What is a College?

All undergraduate students at Cambridge are members of a College. No matter which College you’re part of, you’ll study the same course and go to the same lectures, seminars and practicals.

Cambridge Colleges provide accommodation, facilities, and support for undergraduate students. They also offer a close community where you can make friends for life.

Find out how to choose a Cambridge College.

What Colleges do

Select students and set some entry requirements

Every College has a mix of students from different courses. Colleges decide which applicants to admit.

Colleges set some entry requirements for undergraduate courses. They also interview applicants and make offers of admission.

Provide accommodation, social activities and facilities

The Colleges are located across Cambridge. All are within 3 miles of the city centre and a short distance from most academic departments.

If you come to study at Cambridge, your College will:

• usually be where you live, in College accommodation
• organise and oversee your supervisions (small group teaching)
• provide entertainment and social activities, like parties, film nights and formal dinners
• have College sports teams that compete against other Colleges
• offer facilities like:
  • a library and study spaces
  • a cafeteria and cooking areas
  • a common room, where you can relax with friends
  • sports grounds and a gym
  • music practice rooms and instruments
  • faith spaces

Give welfare support

Colleges offer lots of wellbeing and academic support. They have a range of staff to help you throughout your studies. This usually includes:

• College porters, friendly faces at College entrances who can help with queries
• a College chaplain and/or a College-based counsellor
• a Welfare Officer
• a nurse

Your College will also assign a Director of Studies (DoS) and a Tutor to you.

Your DoS is an expert in your subject, usually based at your College. They will:

• advise you on your course choices
• arrange or oversee your supervisions
• check your academic progress

Your Tutor is usually an academic in a different subject. They are there to:

• provide support, information and advice about navigating College and University life
• advise on personal or financial matters
• direct you to other support services
• liaise with other parts of the College or University on your behalf

Offer some extra financial support

Colleges may offer some financial support to fund things like:

• books and equipment
• travel for academic work or enrichment
• unanticipated costs

This varies from College to College. Colleges will be able to provide more information about the funding they offer and eligibility.

Student life beyond Colleges

If you're made an offer to study at Cambridge, you'll be part of the University as well as your College. You'll have access to your academic department(s) and University facilities.

Find out more about the role of the University.

You'll have opportunities to make friends with people from other Colleges. You may meet people at lectures and classes, student societies and University sports teams or through events in the city.