Undergraduate Colleges Guide
Mill Pond
This article is the fifth 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 Mill Pond is just south of the city centre on the River Cam. It is a popular location for students and locals to relax, particularly in summer. You can hire a punt to explore the river along the backs of several Colleges, or upstream towards beautiful green space of Grantchester Meadows. In this article we will explore five Colleges located near the Mill Pond.
These Colleges are:
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 Mill Pond are centrally located in the city and close to various University departments and facilities.
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 around the city and further afield. Walking and cycling are both popular options.
We’ve included some approximate travel times below.
Train station
- Walking: 28 mins.
- Cycling: 8 mins.
- Bus: 18 mins.
Sidgwick Site
- Walking: 14 mins.
- Cycling: 6 mins.
- Bus: 9 mins.
West Cambridge Site
- Walking: 39 mins.
- Cycling: 10 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 include:
- Mill Pond for green space, bars, and punting
- City centre for shops, market, cafes and restaurants
- Fitzwilliam Museum for exhibitions, art and history
- Grantchester Meadows for walks and nature
Corpus Christi College
Officially called 'College of Corpus Christi and the Blessed Virgin Mary', the name is shortened to the more manageable 'Corpus Christi', or simply just 'Corpus'. Founded in 1352, the College was the sixth established at Cambridge.
Corpus features two 'courts' (an open square surrounded by buildings) and was the first College at Cambridge to adopt this layout, which became a popular style used by other Colleges. Corpus has a historical feel, thanks to the ornate buildings from different centuries. It is also home to the Parker Library which is known for its collection of medieval and renaissance manuscripts.
The College's compact size means that you'll never be too far from facilities such as the dining hall, café, bar, and library, whilst also being part of a close-knit community of students.
Key facts
|
Year founded |
1352 |
|
Population size |
Approx. 500 |
|
Courses available |
All courses except Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Education, Land Economy, and Veterinary Medicine |
|
Percentage of en suite rooms |
10% |
Did you know?
The College is home to the famous 'Corpus Clock', a large gold-plated clock with a grasshopper on top. The clock faces outwards on to King's Parade and has been a popular tourist attraction since it was unveiled in 2008.
Want to explore further?
Pembroke College
A stone's throw from Corpus, you'll find Pembroke College (the third oldest College at Cambridge). You'll be surprised by the amount of green and open space inside the College, despite its central location in the city.
Historic buildings sit alongside modern additions, like Foundress Court, which provides 92 student rooms. The College has also built additional modern accommodation across the street from the main College site (towards the Mill Pond).
Pembroke prides itself on the friendly and diverse community at the College. All first years are housed on the main College site, helping you to make new friends when you join.
Key facts
|
Year founded |
1347 |
|
Population size |
Approx. 740 |
|
Courses available |
All courses |
|
Percentage of en suite rooms |
15% |
Did you know?
The Chapel at Pembroke College was the first building designed by Sir Christopher Wren, who would later go on to design London's iconic St Paul's Cathedral.
Want to explore further?
Peterhouse
The oldest College at Cambridge, Peterhouse comes with a lot of history. On arrival, you will notice the paving stones in the entrance have been worn down from centuries of footsteps.
Peterhouse has a smaller population, which helps create a tight-knit community of students. The College consists of buildings from the 13th through to the 21st century. Although appearing modest in size at first, the College has large grounds, including the spacious Deer Park, a large garden behind the Fitzwilliam Museum.
Peterhouse offers a library, theatre, gym, music practice rooms, and chapel. There is also a range of societies and sports clubs for students to join and meet like-minded members of the College.
Key facts
|
Year founded |
1284 |
|
Population size |
Approx. 505 |
|
Courses available |
All courses except Education, Geography, Land Economy, Psychological and Behavioural Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine |
|
Percentage of en suite rooms |
26% |
Did you know?
Pembroke has an off-site sports ground a short distance away, which includes spaces for football, rugby, cricket, tennis, and netball.
Want to explore further?
Queens' College
Queens' College is visible from the Mill Pond and is located on both sides of the River Cam. Queens’ was the first College to be purpose built with features such as accommodation, library, and dining hall. This became common practice for all later Colleges.
Fast-forward to today, Queens' retains its medieval charm but also features many modern buildings, including Cripps Court, built from 1974 to 1980. The College also has some accommodation located a short walk away in Grange Road and nearby in the neighbourhood of Newnham.
Despite being one of the largest Colleges by population, Queens' has a strong sense of community and is home to many clubs, societies, and places to socialise, like the Q Bar.
Key facts
|
Year founded |
1448 |
|
Population size |
Approx. 1070 |
|
Courses available |
All courses except Archaeology and Philosophy |
|
Percentage of en suite rooms |
50% |
Did you know?
Queens' is popular amongst tourists for the iconic 'Mathematical Bridge', one of the most recognisable symbols of the University. As a student, you'll cross the bridge to get from one side of the College to the other.
Want to explore further?
St Catharine's College
Known by the nickname 'Catz', St Catharine's College is easily recognisable for its beautiful 'main court'. Open on one side, it allows passers-by a glimpse into the College, but the ornate main gate makes sure you'll not be disturbed.
St Catharine's compact site helps students to build a close sense of community, whilst the College's common room, bar, clubs and societies provide plenty of opportunities for to meet your College mates. Surrounded by other Colleges and University buildings, Catz feels part of the historical fabric of the city.
Second year students will live a short walk away in the College's 'St Chad's' accommodation close by on Grange Road. Facilities away from the main College site also include a sports field and boathouse.
Key facts
|
Year founded |
1473 |
|
Population size |
Approx. 830 |
|
Courses available |
All courses except Architecture, Design, Education, History of Art and Linguistics |
|
Percentage of en suite rooms |
32% |
Did you know?
The College also includes modern facilities, like the McGrath Centre which opened in 2013 and houses a bar, auditorium, and meeting room.
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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