Undergraduate Colleges Guide
Cambridge Union
This article is the final in our six-part series helping you to learn more about the 29 Colleges available to Cambridge undergraduate students. This series is focusing on the areas in which the Colleges are located. However, there are other factors to consider when deciding on a College. Please read our full advice here.
Hidden away in a Victorian building just north of the city centre you'll find the Cambridge Union, which has been the University's student debating society since 1815. There are several Colleges close to the Cambridge Union, all established within 100 years of each other, which we will explore in this article.
These Colleges are:
- Jesus College
- Magdalene College
- Sidney Sussex College
- St John's College
- Trinity College
Most students live in College for all their years at Cambridge so it’s a good idea to learn more about the area of the city which you may end up calling home.
About the area
Colleges near the Cambridge Union are centrally located in the city and close to various University departments and facilities.
Nearby University facilities
These Colleges are close to:
- The University Library and Sidgwick Site (including the Faculties of Law, English, Economics and more).
- West Cambridge Site including the Cavendish Laboratory (Department of Physics), School of Veterinary Medicine, and University Sports Centre.
- Locations in the city centre, such as the Downing Site (home to departments of Archaeology, Biochemistry, Geography and more), and New Museums Site for the Student Services Centre (SSC) and the Zoology Museum.
Getting around
There are bus stops close to all the Colleges that can take you around the city and further afield. Walking and cycling are both popular options.
Please see indicative travel times in minutes below:
Market Square (City Centre)
- Walking: 7 minutes.
- Cycling: 2 minutes.
- Bus: 8 minutes.
Grange Road (for the Sidgwick Site)
- Walking: 20 minutes.
- Cycling: 6 minutes.
- Bus: 16 minutes.
West Cambridge Site
- Walking: 35 minutes.
- Cycling: 9 minutes.
- Bus: 17 minutes.
Cambridge is a small city that is easy to navigate on foot, by bike, or on public transport. You’ll never be a long journey away from any part of the city whichever College you become part of.
Local amenities
Colleges in this area are in the city centre which has plenty of shops, cafes, and bars.
Highlights include:
- The River Cam and Quayside for punting and riverside drinks and dining
- Jesus Green park and lido for green space and swimming
- ADC theatre for drama and comedy
- Kettle's Yard gallery and museum
Jesus College
Arriving at Jesus College, you'll walk down the 'Chimney' (which may originate from the French word 'cheminée' meaning 'small path') that leads to the porter's lodge. Inside, the College has plenty of historical buildings to explore, and some new additions like the Library Court accommodation, built in the year 2000.
Jesus College began as a small community of priests studying at the University, but the student population has grown significantly over the centuries. Students enjoy the spacious grounds which provide plenty of areas for sports and relaxation.
The College is proud of its diversity and inclusivity of students from all backgrounds, creating a strong sense of community among its members.
Key facts
|
Year founded |
1496 |
|
Population size |
Approx. 915 |
|
Courses available |
All courses |
|
Percentage of en suite rooms |
55% |
Did you know?
The College's Quincentenary Library was opened in 1996 by the Queen and commemorated the 500 year anniversary of the founding of the College.
Want to explore further?
Magdalene College
Magdalene College (pronounced like the word 'maudlin'), is the furthest College downstream on the River Cam and sits opposite the vibrant Quayside area. The College has a small yearly intake, so you'll quickly get to know your fellow students in a friendly and welcoming setting.
Magdalene provides accommodation in both historical and modern buildings, many of which are clustered together in an area known as 'the Village'. Some students will live in College-owned accommodation a short walk away across the river.
Students enjoy the spacious Fellows Garden, located next to the river. A great place to socialise, study, or relax.
Key facts
|
Year founded |
1542 |
|
Population size |
Approx. 575 |
|
Courses available |
All courses |
|
Percentage of en suite rooms |
23% |
Did you know?
The College's New Library opened in 2021 and offers students a modern place to study. The building was awarded the 2022 Stirling Prize by the Royal Institute of British Architecture.
Want to explore further?
Sidney Sussex College
Sidney Sussex College (or just 'Sidney' for short) is located close to the city centre and many shops, cafes, and bars. The historical walls of the College help to maintain a sense of calm away from the bustle of the city streets.
Sidney has historical and modern accommodation buildings, including some that are a short walk away. The main College site is fairly compact, but still has plenty of green space where you can relax and socialise.
Sidney's student union helps to organise lively and varied events throughout the year. So you'll have plenty of opportunities to interact with fellow students.
Key facts
|
Year founded |
1596 |
|
Population size |
Approx. 615 |
|
Courses available |
All courses except Education |
|
Percentage of en suite rooms |
28% |
Did you know?
The College has an on-site gym and an off-site sports field (shared with St John's College) about a 15 minute walk away.
Want to explore further?
St John's College
St John's College is located on both sides of the River Cam which students can cross via the famous Bridge of Sighs. The College has plenty of historical buildings to explore, such as the Main Gate, beautiful New Court, and large Chapel.
St John's has both a large site and student population, but still manages to have a friendly and lively environment. Some students live in historical accommodation buildings, but the College also offers a range of modern residences like the Cripps Building, built in the 1960s and houses 200 undergraduates.
Key facts
|
Year founded |
1511 |
|
Population size |
Approx. 955 |
|
Courses available |
All courses |
|
Percentage of en suite rooms |
27% |
Did you know?
In 2023, St John's modernised its self-service dining hall (known as 'the Buttery') to create a pleasant space for students to eat, socialise, and study.
Want to explore further?
Trinity College
Arriving at Trinity College from the busy city streets you'll enter the orderly Great Court and immediately feel a sense of calm. Famously founded by King Henry VIII, this College is the younger of the two named Trinity (the other being its smaller neighbour Trinity Hall).
Trinity is located on both sides of the river, but most of the main site is based on the east side near the city centre. Some students will live on the west side of the river in the Burrell's Field accommodation, a short walk away. There is a large student population with plenty of clubs and societies to get involved with.
Key facts
|
Year founded |
1546 |
|
Population size |
Approx. 1020 |
|
Courses available |
All courses except Education and Veterinary Medicine |
|
Percentage of en suite rooms |
34% |
Did you know?
Trinity is known for the Wren Library, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, which houses Isaac Newton's 'Principia Mathematica' and the original manuscript for 'Winnie the Pooh' by A.A Milne.
Want to explore further?
The information in this article is correct at the time of publishing. Please check our website for the most up-to-date information.
Last reviewed: March 2025
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