Part of Cambridge since the mid-1400s, the college today educates undergraduates in all of the universitys subjects but veterinary medicine. The Tompkins Table ranks colleges based on academic performance alone it does not rank accommodation, funding, or facilities. However, I realised in hindsight that other than my Faculty, the Student Services Centre was probably the place that I visited most frequently. By applying to a college with fewer applicants per place, you maximise your chances of getting in, right? Food is said to be quite good and there are always three or more options which include vegetarian and vegan food. For more information on using international rankings as a postgraduate, see our guide. The college also has a popular brunch which has been voted as the best in Cambridge. Students say that the college food is good, fairly low in price, but a little repetitive. Students should logically prove their thoughts and have an open mind to absorb new ideas. The Cranworth Society, part of Downing college, is the largest student-run college law society in Cambridge. Guidance on College preferences is provided on the Applicant Portal. Discover our highly effective Oxbridge Premium Programmes by speaking to our expert Admissions Team. aged 21 or older until 2020, [6] or postgraduates until 2021; Clare Hall and Darwin admit only postgraduates; Hughes Hall, St Edmund's and Wolfson admit only mature students (defined as aged 21 or older) or postgraduates. It is one of the older colleges and it is also known for its music society and famous choir which you can sometimes hear on the radio, especially around Christmas time. Theres also a Formal Hall that is held three times a week. The stereotype is true: almost everyone thinks that the college they end up attending is the best, and they wouldnt trade it for the world. If you're looking for something a little more natural, I'd just go on a walk through the Paradise local nature reserve. Postgraduate Admissions Colleges Choosing a College College accessibility College membership College key facts and figures Terms of Residence Which College? The college is highly regarded for its outreach which emanates from historically allowing students who could not afford college membership to access Cambridge education. Answer a few questions about yourself and calculate your chance of success. For further details please visit Postgraduate Open Day | Postgraduate Admissions (cam.ac.uk). Hi Mike, there are only a few women only colleges left in Cambridge, and even then I'm sure you can visit during regular visiting hours. It offers over 250 courses covering a variety of academic disciplines and subject areas in a wide range of formats. There are strong teams for pretty much every sport on offer such as rowing, football and frisbee. But why? The college has a strong Music Society too. Essentially, it doesnt matter too much in the long run, youre still going to get an Oxbridge quality education no matter where you choose. Formal Hall occurs most Wednesdays and Fridays. Harvard University. Enter your email address to receive our new posts by email. You can see our. There is nothing more exciting than this part of the Cambridge application process! Music, drama and choir are well funded too. Thanks again, Students say that Caius has some of the best accommodation available for undergrads. Selwynis across town and on the other side of the River Camfrom where we live at Jesus, but its spring gardens are too beautiful to miss. Established around 1350, Trinity Hall is conveniently situated. For undergraduates, colleges provide supervisions, a type of teaching method in which students learn in small groups. Founded in 1546, the college has a student body of about 600 undergraduate and 300 graduate students as well as an alumni roster that includes royalty. A visit to any of the colleges of the University of Cambridge is worthwhile. You can also receive more admission tips from student speakers and staff from the Admissions Office by signing up for events during Postgraduate Virtual Open Days 2020. A meal in Hall costs around 4 and Formal Hall occurs three times a week. More recently, St. Catharines opened the new McGrath Centre, which includes not only a lecture room but also a bar and common area. Its buildings date back centuries, but the last few decades have seen modern updates come to the college. Catz boasts a wide variety of sports and societies, allowing everyone to get involved. With the very affordable meal options, they are positioned as a good choice for students. Powered by WordPress. The college also admits "mature" undergraduates (aged 21 and above), with around 15% of students studying undergraduate degree courses at the university. For post-doctoral students, Trinity offers a Junior Research Fellowship, allowing them to work on a scholarly project or research. Cambridge, United Kingdom. Applying. Magdalene College has been certified as following the National Code of Standards for Larger Student Developments by Accreditation Network UK (ANUK). The college is situated near its boat club which is great for early morning training. University of Cambridge Virtual Tour. To maximise our funding for studentships, around 50% of our overall studentship funds are allocated into a Collegiate University Shared Funding Scheme, which means that for every 1 we contribute to the scheme, the University or one of its shared funding partners will match. The Postgraduate Open Day event in 2021 will take place online between 1 and 14 November. It seems most share the opinion of Queen Elizabeth who also did not venture out to Jesus during her visit in 1564 as she felt it stood far out of the way.. Clare Hall has a reputation for being very informal, and without any undergrads, fellows and students mix together without needing gowns and there is no high table. Gowns are required for all formal events but students can walk on most lawns. Hope that helps and you get to enjoy a few of the colleges around Cambridge! About 650 students belong to this riverside college thats the fifth-oldest at Cambridge. Postgraduate Open Day. Caius has a reputation for being the best place to study Medicine in the world with a strong history of famous science-related alumni including Watson and Crick, and William Harvey. Students say that the college food is usually quite good, with three hot options a day including vegetarian and vegan food. By mandate, 70% of the colleges academic staff and students are engaged in the subjects of engineering, sciences, or mathematics. Less formal, this probably isn't the one if you're hoping for an all-out traditional 'Cambridgey' experience. Estimates for these can be found on the Cambridge University Postgraduate Admissions website. Half of them come from overseas to study in the famous medieval city, and more than 40 percent are women. As Girton is fairly out of the centre, students can also purchase food from Downing and Robinson College for a student price for those who need to go to more central departments. #2: Consider the distance from your Faculty/Department as well as the places that matter to you (Student Services Centre, University Library, Sports Centre, etc.). The exterior facing out towards Kings Parade is one of my favorites. If you are offered a place at Emmanuel you will need to obtain funding to cover both your fees and your living expenses. As the student body grew, the college added more housing in the 1960s, 80s, and 90s. Your only guide shouldnt be the Tompkins Table. They are almost like in the movie Harry Potter at Hogwarts. They're usually closed to the public during exam times, and sometimes for random other reasons (like right now it looks like Cauis is closed to the public right now because they're doing a big kitchen renovation). I hope these three considerations will enable applicants to choose their Colleges wisely. Two pints will cost about 4.50 in most college bars, although students at Newnham and Fitz get a particularly good deal while those at Homerton and Pembroke are charged more than 6. Enjoy the idyllic English countryside only a few blocks away at the DoubleTree by Hilton Cambridge City Centre, situated right on the River Cam on Granta Place. Second years generally live in flats in a separate site that is close by to the college. 19,681 Students. Housing is available for undergraduates and full-time postgraduates. The college has seen some great success in sports mainly due to a new wave of sporting enthusiasm and determination from students. There isnt a chapel which is fairly unusual and the food is highly rated by students. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. All applicants to Cambridge are measured against various factors during admissions. Its worth checking league tables and past results if you see yourself as being competitive at the college level in your sport, and similarly, if you want to do things like sing in your college choir, you should look up what the required standard is (though it is possible to join a college choir other than your own). Emmanuel offers a welcoming community in which you can pursue both your academic and personal goals. College food is a high standard and priced cheaply (2-4 for a main meal and sides). Whilst the atmosphere of these colleges might be more open and friendly in general, your goal is likely to be to find people who are on your page who youll click with. Churchill College offers a wide range of computer science courses. A key element of College life is the Middle Common Room (MCR), a term widely used both for the postgraduate student body, and for the shared space and associated facilities that postgraduate . Top 20 American Universities in 2023. The University of Cambridge is committed to supporting our staff to thrive both professionally and personally. In the most recent edition, Oxford features in the subject rankings in a total of 40 subjects, while Cambridge makes 41 appearances. There is a new bar which students have said is becoming a more popular venue for grad students from other colleges too. Trinity Hall TrinityHall, Front Court Trinity Hall, Cambridge, CC BY-SA 4.0 About 650 students belong to this riverside college that's the fifth-oldest at Cambridge. Jesus College has the benefit of being a few streets out from the center of town. Pembrokes reputation is based on its quality food, stunning buildings, great location and very friendly people. Trinity accommodation massively varies from en-suites and great kitchens, to shared bathrooms and few cooking appliances. 9 Best Barefoot Shoes for Kids (durable + comfortable), 11 Casual Barefoot Shoes (that are Stylish and Comfortable), 11 Best Barefoot Winter Boots: Waterproof, Warm, and Zero Drop. The college has a fantastic multigym with an indoor pool and tennis courts nearby. Most visitors stop byKings College, Trinity College,andSt.Johns College. Cambridge Day Trip: An Insider's Guide to Cambridge, England, [] While I would definitely include these on your list of places to visit in Cambridge, Ive listed my five favorite colleges of the University of Cambridge here that are a bit more off the beaten path. When applying for postgraduate study at Cambridge, applicants can indicate two College preferences. It accepts students pursuing degrees in most subjects, excluding veterinary medicine, education, and a few others. Graduate Study. This guide gives you the inside scoop on the best Cambridge colleges, accommodation and facilities at different colleges, as well as college rankings and acceptance rates. Formals are held once a week. Unlike most other colleges, Churchill has its own playing fields football pitches, cricket wicket, rugby pitch, tennis and squash courts and a gym. So, hopefully, you feel a bit more comfortable and better equipped on how to choose a Cambridge college. Our Address 184 Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 8PQ, UK +44 (0)1223 767600 Map & How to Reach Us Your age currently four Colleges are exclusively for mature students (aged 21 or over), and two Colleges are for postgraduates only. Although many colleges say they are, Homerton was actually voted as Cambridges Friendliest College and the staff and students are known for maintaining a strong student community. St Edmunds is known for having a very unpretentious academic and social environment and Fellows, undergrads and postgrads socialise and eat together. The college, aka Catz, accepts students in every major but architecture, education, linguistics, and art history. The Department is where you will attend lectures, conduct research, etc. The journey from both takes about two hours. Check the location of their accommodation. You can double your chances for University and/or College funding if your preferred Colleges offer scholarships for which you are eligible. This also means you wont be near the centre of life in Cambridge. With the intense competition for University funding in the midst of a pandemic and global recession, increasing your chances by simultaneously applying for College funding might be a prudent move. The majority of students at the college are postgraduates. If you excel at written assessments but are not so good at communicating clearly under pressure, it would be best to choose a College that has a test-based Interview process, like Trinity College for Engineering. I think we also have more travel grants available than most other colleges. Accommodation at Newnham is highly rated overall and students say there arent any ugly buildings. There is the option of being really competitive or just having some fun and the college usually has one or two crew members in the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race each year. All these charges include insurance, heating, electricity, internet access, kitchens and cleaning. The college is very liberal and progressive which makes students feel comfortable, whatever the political background a student has. Once allocated to a College, your application will be treated in exactly the same way as any other application. Lucy Cavendish admitted only mature students, i.e. Please continue to check this webpage regularly for updates. Although the college's structures stretch back hundreds of years, new upgrades have been made within the last few decades. And students who want to get the benefits of a Pembroke education without leaving home can join the Online Summer Research Programme. best cambridge college for psychology Idhey, [] The 5 Best Cambridge Colleges You Must Visit (After []. According to statistical data in the past 20 years, the hardest colleges to get into are Kings, Clare and Emma, whether they get the best applicants overall is a different matter entirely. There is also an on-site gym which is free to use along with squash and badminton courts. Students can choose accommodation that is self-catered or catered for and none of the small kitchens in the Queens accommodation has an oven or freezer. Although it isnt game-changing for your time at Cambridge, its still well worth considering the following: Whilst all colleges will provide you with accommodation throughout your undergrad, its worth looking at where exactly this is. The type of school you've been to shouldn't influence your decision in my opinion. Regarded as being one of the least formal colleges in Cambridge, gowns are not necessary for Formal Hall and the college takes in the highest proportion of state school students. Welcome to UniAdmissions, the worlds first Oxbridge preparatory school with an Oxbridge. The college is also right next to the University Sports Centre. Peterhouse is also known for being the oldest college in Cambridge. Welcome to UniAdmissions, the worlds first Oxbridge preparatory school with an Oxbridgesuccess rate of 61% andwith over 500+ UniAdmissions students placed at Oxford and Cambridge. Christs College recently topped the table, closely followed by Trinity College and St. Catharines. However, there are those who regret not taking a more strategic decision. Applying to Cambridge: What I Wish I Knew When Selecting a College. Magdalene has brilliant facilities for a wide range of sports, and for musical and dramatic productions, and a large number of active societies. If you have any questions, get in touch with College Admissions Offices the staff will be happy to answer your queries and advise you. After qualifying from the University of Parma, Italy, in 1996, Luisa completed an internship at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Parma University and subsequently at a referral practice in Paris. Gonville and Caius is right in city center, though it doesnt have near as many tourists as Kings clambering at the gate. About 100 postgraduate students get admitted each year for full- or part-time study. The university admissions team can assign you a college if you make an open application. The College Dean is famous for defying the ban on blessing same-sex partnerships nearly twenty years ago. The college bar is linked to the JP (common room) which is said to be a great place to relax and meet for gatherings in the evening. Meanwhile, those with green thumbs can join Christs Horticultural and Botanical Society, through which they can help care for the colleges gardens. Cycling is therefore the main mode of transportation in Cambridge. Girton guarantees accommodation for students of all study years. The college is famous for the Pepys Library which holds Samuel Pepyss papers and books. Major Cheak is the first international officer in . For more information on choosing a College at Cambridge University see: https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/collegesDisclaimer: While every effort has . Doreen Lau is a Junior Research Fellow at Wolfson College, University of Oxford. Upon entering the main gate, youre greeted by Barry Flanagans Bronze Horse in First Court. Open Days and Events. From London: If you are traveling by car, hop on the M11 motorway and youll be in Cambridge in about an hour and a half. The college describes its postgraduate community of about 200 students as diverse and cosmopolitan, international students making up over a third of that number. Churchill College, as you may have guessed, is named after British wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Lucy is known for being fairly casual and relaxed and as a newer college, it is located further outside of town which can be slightly annoying for students wanting to have quick access to the centre of town. There are many sports teams that students can get involved with including lacrosse, hockey, kayaking and mountaineering. Formals occur five times a week. All colleges are based on departments in different academic courses and subjects. Therefore, applying to an under-subscribed college solely because its under-subscribed is a fruitless endeavour. From Heathrow, youll have to change trains at least once, and most likely twice from Gatwick. If you are applying to Cambridge, you will have to make hard choices for your future. Cherry Tree Avenue in full bloom at Selwyn. Information for new postgraduates with a confirmed place. Age of the College Cambridge Colleges range in age from over 700 to 40 years. Most people love their College and wouldnt like to be in another. Postgraduates are vital to Cambridge and its research and to remain a global leader in research means that access to higher degrees must not be limited to those who are sure they can afford it. The nickname is the red brick college and the college chapel has a world-renowned Frobenius organ, a harpsichord by David Rubio and a Steinway piano. [7] No colleges are all-male, although most originally were. The Worlds First Oxbridge Preparatory School. A visit to any of the colleges of the University of Cambridge is worthwhile. Churchill is Cambridges biggest college campus and one of its newest colleges, having opened in 1960 as a memorial to British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill. College life in Cambridge is more than just academic performance. Colleges in Cambridge differ widely in the scholarships, bursaries and financial aid that they offer to their postgraduate students. Discover who a UniAdmissions student is and our admissions criteria. Having such easy access to sports grounds makes participation a lot stronger so the sports teams are well attended making the social events really good fun. Undergraduate accommodation Have you seen any colleges with less open space and crawled all over with trees, shrubs, bushes or flowers excluding all-women colleges (I won't be allowed in there)? Darwin is known for being the first graduate-only college in Cambridge and also for not being very formal. It would be so helpful if you could let me know sooner rather than later as I am only here for another day. There is a strong support network for postgraduates and they can seek financial help and welfare support, as well as have a busy social life in College. The college has a reputation for being uptight and conservative which does not represent the college at all. There is a large party there every term. Major Paul Seck Fai Cheak has been selected as one of seven Master Logisticians for the US Army Command and General Staff College (CGSC) Class of 2008 (August start). The 29 undergraduate Colleges provide accommodation, support and more for almost all students for at least three years. The menus tend to be quite diverse with multiple options available for each lunch and dinner. Here are the 10 best colleges at the University of Cambridge. The world-renowned University of Cambridge has rightly earned its reputation through more than 800 years of educating some of the worlds brightest and boldest minds. Cambridges oldest college has produced groundbreaking inventors, Nobel laureates, and other luminaries since its founding in 1284. The most prestigious colleges are Christs, Trinity, Pembroke, and Peterhouse. You will eat, sleep, be supervised, study and party in your College more often than you may plan to. This was because many workshops by the Researcher Development Programme and Careers Service were held there. Clare has some of the prettiest grounds in Cambridge (I may be slightly biased on that one). Please note that without a College membership, your admission will not be confirmed, and you will not be able to take up your place at Cambridge. For more student perspectives on postgraduate admissions, please read the other blogposts related to applying to Cambridge published by The Cambridge Researcher. Weve been lucky enough to live right near Cambridge citycenterfor almost a yearas Aaron is currently agraduatestudent at Jesus College (one of the many perks ofJesus College, if you are trying to pick a college). The colleges that are located outside the centre are; There are also some colleges that dont do particular subjects, so make sure to double-check whether or not the course you have picked is done at your college. For that reason, the college still has a monastic feel. Its common knowledge at the University of Cambridge that some colleges receive more applications per place than others. Competition for places is high! All rooms are also close to each other, so you are never more than a 5-minute walk away from your friends. Formal Hall happens daily in Full Term and it costs around 6.50. Simplyknown asCaius (and pronounced keys), this is the fourth oldest college. The back of our Cambridge flat on the other side of the Sidney Sussex college grounds. Downing has a solid reputation for being competitive at sports. Felix Bobcan Ariguzo is a seasoned educator and administrator. Formals occur several times each term and food is served in the dining hall every day except Sundays. Lets begin with Christs College: Christs has student accommodation throughout the college with cheaper rooms available but also more pricey sixteenth-century rooms for scholars. Going out isnt the only way to socialise in Cambridge. Most visitors stop by King's College, Trinity College, and St. John's College . College communities at Fitzwilliam, Girton, and Jesus are known for being friendly. These places feel like a sanctuary from the outside world. Copyright 2023 Student Good Guide. The College aims to ensure that no suitably qualified applicant is prevented from making an application because of financial or social concerns. Yes, the travel time is longer, but once you find your comfy set on the bus at the airport bus station, you wont have to worry about overcrowded trains or hauling your luggage around when changing trains. Theres a lot that goes into making this decision. The majority of College accommodation for postgraduates is located on the main College site, with rooms in the Singer Building, Battcock Lodge, Regent Street, 1749 House and in houses on Lensfield Road. Chloe has been supporting students' education and applications since 2014. The boat club has recently won the Mitchell Cup for the most successful performance in the May Bumps races. The college has football, rugby and cricket pitches and courts for tennis, netball and basketball outside. At Cambridge, as well as being a member of the University, you're also a member of a College. Rooms are allocated in first year based on the price band students select and many of the rooms have double beds and en-suites. Its interior is refreshing and modern, with suites that can accommodate up to four people. Check out what the buildings are like, if you feel you like it etc. We help you craft the perfect Personal Statement, achieve a highly competitive Admissions Test score and teach you how to Interview effectively covering all areas of your Cambridge University application from History to Medicine. Jo is committed to promoting equality of access to Higher Education and is a session leader for Cambridges widening participation outreach initiatives and events. These are some of the oldest, richest and most prestigious colleges of Cambridge University. Transferring College mid-course is normally not possible except in exceptional circumstances. The new court (Cowan Court) has more modern rooms with double beds and en-suites which cost around 1,800 but cheaper rooms are available. With the basics of Cambridge colleges out of the way, lets next take a look at all of your options for where to apply to. If, having looked at the different Colleges, you don't mind which you attend, you canmake an open application rather than choosing two College preferences. Thanks to Catzs central location in Cambridge, its students dont have to go far to reach their department of study or its faculty, either. The number of applications at Clare Hall, Emmanuel College, Jesus College, Kings College, St. Johns, Trinity College, and Trinity Hall is significantly higher than the number of acceptances. Our beautiful riverside location provides a home in central Cambridge for students from over 75 different countries, studying for the full range of postgraduate degrees. Students who wish to seek admission to the various undergraduate programmes in engineering at Cambridge Institute of Technology, Main Campus OR North Campus may do so via one of the following processes: Common Entrance Test (CET) conducted by KEA. Discounting single-sex Colleges University teaching, such as lectures, practicals and seminars, is organised by, and usually takes place in, departments and faculties, and is attended by a mix of students from all Colleges. Some colleges have really good accommodation, and some are known for having terrible accommodation. University and Colleges work, Accessibility & Disability Resource Centre, Applicant portal and self-service account, International student perspectives overview, Currently studying a Postgraduate Course at the University, How the University One of the academically strongest colleges in Cambridge: Averages 3rd place on the Tompkins and Baxter Tables over the past 20 years. So, to help you better understand the strange Cambridge college system, I've put together a list of things to consider when choosing the right college for you. The basis of the allocation is to even out the distribution of applicants across the Colleges. Darwins catering team strive to reduce the colleges environmental impact and cook plant-based dishes every day. All rooms are non-smoking. Application for postgraduate courses is made to the University in the first instance: the best place to start is on the University's Graduate Admissions website, where a directory of postgraduate courses at Cambridge is available. Understanding how to choose a Cambridge college can be a daunting task. Copyright 2023 UniAdmissions | The World's First Oxbridge Preparatory School | All Rights Reserved. University Departments and Faculties make the initial academic decision recommending admission.