How to choose the best Cambridge college for you
Applying to Cambridge comes with many unique challenges not faced by other UK university applications, and choosing a college is one of them. While this is one of the initial steps of your application, it is by no means insignificant. Your college choice determines your tutors and supervisors, the quality of the teaching you will receive outside of university ran lectures and practicals and it will be the place which you eat, sleep and study. Taking time to speak to people from different colleges, research the colleges specialities and thinking about whether the college will meet your needs for the next 3+ years is extremely important. That’s why we are here to help guide you through it. For more 1-to-1 support, check out our Oxbridge Success course here.
Choosing by course
While most colleges take students for all subjects, some colleges such as Trinity College and King’s College do not take students for all subjects. This is one of the most important factors to your college application, as you will not be able to apply to a college if they do not offer your course.
You can check this by visiting the colleges website or your subject’s department website and checking the details for your application cycle, as it may change year to year. Additionally, if you are applying for joint honours, you must make sure that your college choice can offer your particular combination.
Specific colleges are also women only, such as Newnham College or graduate only, such as Darwin College, and therefore depending on the demographic you would like to be surrounded by should impact your college choice.
Choosing by location
Another important factor to think about is the location of your college. Cambridge is quite a small city with the centre being dominated by the university colleges. Some colleges, such as Gonville & Caius College, are very centrally located being a stone throw away from the markets while other colleges such as Downing College and Emmanuel College are located slightly outside of the centre (still within a 10 minute walk) but extremely close to the science campuses such as Downing site, along with being close to social establishments like ‘Revs’ night club and ‘The Regal’ pub.
There are also colleges outside of the hustle and bustle of the city centre, such as Homerton College and Girton College, which have spacious grounds and a very tight knitted community. Choosing a college has a lot of impact on your day to day life as it will dictate much of your travel time to lectures and social events. We would recommend visiting colleges before applying to check out the area and see if you would enjoy the location.
Specific colleges will also provide on-site accommodation throughout the full course of your studies whereas others will give off-site accommodation based on their college ground site. This is an important factor to consider when it comes to your college life.
Choosing based on tutors
Your academic career will be impacted by your tutors and supervisors at your college. It is a good idea to look at the resident tutors in your college and who is likely to be teaching you out of your university lecturers. Looking at their area of research will help you identify if their interests align with yours and if you think you would benefit from their teaching.
However, it is important to note that much of the teaching occurs cross-colleges, so you shouldn’t base your college choice solely on the fellows that are associated with the college as you will get chance to work with fellows from other colleges in your studies.
Choosing based on your school
While your school will likely have a system in place, it is important not to apply to colleges where too many pole from your school are applying for the same subject. Colleges do not have quotas on how many students they can take from a specific school, the directors of studies are often looking to form a diverse cohort with different academic backgrounds, interests and specialities. While this may be true for students within a school, it is likely that you and your class mates have been taught in a similar manner, so colleges are likely to only accept one student.
Choosing based on your interests
Finally, choosing college is important for your interview performance as well. You will likely be interviewed by a fellow from your college and therefore showing an interest in the college demonstrates passion and commitment and will help you present yourself as a potential student.
Specific colleges are renowned for specific hobbies such as Jesus College’s affiliation with rowing or Pembroke College’s association with politics.
Why may it not matter?
Cambridge has a ‘pooling’ system in which the colleges share applicant which have not been offered a place at their chosen college but are still very strong applicants. This allows strong applicants to still be offered places in other colleges as they may be stronger students than the colleges own applicants.
Around 20-30% of successful Cambridge applicants are placed at a college that they did not apply to, therefore it is very common and not an indication of your college being interested in you.
College Overviews
We have listed a couple of features of the Cambridge colleges, showcasing some of the facts and looking at the general vibe of each college.
While we don’t suggest you base your college choice of this, it may be helpful for giving you the best chance of choosing your college.
Christ’s College:
Founded: 1448
Size: large (430 undergraduates)
Words that best describe it: Central, Swimming, Friendly
It might not be for you if: You don’t like new buildings – New Court has sixties architecture.
Churchil College:
Founded: 1960
Size: large (490 undergraduates)
Words that best describe it: Sporty, Recreational, Quiet
It might not be for you if: You’re looking for ancient architecture – the architecture is not traditionally Cambridge.
Clare College:
Founded: 1326Size: large (490 undergraduates)Words that best describe it: Musical, Green, FunIt might not be for you if: You’re looking for a relaxed environment - Clare’s Cellar is quite a party environment.
Corpus Christi College:
Founded: 1352
Size: medium (310 undergraduates)
Words that best describe it: Small, Historic, Central
It might not be for you if: You don’t like that the room ballot is academically weighted.
Downing College:
Founded: 1800
Size: large (460 undergraduates)
Words that best describe it: Spacious, Friendly, Beautiful
It might not be for you if: You like peace and quiet – it is open to the public most of the time
Emmanuel College:
Founded: 1584
Size: large (510 undergraduates)
Words that best describe it: Swimming, Open-minded, Academic
It might not be for you if: You like cooking – there are limited facilities in college.
Fitzwilliam College:
Founded: 1869 (full college status granted in 1966)
Size: large (490 undergraduates)
Words that best describe it: Relaxed, Friendly, Not-central
It might not be for you if: You want to be central – Fitz is a little out of the way.
Girton College:
Founded: 1869
Size: large (530 undergraduates)
Words that best describe it: Distant, Close-Knit, Unpretentious
It might not be for you if: You’re not into travelling – Girton is a bit of a trek from the centre of Cambridge.
Gonville & Caius College:
Founded: 1348
Size: large (580 undergraduates)
Words that best describe it: Traditional, Academic, Sporty
It might not be for you if: You want flexibility at mealtimes – there is compulsory Hall most nights.
Homerton College:
Founded: 1895 (full college status granted in 1976)
Size: enormous (610 undergraduates)
Words that best describe it: Open, inventive, unpretentious, warm
It might not be for you if: You want to be centrally located.
Hughes Hall College:
Founded: 1885
Size: small (200 undergrads)
Words that best describe it: Progressive, Innovative, Supportive
It might not be for you if: You are under 21 (Wolfson is a mature College which only accepts applicants over the age of 21).
Jesus College:
Founded: 1496
Size: large (530 undergraduates)
Words that best describe it: Friendly, historic, beautiful, secluded
It might not be for you if: You want to cook your own food – the kitchens are under equipped
King’s College:
Founded: 1441
Size: medium (460 undergraduates)
Words that best describe it: Central, Historical, Accessible
It might not be for you if: You don’t like tourists.
Magdalene College:
Founded: 1428 or 1542, depending on who you ask
Size: medium (375 undergraduates)
Words that best describe it: Traditional, Formal, Tight-knit
It might not be for you if: You want to keep yourself to yourself – the small community can mean gossip spreads like wildfire.
Murray Edwards College:
Founded: 1954
Size: medium (380 undergraduates) - WOMEN ONLY
Words that best describe it: Modern, Dynamic, Low-key
It might not be for you if: Cycling uphill is an uphill struggle
Newnham College:
Founded: 1871
Size: medium (380 undergraduates) - WOMEN ONLY
Words that best describe it: Sociable, Progressive, Convenient
It might not be for you if: You don’t want to be in a single sex college
Pembroke College:
Founded: 1347
Size: medium (450 undergraduates)
Words that best describe it: Friendly, relaxed, central, inclusive, beautiful
It might not be for you if: You’re hoping for a large open college ground.
Peterhouse College:
Founded: 1284
Size: small (300 undergraduates)
Words that best describe it: Close-knit, Relaxed, Historical
It might not be for you if: You get claustrophobic – the small community can get too close for comfort.
Queens’ College:
Founded: 1448
Size: large (540 undergraduates)
Words that best describe it: Large, Sociable, Extracurricular
It might not be for you if: You just want to relax – you are in the centre of the famous punting grounds
Robinson College:
Founded: 1981
Size: medium (420 undergraduates)
Words that best describe it: Unpretentious, Diverse, Modern
It might not be for you if: You want to be surrounded by classical buildings – the modern architecture is not to everyone’s liking.
St Catharine’s College:
Founded: 1473
Size: large (475 undergraduates)
Words that best describe it: Tight-knit, Engaging, Central
It might not be for you if: You like to cook – the self-catering facilities are poor.
St Edmunds College:
Founded: 1473
Size: small (120 undergraduates)
Words that best describe it: Tight-knit, Engaging, Central
It might not be for you if: You are under 21 (Wolfson is a mature College which only accepts applicants over the age of 21).
St John’s College:
Founded: 1511
Size: enormous (610 undergraduates)
Words that best describe it: Fun, Grand, Sporty
It might not be for you if: You’re a bit nervous about ‘the Oxbridge thing’ – it can get slightly overwhelming at times.
Selwyn College
Founded: 1882
Size: large (430 undergraduates)
Words that best describe it: Sociable, Close-knit, Supportive
It might not be for you if: You want to be in the centre of town – it’s a little way out.
Sidney Sussex College:
Founded: 1596
Size: large (400 undergraduates)
Words that best describe it: Central, Friendly, Cosy
t might not be for you if: You want to follow in the footsteps of some prestigious alumni – Sidney is often overlooked in favour of more famous colleges.
Trinity College:
Founded: 1546
Size: gigantic (700 undergraduates)
Words that best describe it: Grand, Traditional, Rich
It might not be for you if: You like your colleges cosy – it can be a little too imposing for some.
Trinity Hall College:
Founded: 1350
Size: medium (370 undergraduates)
Words that best describe it: Idyllic, Small , sporty
It might not be for you if: You want to be part of a big group – it can be a little too intimate at times.
Wolfson College:
Founded: 1965
Size: small (170 undergraduates)
Words that best describe it: Small, Friendly, Mature
It might not be for you if: You are under 21 (Wolfson is a mature College which only accepts applicants over the age of 21).
So do your research and think about what really matters to you. Investigate the admissions statistics but take them with a hefty pinch of salt, and we wish you the best of luck with your decision! If you would like any assistance with the Cambridge application process, check out our preparation course.
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