The Student Room Group

choosing a college for MML

hey, does anyone have any info on the following colleges:
Selwyn - location too far out of town
Sidney Sussex - don't know much about it/won't be able to visit
Gonvile & Caius - in a tourist area? snobby? expensive accommodation?
Magdalene - didn't seem to be much happening when i visited
Queens' - acceptance ratio 23:10, haven't seen accommodation
Peterhouse - too small

I've narrowed it down to these however I'm finding it difficult to narrow the list down further as there's something I don't like about all of them (I've written this next to them). If anyone can give any pros/cons in relation to French/Spanish it'd be really helpful.
My main concerns are the expenses/accommodation (hopefully cheap but not crap), the building aesthetics and the atmosphere
(edited 7 years ago)
Hey! I'm a third year at Newnham doing MML, French and Spanish (the latter ab initio). It's super close to Selwyn (and department, really don't knock that!) and I can honestly say the distance out of town isn't an issue, it's nice and makes it quieter, particularly because you avoid the tourists.

A couple of things to bear in mind - not all colleges will have on-site accommodation for the entirety of the course so you may find yourself moving around town depending on your year, if distances to things are an issue (e.g. Caius has accommodation next to Sidgwick site as well as in the town centre).

Another thing to perhaps consider is what each college provides in terms of travel grants - I didn't even think about this when I applied and got lucky that my college is really generous, but others don't give so much for it.

Best bet? Check out applytocambridge.com - it's the alternative prospectus written by the students and you should hopefully find lots of info there to help make a decision! All the best, and if you have any other questions let me know.
Reply 2
Original post by Paralove
Hey! I'm a third year at Newnham doing MML, French and Spanish (the latter ab initio). It's super close to Selwyn (and department, really don't knock that!) and I can honestly say the distance out of town isn't an issue, it's nice and makes it quieter, particularly because you avoid the tourists.

A couple of things to bear in mind - not all colleges will have on-site accommodation for the entirety of the course so you may find yourself moving around town depending on your year, if distances to things are an issue (e.g. Caius has accommodation next to Sidgwick site as well as in the town centre).

Another thing to perhaps consider is what each college provides in terms of travel grants - I didn't even think about this when I applied and got lucky that my college is really generous, but others don't give so much for it.

Best bet? Check out applytocambridge.com - it's the alternative prospectus written by the students and you should hopefully find lots of info there to help make a decision! All the best, and if you have any other questions let me know.


thanks a lot for the info, I've decided against the colleges whose accommodation is quite far away (such as Caius, like you said)
I know it's not on the list I gave but I decided to apply for Jesus on UCAS - do you know of any pros/cons in relation to Jesus/anything I should know?
Original post by glimmers
thanks a lot for the info, I've decided against the colleges whose accommodation is quite far away (such as Caius, like you said)
I know it's not on the list I gave but I decided to apply for Jesus on UCAS - do you know of any pros/cons in relation to Jesus/anything I should know?


Jesus is a really lovely college and the accommodation is really nice! The only con I can see to Jesus is that it's the other side of the town centre to department which is where all your classes and lectures (though, not supervisions necessarily) will be. It's about a 30 minute walk, but a quick cycle so if you're happy to do that you're all good.
Reply 4
Original post by Paralove
Jesus is a really lovely college and the accommodation is really nice! The only con I can see to Jesus is that it's the other side of the town centre to department which is where all your classes and lectures (though, not supervisions necessarily) will be. It's about a 30 minute walk, but a quick cycle so if you're happy to do that you're all good.


I'm fine with the walk, I'd rather that than be right next to my department personally. One of my main concerns was the standard of accommodation so i'm pleased to hear that! Thanks again for the help
Reply 5
I studied MML at Trinity Hall, and although I might be a teensy bit biased (:tongue:), I really do think it's a wonderful place to study MML. You're supported by a really keen and proactive DoS, who organises lots of extra grammar and oral practice sessions, as well as encouraging you to socialise through weekly foreign-language film nights. It's a central college, with a medium-sized intake, a non-stuffy atmosphere, a 24-hour library and fantastic welfare support :smile:*
Original post by glimmers
hey, does anyone have any info on the following colleges:
Selwyn - location too far out of town
Sidney Sussex - don't know much about it/won't be able to visit
Gonvile & Caius - in a tourist area? snobby? expensive accommodation?
Magdalene - didn't seem to be much happening when i visited
Queens' - acceptance ratio 23:10, haven't seen accommodation
Peterhouse - too small

I've narrowed it down to these however I'm finding it difficult to narrow the list down further as there's something I don't like about all of them (I've written this next to them). If anyone can give any pros/cons in relation to French/Spanish it'd be really helpful.
My main concerns are the expenses/accommodation (hopefully cheap but not crap), the building aesthetics and the atmosphere


Hi, we have a thread for MML applicants 2017 now! Feel free to join :smile:
http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=4342474

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