When you apply, you can choose a College to apply to or submit an open application. If you submit an open application, your application will be allocated to a College.
Cambridge Colleges are home to students from a mix of courses. Most Colleges offer similar facilities, support and accommodation. Find out more about what Colleges do.
Everyone's reasons for choosing their College are different. You should research your College options carefully before applying.
Once you’ve chosen or been allocated to a College you cannot ask to transfer to another.
Things to consider when choosing a College
Before you begin, find out which Colleges offer your course.
We suggest shortlisting around 3 to 5 Colleges to start. Consider criteria that is relevant to you.
If a College is a good fit for your needs or personal preferences, we recommend that you apply to that College rather than making an open application.
Admissions process
The College you select or are allocated to will consider your application.
The application process is the same at each College. But entry requirements and policies can differ.
You should consider:
- entry requirements at each College. Check your course page for:
- any required subjects
- A* (or equivalent) in specific subject(s)
- higher College minimum offer for your course
- admission assessment and submitted work requirements
- interview format at each College (whether it’s online or in-person)
- how different Colleges view your existing qualifications
If you make an open application, you cannot be reallocated to a College with a different interview format. If you are offered an interview, your interview will be in the format set by your allocated College (in-person or online).
If it applies to you, you should also contact the Colleges you’re considering about their attitudes to:
- exams taken in different sittings
- exam resits
- gap years
- applying when you have already completed your education
- re-applying
- applying from other universities
If you are reapplying having previously submitted an unsuccessful application, we recommend applying to a different College.
Your experience at Cambridge
Before you choose a College, explore what each College would offer you when you're at Cambridge.
Find out about each College’s accommodation and facilities.
Visit College websites to learn more about:
- College financial support
- facilities for sports and leisure
- location of and types of accommodation available
- accommodation and other College costs
- options for living outside of College accommodation (some Colleges will not consider this)
- College attitudes to working during term time (if relevant to you)
Disabilities and access needs
Before you apply, you can find out about College building access (Disability Services website). You can also check College site locations on the University map.
If you have specific needs, contact the Colleges you're considering applying to. They will be able to advise on the adjustments that they are able to offer. You should then factor this into your College choice.
If you decide that a College meets your requirements, you should apply to that College.
Find out more about the support available for disabled students.
Gender identity
There are 2 Colleges that accept applications from women only. They are Murray Edwards and Newnham.
The UCAS application's personal details section contains a question on gender identity. Your response will determine whether Murray Edwards and Newnham would consider your application. Even if you do not apply to one of these Colleges, this would be relevant if:
- you submit an open application, as we will consider this when allocating you to a College
- after you're interviewed, the College you applied to releases your application for review by other Colleges. This is known as pooling applicants
For each College’s policy on which applications they will consider, visit:
Age (mature Colleges for students aged 21+)
All Colleges accept applications from mature students. But there are 3 Colleges that are for mature students only:
Find out more about applying as a mature student.
Narrow down your College options
You can only choose one College to apply to or make an open application. Once you’ve considered the Colleges and have a shortlist, take these steps.
- Visit College websites to get more information about features and facilities.
- Visit a few Colleges or take the virtual tour to find out what it is like to live and study there.
- Contact the admissions office at your shortlisted Colleges if you have any questions.
Being offered a place at a different College
If your application is successful, you may be offered a place at a College that you did not apply to. Read about the possible outcomes of your application.