Cambridge college choice

I am applying to study geography and having some trouble choosing a college. I am interested to hear opinion of those who study at Cambridge. I am looking for: A college close to the Downing site (where I will be studying mainly)
A fairly lenient visitor policy for my boyfriend to see me
Enthusiastic in sports and definitely a gym/pool
En suite room.
At the moment I am looking at Kings and Downing. Would love to hear the bad things as well as the good at whatever college you study at.

Hey! I'm a first year Geographer at Emmanuel College. We are literally across the road from the Geog department (we actually walk through spoons to get there!) so it takes about 3 mins to get to lectures. I know Cambridge is very small but it is lovely being able to leave at 9:55 for a 10:00 lecture!
Emma is pretty good for Geography - we have one of the largest cohorts ( in my year we are 7, only smaller than Fitz and Girton).
In terms of visitor policy, we apparently have one of the most relaxed ones - I believe the rule book actually says you are allowed a guest for 15 nights a term if they are non-Emma of which you can only have someone overnight for a maximum of a 3 days continuously. Whether this rule is actually respected, I'm not really sure yet.
Emma has both a pool and gym - the pool is outdoors so only really viable in summer so I've been told. The gym is rather small but is probably enough for most. You can always go to a sports team gym if you're a member of a sports team.
Emma does have some new rooms for first years which are all en-suite (and are more expensive)- and you can give your preference before they allocate although it is not guaranteed. I personally have been sharing and for most you are sharing between 4 (its really not that bad once you get here!)

Just thought I'd add that you have a chance of being pooled to another college - I've already met a few geographers in my year that have been pooled.

Hope this helps

Hey! I'm a first year Geographer at Emmanuel College. We are literally across the road from the Geog department (we actually walk through spoons to get there!) so it takes about 3 mins to get to lectures. I know Cambridge is very small but it is lovely being able to leave at 9:55 for a 10:00 lecture!
Emma is pretty good for Geography - we have one of the largest cohorts ( in my year we are 7, only smaller than Fitz and Girton).
In terms of visitor policy, we apparently have one of the most relaxed ones - I believe the rule book actually says you are allowed a guest for 15 nights a term if they are non-Emma of which you can only have someone overnight for a maximum of a 3 days continuously. Whether this rule is actually respected, I'm not really sure yet.
Emma has both a pool and gym - the pool is outdoors so only really viable in summer so I've been told. The gym is rather small but is probably enough for most. You can always go to a sports team gym if you're a member of a sports team.
Emma does have some new rooms for first years which are all en-suite (and are more expensive)- and you can give your preference before they allocate although it is not guaranteed. I personally have been sharing and for most you are sharing between 4 (its really not that bad once you get here!)

Just thought I'd add that you have a chance of being pooled to another college - I've already met a few geographers in my year that have been pooled.

Hope this helps

Thanks for the info, how are you finding the college and your course so far?