The Big 'Which Cambridge College?' Thread
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Original post by fluteflute
No you wouldn't
Do you know how the pool is enforced. By this i mean, is it possible that some poolee's files will be overlooked just by chance. Its seems that all the files are in one big room with several boxes and admissions tutors flick through to find suitable candidates to fish or reinterview (i remember seeing a picture on the guardian a while back) -- if this is the whole system, surely you can not know if someone who was put in the pool and wasn't fished even had their file read by a tutor at another college- or are there protocols to ensure that everyone who is pooled is looked at by atleasy one other college?
Original post by newblood
Do you know how the pool is enforced. By this i mean, is it possible that some poolee's files will be overlooked just by chance. Its seems that all the files are in one big room with several boxes and admissions tutors flick through to find suitable candidates to fish or reinterview (i remember seeing a picture on the guardian a while back) -- if this is the whole system, surely you can not know if someone who was put in the pool and wasn't fished even had their file read by a tutor at another college- or are there protocols to ensure that everyone who is pooled is looked at by atleasy one other college?
But it's a good question, you might want to ask in the Ask an Admissions Tutor thread for an opinion from someone who has done it!
Clares or Kings??!
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Original post by EHZ17
You mean 'Clare'
And they are both great. Can't go wrong. I'd probably go for King's. (but really you should go to John's!)
I'm stuck choosing between Magdalene and Pembroke.
At first, I was all for Magdalene - it's on the river; small; you can walk on the grass; at interview they give you some reading beforehand as a basis; friendly porters (according to the TSR page and I need friendly porters because I lose everything and am generally scatty); some ensuite accommodation etc etc.
Then I went to Cambridge to have a look around the colleges so I could make a properly informed decision and I loved Pembroke so much. It's so pretty and I liked how it was open on the day to go into the cafe and the room with the sofas - entirely different to all the other colleges, which were shut off. I felt like this made it more accessible and it came across as friendlier. Then, reading up on it, they put a lot of emphasis on pastoral support and making sure that there is someone always there for you to speak to. However, they don't give any reading at interview and that kind of worries me because it makes the interview less certain. I also haven't been able to find anything regarding ensuite facilities and so I assume that there aren't any?
I can't find anything that makes one better suited to me than the other. I loved them both when I went on the day and now I'm a bit like "ARGH I CAN'T DECIDE".
It would be wonderful if someone could provide any information on either college. The general atmosphere; the kitchen facilities; any traditions; pretty much anything that makes one stand out from the other
.
At first, I was all for Magdalene - it's on the river; small; you can walk on the grass; at interview they give you some reading beforehand as a basis; friendly porters (according to the TSR page and I need friendly porters because I lose everything and am generally scatty); some ensuite accommodation etc etc.
Then I went to Cambridge to have a look around the colleges so I could make a properly informed decision and I loved Pembroke so much. It's so pretty and I liked how it was open on the day to go into the cafe and the room with the sofas - entirely different to all the other colleges, which were shut off. I felt like this made it more accessible and it came across as friendlier. Then, reading up on it, they put a lot of emphasis on pastoral support and making sure that there is someone always there for you to speak to. However, they don't give any reading at interview and that kind of worries me because it makes the interview less certain. I also haven't been able to find anything regarding ensuite facilities and so I assume that there aren't any?
I can't find anything that makes one better suited to me than the other. I loved them both when I went on the day and now I'm a bit like "ARGH I CAN'T DECIDE".
It would be wonderful if someone could provide any information on either college. The general atmosphere; the kitchen facilities; any traditions; pretty much anything that makes one stand out from the other
. Original post by ILovePancakes
I'm stuck choosing between Magdalene and Pembroke.
At first, I was all for Magdalene - it's on the river; small; you can walk on the grass; at interview they give you some reading beforehand as a basis; friendly porters (according to the TSR page and I need friendly porters because I lose everything and am generally scatty); some ensuite accommodation etc etc.
Then I went to Cambridge to have a look around the colleges so I could make a properly informed decision and I loved Pembroke so much. It's so pretty and I liked how it was open on the day to go into the cafe and the room with the sofas - entirely different to all the other colleges, which were shut off. I felt like this made it more accessible and it came across as friendlier. Then, reading up on it, they put a lot of emphasis on pastoral support and making sure that there is someone always there for you to speak to. However, they don't give any reading at interview and that kind of worries me because it makes the interview less certain. I also haven't been able to find anything regarding ensuite facilities and so I assume that there aren't any?
I can't find anything that makes one better suited to me than the other. I loved them both when I went on the day and now I'm a bit like "ARGH I CAN'T DECIDE".
It would be wonderful if someone could provide any information on either college. The general atmosphere; the kitchen facilities; any traditions; pretty much anything that makes one stand out from the other.
At first, I was all for Magdalene - it's on the river; small; you can walk on the grass; at interview they give you some reading beforehand as a basis; friendly porters (according to the TSR page and I need friendly porters because I lose everything and am generally scatty); some ensuite accommodation etc etc.
Then I went to Cambridge to have a look around the colleges so I could make a properly informed decision and I loved Pembroke so much. It's so pretty and I liked how it was open on the day to go into the cafe and the room with the sofas - entirely different to all the other colleges, which were shut off. I felt like this made it more accessible and it came across as friendlier. Then, reading up on it, they put a lot of emphasis on pastoral support and making sure that there is someone always there for you to speak to. However, they don't give any reading at interview and that kind of worries me because it makes the interview less certain. I also haven't been able to find anything regarding ensuite facilities and so I assume that there aren't any?
I can't find anything that makes one better suited to me than the other. I loved them both when I went on the day and now I'm a bit like "ARGH I CAN'T DECIDE".
It would be wonderful if someone could provide any information on either college. The general atmosphere; the kitchen facilities; any traditions; pretty much anything that makes one stand out from the other
. To be honest walking on the grass isn't really important although there are bits in Pem you can go on in the summer. Pem also has really friendly porters. Personally I wouldn't base where you are going to live on by the interview but there you go. Pem definitely has no ensuite.
Note that I am biased towards Pem as a current Pem student. Pem info:
- consistently higher academic performance on the Tompkins Table
- despite the above, very laid back atmosphere
- kitchen facilities in college aren't fantastic due to fire safety regulations so not great for self catering
- the above doesn't matter as Pembroke is renowned for having the best food
- Cheap, good quality accommodation (though no ensuites)
As far as traditions go, the college feels fairly informal outside of formal meals/events - the main thing that comes to mind is that I hope you like Robbie Williams...
Original post by ILovePancakes
I'm stuck choosing between Magdalene and Pembroke.
At first, I was all for Magdalene - it's on the river; small; you can walk on the grass; at interview they give you some reading beforehand as a basis; friendly porters (according to the TSR page and I need friendly porters because I lose everything and am generally scatty); some ensuite accommodation etc etc.
Then I went to Cambridge to have a look around the colleges so I could make a properly informed decision and I loved Pembroke so much. It's so pretty and I liked how it was open on the day to go into the cafe and the room with the sofas - entirely different to all the other colleges, which were shut off. I felt like this made it more accessible and it came across as friendlier. Then, reading up on it, they put a lot of emphasis on pastoral support and making sure that there is someone always there for you to speak to. However, they don't give any reading at interview and that kind of worries me because it makes the interview less certain. I also haven't been able to find anything regarding ensuite facilities and so I assume that there aren't any?
I can't find anything that makes one better suited to me than the other. I loved them both when I went on the day and now I'm a bit like "ARGH I CAN'T DECIDE".
It would be wonderful if someone could provide any information on either college. The general atmosphere; the kitchen facilities; any traditions; pretty much anything that makes one stand out from the other.
At first, I was all for Magdalene - it's on the river; small; you can walk on the grass; at interview they give you some reading beforehand as a basis; friendly porters (according to the TSR page and I need friendly porters because I lose everything and am generally scatty); some ensuite accommodation etc etc.
Then I went to Cambridge to have a look around the colleges so I could make a properly informed decision and I loved Pembroke so much. It's so pretty and I liked how it was open on the day to go into the cafe and the room with the sofas - entirely different to all the other colleges, which were shut off. I felt like this made it more accessible and it came across as friendlier. Then, reading up on it, they put a lot of emphasis on pastoral support and making sure that there is someone always there for you to speak to. However, they don't give any reading at interview and that kind of worries me because it makes the interview less certain. I also haven't been able to find anything regarding ensuite facilities and so I assume that there aren't any?
I can't find anything that makes one better suited to me than the other. I loved them both when I went on the day and now I'm a bit like "ARGH I CAN'T DECIDE".
It would be wonderful if someone could provide any information on either college. The general atmosphere; the kitchen facilities; any traditions; pretty much anything that makes one stand out from the other
. Have you considered Peterhouse?! Small, friendly, friendly Porters, some en suites. All Cambridge Colleges offer a high level of pastoral support - it's one of the fantastic benefits of a collegiate system. Personally, I feel that the smaller Colleges allow a closer relationship to develop between students and the College, but then I would say that, working for Peterhouse!
Magdalene is smaller than Pembroke, and is famed for its 'village' atmosphere and its beach (with punts!). But then, I would also say that - I studied at Magdalene!
The important thing to remember is that Colleges are generally much more similar than they are different, and the choice really comes down to personal taste - where would you like to call home? Generally everyone loves where they end up, so don't sweat the choice too much.
Original post by DJMayes
To be honest walking on the grass isn't really important although there are bits in Pem you can go on in the summer. Pem also has really friendly porters. Personally I wouldn't base where you are going to live on by the interview but there you go. Pem definitely has no ensuite.
Note that I am biased towards Pem as a current Pem student. Pem info:
- consistently higher academic performance on the Tompkins Table
- despite the above, very laid back atmosphere
- kitchen facilities in college aren't fantastic due to fire safety regulations so not great for self catering
- the above doesn't matter as Pembroke is renowned for having the best food
- Cheap, good quality accommodation (though no ensuites)
As far as traditions go, the college feels fairly informal outside of formal meals/events - the main thing that comes to mind is that I hope you like Robbie Williams...
Note that I am biased towards Pem as a current Pem student. Pem info:
- consistently higher academic performance on the Tompkins Table
- despite the above, very laid back atmosphere
- kitchen facilities in college aren't fantastic due to fire safety regulations so not great for self catering
- the above doesn't matter as Pembroke is renowned for having the best food
- Cheap, good quality accommodation (though no ensuites)
As far as traditions go, the college feels fairly informal outside of formal meals/events - the main thing that comes to mind is that I hope you like Robbie Williams...
I like being outside and being able to sit on the grass is quite nice I think..
Well, for example, I wouldn't want to do an interview in a college that interviews using a written test because that would make me very nervous and stressed and I don't think that I would then be able to show myself at my best. Whereas this kind of academic interview is something that I might even go as far to say that I might enjoy because most of my classes atm are actually like that - a discussion about something we've read, learned and then our opinion on it.
Ok, thanks that's really helpful, although I am a bit apprehensive about sharing a bathroom and toilet..
Why Robbie Williams?
Original post by Peterhouse SLO
Have you considered Peterhouse?! Small, friendly, friendly Porters, some en suites. All Cambridge Colleges offer a high level of pastoral support - it's one of the fantastic benefits of a collegiate system. Personally, I feel that the smaller Colleges allow a closer relationship to develop between students and the College, but then I would say that, working for Peterhouse!
Magdalene is smaller than Pembroke, and is famed for its 'village' atmosphere and its beach (with punts!). But then, I would also say that - I studied at Magdalene!
The important thing to remember is that Colleges are generally much more similar than they are different, and the choice really comes down to personal taste - where would you like to call home? Generally everyone loves where they end up, so don't sweat the choice too much.
Magdalene is smaller than Pembroke, and is famed for its 'village' atmosphere and its beach (with punts!). But then, I would also say that - I studied at Magdalene!
The important thing to remember is that Colleges are generally much more similar than they are different, and the choice really comes down to personal taste - where would you like to call home? Generally everyone loves where they end up, so don't sweat the choice too much.
Peterhouse doesn't offer the HSPS course
. Thanks though - the village atmosphere and beach are something that I really liked about Magdalene!
Original post by ILovePancakes
I like being outside and being able to sit on the grass is quite nice I think..
Well, for example, I wouldn't want to do an interview in a college that interviews using a written test because that would make me very nervous and stressed and I don't think that I would then be able to show myself at my best. Whereas this kind of academic interview is something that I might even go as far to say that I might enjoy because most of my classes atm are actually like that - a discussion about something we've read, learned and then our opinion on it.
Ok, thanks that's really helpful, although I am a bit apprehensive about sharing a bathroom and toilet..
Why Robbie Williams?
Well, for example, I wouldn't want to do an interview in a college that interviews using a written test because that would make me very nervous and stressed and I don't think that I would then be able to show myself at my best. Whereas this kind of academic interview is something that I might even go as far to say that I might enjoy because most of my classes atm are actually like that - a discussion about something we've read, learned and then our opinion on it.
Ok, thanks that's really helpful, although I am a bit apprehensive about sharing a bathroom and toilet..
Why Robbie Williams?
Well in the summer lots of students sit out on the Pembroke bowling green to eat and work - not permissible outside of summer, but not really desirable anyway.
Sharing a bathroom/toilet is definitely a catching point for a lot of people and I was worried about the same thing but rest assured that it's actually nowhere near as bad as you expect. There are four people to a toilet in the accommodation (all of the same gender), with 6 to a bathroom. This sounds an issue but isn't and it's quite rare you have to wait to use a bathroom in your staircase as both are used at the same time. In my first year I had to wait to use the shower only once or twice.
As for Robbie Williams, "Angels" is essentially the colleges theme song - albeit with the word "Angels" replaced with "Pembroke" in the choruses.
I have no idea why that in particular, but it is played a lot inside college especially at large social events. It really is something but until you have been in a crowd of 500 people singing out their love for the college at 5am in the morning after a May Ball it is perhaps difficult to visualise.
Original post by DJMayes
As for Robbie Williams, "Angels" is essentially the colleges theme song - albeit with the word "Angels" replaced with "Pembroke" in the choruses. I have no idea why that in particular, but it is played a lot inside college especially at large social events. It really is something but until you have been in a crowd of 500 people singing out their love for the college at 5am in the morning after a May Ball it is perhaps difficult to visualise.
I have no idea why that in particular, but it is played a lot inside college especially at large social events. It really is something but until you have been in a crowd of 500 people singing out their love for the college at 5am in the morning after a May Ball it is perhaps difficult to visualise.Indeed. I had too much time at uni!
Clare or St Catharine's for MML?
Ive narrowed it down to 2 colleges
Jesus or Emma for economics?
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Jesus or Emma for economics?
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Any colleges where you dont have to move out during holidays?
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Original post by Obiejess
At Pembroke at least you can stay during the holidays (I believe at a slightly higher rate) but you may well be relocated to different college owned facilities.
Original post by EHZ17
What are your politics? Kings is traditionally left wing, although the red flag no longer flies there. No May Ball (they do have something else) .
Original post by Obiejess
At Clare most second and third years live in the Colony where you can choose to pay a small amount extra to keep your room out of term for Christmas and Easter. People do sometimes stay in Mem court in first year but I think you need a good reason and it's fairly expensive. Don't know about the summer holidays.
Original post by suedonim
What are your politics? Kings is traditionally left wing, although the red flag no longer flies there. No May Ball (they do have something else) .
Come on now. Politics are not important when choosing a college. King's is just like any other college.
And the "something else" is the King's Affair which is rad.
I'm a geographer at Corpus. It is certainly very central and close to department - 5 minute walk, but couldn't really be described as anything but small - it is the smallest undergraduate population. But it is still great!
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Original post by suedonim
What are your politics? Kings is traditionally left wing, although the red flag no longer flies there. No May Ball (they do have something else) .
More right than left but I'm sure I'll be okay haha
Original post by sr-96
Hey, I'm at Emma - though I don't study Economics, feel free to ask anything about the college!
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