Undergraduate Colleges Guide
Market Square
This article is the third 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.
The bustling and vibrant Market Square sits at the historical centre of Cambridge. It has been home to traders for centuries and continues to be an active market to this day. It's a great place to grab food, groceries, and crafts from independent sellers.
There are a number of Colleges near the Market Square which we’ll explore in this article:
- Christ's College
- Clare College
- Gonville & Caius College
- King's College
- Trinity Hall
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 Market Square are close to various University departments and facilities in the city centre.
Nearby University facilities
These Colleges are close to:
- 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.
- 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.
Getting around
There are bus stops close to all the Colleges that can take you into the city centre and further afield. Walking and cycling are both popular options.
We’ve included some approximate travel times below.
Train station
- Walking: 27 mins.
- Cycling: 9 mins.
- Bus: 17 mins.
Grange Road
- Walking: 17 mins.
- Cycling: 5 mins.
- Bus: 17 mins.
West Cambridge Site
- Walking: 33 mins.
- Cycling: 8 mins.
- Bus: 25 mins.
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 in this area include:
- City centre for shops, market, cafes and restaurants
- Mill Pond for leisure, green space, and punting
- Green spaces such as Jesus Green and Parker's Piece
- Quayside for bars and restaurants
Christ's College
When entering Christ's College from the narrow and busy city streets that surround it, you'll step in to a calm and peaceful environment made up of historic buildings and green spaces.
Many of the buildings date from the Victorian era or earlier, but the College continues to add new modern facilities to its site, such as the Yusuf Hamied Centre which opened in 2009 and houses facilities including student common rooms, a gym, and music practice rooms.
The College has a large but close-knit community of students and supports many clubs and societies. There's even a dedicated theatre which hosts plays by the College's drama society.
Key facts
|
Year founded |
1437 |
|
Population size |
Approx. 730 |
|
Courses available |
All courses except Veterinary Medicine |
|
Percentage of en suite rooms |
33% |
Did you know?
Christ's has an on-site outdoor swimming pool which dates back to the 17th century. It was renovated in 2010 and now offers a place to relax and exercise during the summer months.
Want to explore further?
Clare College
A short walk from Market Square down a pretty, cobbled passage you'll find Clare College, the second oldest College in the University and one of the many that spans both sides of the River Cam.
The heart of the College is based around 'Old Court' (a 'court' is an open square surrounded by buildings) which contains the Hall, Chapel and accommodation. A short scenic walk across the river, over the oldest bridge in the city, will take you to Memorial Court which is home to the College library and more accommodation. There’s also further student accommodation a short distance away in Castle Court near Quayside.
Clare offers a friendly and nurturing environment to students from all backgrounds.
Key facts
|
Year founded |
1326 |
|
Population size |
Approx. 760 |
|
Courses available |
All courses |
|
Percentage of en suite rooms |
49% |
Did you know?
The College takes its name from Lady Elizabeth de Clare, granddaughter of King Edward I. When she originally established the College, her endowment provided for the maintenance of 15 scholars (later known as Fellows) - the population has certainly grown since then with around 100 fellows and more than 600 students!
Want to explore further?
Gonville & Caius College
Affectionately referred to as 'Caius' (pronounced 'keys'), you'll enter this College through one of its three gates named 'Humility', 'Virtue' and 'Honour'. Once inside, you'll be transported away from the busy city into a series of three courts made up of historic buildings each set around an open square.
The compact size of the main College site means that you'll regularly cross paths with fellow students going about their day but will still have plenty of space to live and study.
Some of the student accommodation at Caius is located off the main site, a short walk across the river. Harvey Court accommodation is located next to the Sidgwick Site, ideal for the various arts and humanities departments found there.
Key facts
|
Year founded |
1348 |
|
Population size |
Approx. 840 |
|
Courses available |
All courses |
|
Percentage of en suite rooms |
33% |
Did you know?
The College is named after both its original founder, Edmund Gonville, a priest, and John Caius, a 16th century physician to several Tudor royals. Caius had studied at the College (then called Gonville Hall) and later expanded and renamed it.
Want to explore further?
King's College
One of the most well known Colleges, whilst King’s is famous for its easily recognisable chapel, it offers a lot more than a nice backdrop for photos. The open spaces inside its grounds contrast with the busy and narrow city streets near the Market Square, and offer a welcoming home for its students.
Much of the College is situated in historic buildings constructed across the centuries since the College was founded in 1441. Modern additions include the Keynes' Building, built in the 1960s and refurbished in 2021. The building offers en suite accommodation, mostly reserved for first year students.
Many undergraduates live in College accommodation a short walk away across the river. There is also accommodation on the main College site, some which overlooks the river.
Key facts
|
Year founded |
1441 |
|
Population size |
Approx. 825 |
|
Courses available |
All courses except Education, Land Economy and Veterinary Medicine |
|
Percentage of en suite rooms |
53% |
Did you know?
King’s has always been famous for its chapel and choir, but it’s not only choral music you’ll find at the College. King’s has student bands and groups, with regular open mic nights in the bar and even club nights in the King’s Bunker for aspiring DJs.
Want to explore further?
Trinity Hall
Trinity Hall and Trinity College are located right next door to each other but are completely separate Colleges. Trinity Hall is the older of the two and sits on a compact site next to the river, surrounded by other Colleges.
Students enjoy the cosy atmosphere of the grounds, particularly the garden and award-winning Jerwood Library, with their views across the River Cam - an idyllic place to study!
Some students live a short distance away from the main College on the Wychfield site, ( located near the Hill Colleges) or nearby in Thompson's Lane.
Key facts
|
Year founded |
1350 |
|
Population size |
Approx. 565 |
|
Courses available |
All courses except Design and Education |
|
Percentage of en suite rooms |
45% |
Did you know?
The College supports a range of activities, clubs and societies, including sports at its off-site sports field, rowing from its boat house and music at the WongAvery Music Gallery.
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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