'll break down all 29 undergraduate colleges at Cambridge so that you can choose your perfect fit.
It's important to note that although Cambridge colleges vary, none are inherently better or worse. Your choice also does not affect your chances of getting an offer. That said, your college is typically where you eat, sleep, study, and socialise. So, when considering which Cambridge college is right for you, you should think about the following:
Would you prefer a college in the city centre or a quieter location?
Would you prefer a larger college with a diverse community, or a smaller, more close-knit environment?
Are you looking for a college that offers a range of scholarships, bursaries, or financial support?
Would you enjoy a more traditional college with formal events, or would you prefer a more relaxed and modern atmosphere?
Get ready for a long list.
Christ's College
With none other than Charles Darwin himself studying here, Christ's College is known for a strong legacy in environmental biology. That's not to say that humanities students won't find something here for them: the college was founded in 1505 by Lady Margaret Beaufort, the mother of King Henry VII (and original girl-boss).
Our two cents: The meticulously maintained 17th century gardens, featuring some of the oldest wisteria vines in Cambridge, lend a quaint air to the impressive mix of historical buildings.
Churchill College
Churchill is a modern college both in age and outlook. Founded in 1960, they do Cambridge traditions differently, and students often say it feels more like home than the potentially imposing University of Cambridge. It's also set in a 40 acre park near the city centre.
Our two cents: This college is perfect if you're looking for a more low-key university experience from your Cambridge college, and would prefer being slightly tucked away from the centre.
Clare College
Clare is the second oldest college in Cambridge, and has stunning grounds right next to the University library (and is stocked with a college library of its own, of course). It's had a real interest in improving inclusivity in recent years, and focuses on building an academic and social atmosphere.
Our two cents: Note that because of its convenient location, it's also very touristy. It does however have a lovely bridge on the grounds to make up for it.
Corpus Christi College
Corpus Christi is a relatively small college, so the social vibe in each year tends to be very tight-knit, and everyone knows everyone. Fans of ancient literature will appreciate Corpus Christi's Parker library, home to a treasure trove of world-famous, gorgeous illuminated manuscripts. That's not to mention their other library available to students.
Our two cents: Corpus Christi is unusually split across two main sites, one in the historic centre and one near spacious sports grounds. In a lot of ways, they have the best of both worlds.
Downing College
Downing College, founded in 1800, is known for its distinctive neo-classical architecture, setting it apart from the more Gothic and medieval styles found at many other Cambridge colleges. It has a particularly strong reputation in law and the sciences.
Our two cents: The fact that all undergraduates are housed on-site (somewhat unusual for Cambridge colleges) makes for a closer community feel.
Emmanuel College
Emmanuel was founded in 1584, and has a distinctly friendly reputation. It also usually has relatively small year groups, despite the large grounds. The grounds are some of the most peaceful in Cambridge, featuring two ponds, with their ducks and moorhens, tennis courts, the outdoor swimming pool, and a large grass area known as the Paddock.
Our two cents: Emmanuel is one of the last remaining colleges to have a student-run bar (translation: cheaper pints).
Fitzwilliam College
Fitzwilliam was founded in 1869 initially to provide access to Cambridge for students who couldn't afford the cost of full college membership. It still prides itself on being one of the more diverse colleges at Cambridge, with a focus on outreach.
Our two cents: Fitzwilliam has great accommodation facilities - nice kitchens and nearly every room has an en-suite. Plus, they have an art studio and squash court on site!
Girton College
Girton College, founded in 1869, was the first residential college in the UK to provide higher education to women. They have spacious grounds and plenty of undergraduates, so if you're looking for a wider community, keep it in mind.
Our two cents: If you're a sporty person, there can be no other college but Girton for you. They have football, rugby and cricket pitches, squash and basketball courts, a well-equipped gym, and even an indoor heated swimming pool.
Gonville & Caius College
Often referred to simply as 'Keys' (probably because the name is so long and rather Roman), this college was founded in 1348, and has the traditions to match. Gonville and Caius has three symbolic gates that students pass through during their time at the college: the Gate of Humility, the Gate of Virtue, and the Gate of Honour, representing the journey of academic growth.
Our two cents: In terms of sheer statistics, this is one of the best colleges in Cambridge for diversity and inclusion. It has one of the largest BAME student populations in Cambridge, and over 75% of UK offers were made to students from state schools in 2023.
Homerton College
Homerton College was initially established as a training college for teachers, and it still maintains a focus on education and teacher training. It also has a significant commitment to the arts, offering funding and creative spaces to students. It hosts an annual Arts Festival, showcasing student performances and artwork.
Our two cents: This college seems to have a much more relaxed, modern vibe to it. Definitely a consideration if you're into arts or thinking about going into teaching.
Hughes Hall
Hughes Hall was founded in 1885 originally as a college for women studying for the University’s degrees. It has an emphasis on professional and vocational training, a little like Homerton, and it is particularly known for its diverse community of postgraduate students.
Our two cents: Hughes has a high percentage of international students, so definitely keep Hughes in mind if you're looking to meet people from all over the world (or if you're an international student yourself).
Jesus College
Jesus College is one of the older Cambridge colleges, being founded in 1496. It is particularly famous for its well-known Jesus College choir, which was founded initially in the 16th century and now contributes to Jesus' distinctly musical vibe.
Our two cents: Free laundry! Jesus offers free laundry!
King's College
King's College, founded in1441 by King Henry VI, is now one of the most prestigious institutions at Cambridge. One of the most famous and recognisable buildings in Cambridge, if not the UK, is the Chapel (pictured above). It is home to the renowned King's College Choir, and boasts a fan-vaulted ceiling that is the largest of its kind in the world.
Our two cents: Note that though King's architecture is arguably the most impressive of all Cambridge colleges, it is also very touristy and the buildings can sometimes feel imposing.
Lucy Cavendish College
Affectionately called 'Lucy,' this modern, informal college is a short stroll from the centre of Cambridge, and known for having a friendly reputation. It was initially founded in 1965 solely for mature female students, and was one of the last Oxbridge institutions to go co-ed (only in 2021).
Our two cents: Lucy is ideal for students looking for a small, modern, and peaceful college unlikely to be disturbed by tourists.
Magdalene College
Magdalene College is conveniently located on the banks of the River Cam, with the longest waterfront of all the Cambridge Colleges, and is less than 5 minutes’ walk from the city centre. It has an excellently stocked Pepys Library, recently refurbished with more than 150 study spaces. No more fighting for a seat!
Our two cents: Magdalene is a comfortable middle ground for students who are looking for a blend of tradition and modernity, both in its outlook and atmosphere.
Murray Edwards College
Murry Edwards College is one of the few remaining women-only colleges. Founded in the mid 20th century is a unique 1960s building home to the Women’s Art Collection, the biggest collection of women’s art in Europe.
Our two cents: Definitely one of the more unusual places in Cambridge, consider Murray Edwards if you're looking for a female-centred experience.
Newnham College
Newnham College is another women's-only institution. It has beautiful red-brick Victorian buildings and some of the most expansive gardens of all the colleges. From Sylvia Plath to Emma Thompson, Newnham boasts plenty of famous alumni.
Our two cents: Because Newnham is a little way out of the city centre, it has more of a village feel.
Pembroke College
Pembroke College is the third-oldest college at the university, founded in 1347 by Marie de St Pol, the widow of the Earl of Pembroke. It also has a beautiful Chapel designed by Sir Christopher Wren, the same man who designed Oxford's Radcliffe Camera. It's a large college, with more than 750 students.
Our two cents: Pembroke is known across Cambridge for their excellent food!
Peterhouse
Peterhouse is a the oldest college (1284): a smaller, close-knit place close to the arts, engineering and science faculties, but just off the tourist trail. It has an entire deer park, a particularly beautiful library with Palladian columns, a gym, a theatre, and a boathouse.
Our two cents: Peterhouse tends to attract students who thrive in a place of academic rigor and classical traditions. It feels more formal than the more modern colleges, but has great subsidising policies to make up for it: it has some of the cheapest accommodation in the city.
Queens' College
Founded in 1448, Queen's College is one of the larger colleges. It's uniquely situated on either side of the River Cam, with its own bridge connecting both sides of the campus.
Our two cents: If you're into the arts, consider Queen's. It has a full theatre space used by the acclaimed student drama group Bats.
Robinson College
Robinson is known for its distinct 70s architecture and the largest Dining Hall in Cambridge, which seats 200 and has large windows overlooking the outside greenery. Robinson is known for a strong community atmosphere, and are particularly acclaimed in the Sciences.
Our two cents: The real star of Robinson's show are the gardens, featuring a small river and wooden bridge. If you squint, it's basically Monet.
Selwyn College
Selwyn College, founded in 1882, is known for musical excellence. Situated right next to the University library, it has an excellent location without (usually) being bothered by tourists. This college has made more of an effort than others at improving accessibility for students with disabilities.
Our two cents: Visit in autumn for the most beautiful orange ivy across the buildings.
Sidney Sussex College
Sidney Sussex College is well-located (on their website, they proudly say '10 steps from Sainsburys') and is considered a medium-sized college with about 500 undergraduates. The Sidney Sussex College Choir is also one of the few mixed-voice choirs in Cambridge.
Our two cents: In our opinion, a medium-sized college like Sidney is perfect: it's definitely possible to know everyone in your year, while avoiding the invasion of privacy that tiny colleges can sometimes entail.
St Catharine's College
Often referred to simply as 'Catz,' St Catharine's College was founded in 1473, making it one of Cambridge's oldest colleges. It's a traditional but friendly college, very centrally-located.
Our two cents: Catz seems to have some sort of obsession with octagons. Not only is their 1960s Dining Hall octagonal, but we hear reports that student bedrooms are occasionally octagonal, too. Might make decorating hard.
St Edmund's College
Unusually, St Edmund's College was first founded in 1871, permitting Jewish, Non-Conformist and Roman Catholic scholars to return to the University of Cambridge for the first time since the 16th century religious revolution. Today, it remains one of the most international colleges at Cambridge, with students from over 70 countries. It's further away from the centre, and has a different vibe to other colleges due to having a high percentage of postgraduate and mature students.
Our two cents: One of the best student bars in Cambridge.
St John's College
Founded by Lady Margaret Beaufort in 1511, St John's has its own little bridge over the River Cam, and is a particularly picturesque college. It has huge grounds and a particular reputation for Law and Medicine.
Our two cents: John's appears to have nailed the ever-elusive Oxbridge balance of being both beautiful and genuinely homely. Students always have positive things to say.
Trinity College
Trinity College was founded in 1546 by King Henry VIII, and is by far the largest and wealthiest college in both Cambridge and Oxford. Trinity has produced 34 Nobel laureates, more than any other college. The Great Court is the setting of Trinity's annual "Great Court Run," where students attempt to run around the court in the time it takes for the clock to strike 12 during the matriculation dinner.
Our two cents: If you're looking for cheaper rent and food, Trinity is valued at over 2 billion and the subsidies at this college are second to none. It can, however, feel a little intimidating given the architecture and stunning wealth.
Trinity Hall
Trinity Hall, not to be confused with grand Trinity College, is a much smaller, informal version of its namesake. It's still beautiful and historical, running along the river and overlooking gardens and greenery. Trinity Hall excels in Law, having been initially founded in 1350 to train lawyers following the Black Death.
Our two cents: Trinity Hall has a consistently warm and friendly vibe to its student body.
Wolfson College
Wolfson College only accepts mature students (21+), and has built a reputation for equality down to its Dining Hall structures. Unlike most Oxbridge colleges, there is no High Table, giving the college a friendly and non-hierarchical feel to it.
Our two cents: Wolfson is a modern college in every sense of the word, and would be suited if you want to go to Cambridge without the traditional baggage.
We hope this helps you make a shortlist.
Nothing beats seeing a college in person, though, if you get a chance!
Still wondering which Cambridge college is for you? If you'd like advice from a Cambridge student or graduate, get in touch with Avalon today. You can get your first hour for only £5 until the end of the week!
Book here, and make the first step towards your Cambridge dreams.
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