How Many Colleges in Cambridge?

The University of Cambridge is one of the most prestigious and historic universities in the world. Known for its unique college system, Cambridge’s 31 colleges form the heart of its academic and social life, offering students a distinctive blend of individual identity and community spirit. Each college has its own history, traditions, and culture, providing students with a smaller, more intimate environment within the larger university.

In this article, we’ll explore how Cambridge’s colleges work, the differences between them, and what makes each one special. Whether you’re considering applying to Cambridge or are simply curious about its renowned college system, this guide will give you a detailed understanding of how the university is structured.

What Is a College at Cambridge?

At the University of Cambridge, a college is much more than just a residence hall or a place to take classes. Each college operates as a mini-campus within the larger university, with its own administration, faculty, student body, and social activities. Colleges provide students with accommodation, meals, and academic support. While they are part of the university, colleges are also independent institutions with their own governing bodies and traditions.

Colleges are responsible for admitting students to the university, providing tutorials, and organising events and extracurricular activities. They create tight-knit communities where students can form friendships, engage with faculty, and receive academic and pastoral care in a more personal setting.

Why Does Cambridge Have So Many Colleges?

The University of Cambridge’s college system allows for a personalised education where students receive close supervision and mentoring from tutors while benefiting from the resources of a world-class university. Each college has its own facilities, such as libraries, dining halls, and accommodation. Colleges foster a strong sense of identity and pride, with each student belonging to both their college and the wider university.

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How Many Colleges Are There at Cambridge?

Cambridge is made up of 31 colleges, each offering its own character, traditions, and academic strengths. Some colleges are renowned for their historic architecture, while others have a more modern approach. Regardless of their age or focus, all colleges share a commitment to academic excellence and community building.

Here’s a look at the colleges, their histories, and what makes each one special:

The Cambridge Colleges

1. Peterhouse

Founded in 1284, Peterhouse is the oldest of Cambridge’s colleges. It has a reputation for academic excellence and its small, close-knit community.

2. Clare College

Clare College, established in 1326, is known for its beautiful gardens and its long-standing academic success. It was the second college to be founded at Cambridge.

3. Pembroke College

Founded in 1347, Pembroke College is known for its historic buildings and strong academic traditions. Alumni include William Pitt the Younger.

4. Gonville and Caius College

Gonville and Caius College, established in 1348, is one of Cambridge’s most prestigious colleges, known for its contributions to the fields of medicine and science.

5. Trinity Hall

Founded in 1350, Trinity Hall is renowned for its friendly and welcoming community. It has a long tradition of excellence in law.

6. Corpus Christi College

Established in 1352, Corpus Christi College is known for its historic library and academic rigour, particularly in the humanities.

7. King’s College

Founded in 1441 by King Henry VI, King’s College is one of Cambridge’s most iconic institutions, famous for its chapel and choral tradition.

8. Queen’s College

Queen’s College, established in 1448, is known for its striking architecture, including the famous Mathematical Bridge.

9. St John’s College

St John’s College was founded in 1511 and has produced many famous alumni, including Nobel Prize winners and prime ministers.

10. Trinity College

Trinity College, established in 1546 by King Henry VIII, is the largest and wealthiest Cambridge college. It has educated some of the most influential figures in history, including Isaac Newton.

11. Christ’s College

Founded in 1505, Christ’s College is known for its academic excellence and beautiful gardens. Alumni include Charles Darwin.

12. Jesus College

Jesus College was established in 1496 and is known for its vibrant student community and strong academic traditions.

13. Emmanuel College

Founded in 1584, Emmanuel College is one of Cambridge’s leading academic institutions. Alumni include John Harvard, the founder of Harvard University.

14. Magdalene College

Magdalene College was established in 1542 and is known for its strong traditions and small, close-knit community.

15. Sidney Sussex College

Sidney Sussex College, founded in 1596, has a reputation for academic excellence and friendly atmosphere. It is the burial place of Oliver Cromwell.

16. Downing College

Downing College, founded in 1800, is known for its beautiful neo-classical architecture and strong academic performance.

17. Girton College

Girton College was founded in 1869 as the first Cambridge college for women. Today, it is coeducational and known for its academic achievements.

18. Newnham College

Newnham College, established in 1871, was also founded as a women’s college and remains one of the most progressive and inclusive institutions at Cambridge.

19. Robinson College

Founded in 1977, Robinson College is one of Cambridge’s newest colleges. It has a modern approach and is known for its friendly and inclusive atmosphere.

20. Lucy Cavendish College

Established in 1965, Lucy Cavendish College originally admitted only mature women students. Today, it is coeducational and focuses on inclusivity and diversity.

21. Darwin College

Founded in 1964, Darwin College was the first Cambridge college to admit both men and women. It focuses on postgraduate studies and has a reputation for academic excellence.

22. Wolfson College

Wolfson College, established in 1965, is a postgraduate institution known for its diversity and strong academic reputation, particularly in the sciences.

23. Hughes Hall

Founded in 1885, Hughes Hall is one of Cambridge’s oldest graduate colleges. It has a strong reputation for its research programmes and is known for its friendly atmosphere.

24. Homerton College

Established in 1768, Homerton College is known for its contributions to education and the arts. It is one of Cambridge’s larger colleges with a vibrant student community.

25. Fitzwilliam College

Founded in 1869, Fitzwilliam College has a reputation for academic rigour and a friendly, inclusive community. It offers a wide range of academic subjects.

26. Churchill College

Churchill College, founded in 1960, is dedicated to the sciences and engineering. It was named after Sir Winston Churchill and remains a leading institution for scientific research.

27. Murray Edwards College

Murray Edwards College, founded in 1954 as New Hall, is a women’s college with a commitment to promoting women’s education and leadership.

28. Clare Hall

Clare Hall, established in 1966, is a graduate college known for its interdisciplinary approach and welcoming international community.

29. St Edmund’s College

Founded in 1896, St Edmund’s College is a postgraduate institution with a diverse student body. It is known for its research and academic excellence.

30. Selwyn College

Selwyn College, founded in 1882, is known for its friendly community and strong academic performance. It has a picturesque location near the River Cam.

31. New Hall (Murray Edwards College)

Founded in 1954, New Hall, now known as Murray Edwards College, remains dedicated to women’s education and leadership, with a strong focus on empowering future generations of women leaders.

The Role of Cambridge Colleges

Unlike Oxford, Cambridge does not have Permanent Private Halls (PPHs), but its 31 colleges offer distinct academic and social environments. Each college is an independent institution within the wider university, with its own administration, endowment, and traditions. Colleges provide accommodation, meals, and pastoral care for their students, while also acting as the hub for social and academic life.

What do Cambridge Colleges Offer?

• Accommodation: Colleges provide housing for students throughout their undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
• Tutorial Support: Colleges provide personalised academic guidance through supervisions, Cambridge's hallmark small-group teaching system.
• Community: Colleges serve as close-knit academic and social communities where students can make connections and build friendships.

Colleges are responsible for admitting students to the university and play a significant role in shaping the student experience. Although students take lectures and exams within the university faculties and departments, their college is the centre of their daily life.

FAQs About Cambridge University Colleges

1. What is the oldest college at Cambridge University?

Peterhouse, founded in 1284, is the oldest college at Cambridge.

2. How are students assigned to Cambridge colleges?

Students apply to a specific college when they submit their application, or they can submit an open application, allowing the university to assign them to a college based on availability.

3. Can students switch colleges during their studies at Cambridge?

It is rare for students to switch colleges, as each college provides accommodation and tutorial arrangements. However, in special circumstances, transfers may be possible.

4. Do all Cambridge colleges offer the same subjects?

Most colleges offer a broad range of subjects, but some may have strengths in specific areas. For example, Trinity is known for science and mathematics, while King’s has a strong reputation in the arts.

5. What is the difference between a college and a hall at Cambridge University?

Cambridge colleges are self-governing institutions providing accommodation, tutorials, and social activities. Halls are smaller and more focused on specific academic or religious areas.

Conclusion

Cambridge’s 31 colleges are more than just educational institutions—they are communities with rich traditions, unique histories, and a strong commitment to academic excellence. Each college plays a crucial role in shaping the academic and social experiences of its students, offering a blend of individual identity and collective community spirit.

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