The Big 'Which Cambridge College?' Thread

This is not entirely true. Going to a particular College does not mean that only tutors from that College will teach you. Colleges regularly send students to tutors at other Colleges. In fact, this probably happens more frequently at mature Colleges, so you will actually have more of an opportunity to be taught by tutors at other Colleges.

A friend of mine is a mature student at St Eds (well, "mature" as in early-20s), and he has never had a supervision in College. In his first year, his supervisions were at Trinity, Corpus, and St Johns.

You mentioned that you were choosing between Caius and St Eds. You should know that these two Colleges are VERY different for reasons that have nothing to do with mature or non-mature students. So, don't let that be the deciding factor. Research the Colleges and go with which one appeals to you.

This is another reason why I'm not keen on going to a mature college - what would be the point if I was just going to have to go to other colleges all the time for supervisions? I'd rather just go to a college where all the supervisions are at the same college.

I should add at this stage that I have in fact had a unconditional offer from a mature college for some time now. However the nearer it gets to October, the more doubtful I am becoming about going to a mature college.

This is another reason why I'm not keen on going to a mature college - what would be the point if I was just going to have to go to other colleges all the time for supervisions? I'd rather just go to a college where all the supervisions are at the same college.

I should add at this stage that I have in fact had a unconditional offer from a mature college for some time now. However the nearer it gets to October, the more doubtful I am becoming about going to a mature college.

Clare is very good both on the classical side (http://www.clare.cam.ac.uk/life/music/index.html) and with Clare Cellars if thats your sort of thing.

I think you'll always have to go to other colleges for certain supervisions, even if you're at a large, 'normal' college.

I'm not keen on a mature college either, but if I got an offer I would definitely take it up. You might not get in next time, and even though it's not exactly what you wanted it's still Cambridge. I have to say that my attitude towards the mature colleges has changed since I actually visited one; people were not as old as I expected, and there were plenty of people who were doing an undergraduate degree.

I perfectly understand why you would prefer a standard-age college, and if you think you'll be really unhappy and out of place at a mature college it's normal that you're feeling reluctant to take up your offer, but consider it really carefully. Visit your college a few times, talk to current students, and keep in mind that it might be your only chance of a place at Cambridge.

I certainly have no intention of turning down the offer, its just I'd rather not go to a mature college. Has anyone here ever transferred college at Cambridge, or do you know anyone who has done so?

To echo what others have said - being farmed out for supervisions is quite common regardless of college, especially as you progress through years.

Libraries at mature colleges can be poor, this is true, however the subject libraries are must-visits anyway so it's hardly a major inconvenience.

A mature-college tour might puncture the jolly hockey-sticks and gothic buildings fantasy but frankly, pick your books up and go find a nice romantic corner somewhere in a different college.

I know people at all the big fancy colleges who have to live in and study in some very drab, modern buildings. You are attending the university, college talk is all rah-rah but life exists beyond those walls. Cambridge is what you make of it.

ps. the very term 'mature-college' conjures up images of 50+ mums and dads doing degrees, in actual fact you will find yourself to a great extent surrounded by 21 year-old affiliated students, post-army kids and Phd students, many of whom will be going through the dramatic academic tribulations faced at such a time and will make for very interesting company.

I don't see why this should be the case though. Students at mature colleges pay exactly the same fees as students at standard colleges. Why should they have to make do with poorer facilities?

Which college would you recommend if you are applying for economics, want to live in a "castle", likes to party and would appreciate walking distance to your classes?

Am I right in believing that Clares is very musical? If so, would it not be a good idea to apply for it if i'm not musical at all?

I want to apply for Law and liked the look of Clares, but also Pembroke. Would anyone recommend Pembroke if I want to be able to do a fair amount of sport? Or are there better colleges for sport?