Cambridge University
Colleges

Cambridge colleges are the heart of the University of Cambridge, each with its own distinct history, traditions, and community. Colleges offer students small, supportive academic communities where they have personal tutors and participate in social and cultural activities. They provide dining halls, libraries, and common rooms, and many boast stunning chapels and expansive gardens. The colleges also play a key role in the famous Cambridge traditions, including formal halls, May Balls, and rowing competitions. Together, the colleges form a vibrant and diverse network, enriching the academic and cultural life of the university.

All Cambridge Colleges

There are 31 colleges in total, providing students with accommodation, academic support, and a rich social life. These colleges vary in size, age, and architectural style, ranging from medieval institutions like Peterhouse, founded in 1284, to more modern ones like Robinson College, established in 1977. Each college operates independently, but all are integral parts of the wider university, fostering a unique environment where students of all disciplines come together.

Visiting Cambridge University: Christ’s College

Christ’s College

Christ’s College is one of the constituent colleges and known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and notable alumni.

Visiting Cambridge University: Churchill College

Churchill College

Churchill College is one of the newer additions to the University of Cambridge. It was founded in 1960 in honour of Sir Winston Churchill.

Visiting Cambridge University: Clare College

Clare College

Clare College in Cambridge is celebrated for its beautiful architecture, which seamlessly blends medieval and classical styles.

Visiting Cambridge University: Clare Hall

Clare Hall

Clare Hall has attracted numerous distinguished academics and intellectuals from a variety of fields thanks to its focus on research.

Visiting Cambridge University: Corpus Christi College

Corpus Christi College

Founded in 1352, Corpus Christi College is one of the oldest and most unique colleges at the University of Cambridge.

Visiting Cambridge University: Darwin College

Darwin College

Darwin College, founded in 1964, is one of the University of Cambridge’s most progressive and research-focused institutions.

Visiting Cambridge University: Downing College

Downing College

Downing College is renowned for its grand neoclassical architecture, a striking departure from the Gothic and Baroque styles.

Visiting Cambridge University: Emmanuel College

Emmanuel College

Emmanuel College is renowned for its beautiful blend of historical and modern architecture, including designs by Sir Christopher Wren.

Visiting Cambridge University: Fitzwilliam College

Fitzwilliam College

Named after Viscount Fitzwilliam, this college reflects the values of accessibility, diversity, and community.

Visiting Cambridge University: Girton College

Girton College

Founded in 1869, Girton College was the first residential college for women in the UK and played a pivotal role in advancing women’s education.

Visiting Cambridge University: Gonville and Caius College

Gonville & Caius College

Gonville & Caius College has a tradition of nurturing some of the world’s brightest minds, particularly in the sciences.

Visiting Cambridge University: Homerton College

Homerton College

Originally established as a dissenting academy, Homerton has long been associated with teacher training and education.

Visiting Cambridge University: Hughes Hall

Hughes Hall

Hughes Hall is one of Cambridge’s oldest graduate colleges, originally established as a teacher training college for women.

Visiting Cambridge University: Jesus College

Jesus College

Established by John Alcock, this college has retained much of its medieval charm while evolving into a modern academic institution.

Visiting Cambridge University: King's College

King’s College

King’s College is renowned not only for its high academic standards but also for its magnificent gothic chapel.

Visiting Cambridge University: Lucy Cavendish College

Lucy Cavendish College

Lucy Cavendish has a commitment to providing a supportive and welcoming environment for students from underrepresented backgrounds.

Visiting Cambridge University: Magdalene College

Magdalene College

Founded in 1428 as a Benedictine hostel, Magdalene College is one of Cambridge’s most historic and picturesque colleges.

Visiting Cambridge University: Murray Edwards College

Murray Edwards College

Murray Edwards College, originally founded as New Hall in 1954, is one of Cambridge’s three colleges dedicated exclusively to women.

Visiting Cambridge University: Newnham College

Newnham College

Newnham College has an unwavering commitment to fostering intellectual independence and supporting women’s education.

Visiting Cambridge University: Pembroke College

Pembroke College

Founded in 1347 by Marie de St Pol, widow of the Earl of Pembroke, this college is the third-oldest college at the University of Cambridge.

Visiting Cambridge University: Peterhouse

Peterhouse

Despite its long and prestigious history, Peterhouse remains one of the smallest colleges, known for its tradition of academic excellence.

Visiting Cambridge University: Queens' College

Queens’ College

Founded in 1448 by Queen Margaret of Anjou and later refounded by Queen Elizabeth Woodville, the college has a unique history of royal patronage.

Visiting Cambridge University: Robinson College

Robinson College

Founded in 1977, Robinson College is known for being open-minded and informal, encouraging creativity and collaboration.

Visiting Cambridge University: Selwyn College

Selwyn College

Selwyn College, founded in 1882, is renowned for its beautiful red-brick buildings, designed in the Gothic Revival style.

Visiting Cambridge University: Sidney Sussex College

Sidney Sussex College

Sidney Sussex College is tucked away in the heart of Cambridge, offering a peaceful retreat despite its central location.

Visiting Cambridge University: St Catharine's College

St Catharine’s College

Named in honour of St Catharine of Alexandria, the college has grown from its modest beginnings to become known for its strong performance.

Visiting Cambridge University: St Edmund's College

St Edmund’s College

St Edmund’s College was founded in 1896 and initially established to provide a home for Roman Catholic students.

Visiting Cambridge University: St John's College

St John’s College

Founded in 1511 by Lady Margaret Beaufort, St John’s College is one of the largest and most prestigious colleges in Cambridge.

Visiting Cambridge University: Trinity College

Trinity College

Founded in 1546 by King Henry VIII, Trinity College is the largest and one of the most prestigious colleges at the University of Cambridge.

Visiting Cambridge University: Trinity Hall

Trinity Hall

Founded in 1350 by William Bateman, the Bishop of Norwich, Trinity Hall is the fifth-oldest college at the University of Cambridge.

Visiting Cambridge University: Bredon House,

Wolfson College

Founded in 1965, Wolfson College is one of Cambridge’s newer colleges and is known for its modern, progressive approach to education.