Christ's College

We don’t know how they managed it, but someone in the fifteenth century must have invented sound proofing. Because, as soon as they pass through our Great Gate, everyone always says they’re struck by how Christ’s feels like a quiet secluded world of its own – even though it’s probably the most central college: it’s literally 15 seconds from the nearest bank, sandwich shop and nightclub, 2 minutes from Sainsbury’s, and no more than 10 minutes from most of the Faculty buildings.

This isn’t the only way in which Christ’s gives you the best of both worlds. As a slightly-smaller-than-average college, it’s small enough for you to know everyone in your year and not get too cliquey, but big enough to find soul mates. We’re often touted for our academic reputation, but we don’t take it too seriously. People at Christ’s aren’t smarter or swottier than anyone else. We do well because College is great at supporting people in difficulty, and because we play as hard as we work.

In terms of sports, our men’s football team has won Cuppers (the inter-collegiate tournament) more times than anyone else; we’ve recently had great success in tennis, water polo and women’s rowing, with many of those players only taking up those sports when they arrived in Cambridge!
But sport’s not everyone’s thing. Our friendly drama society puts on everything from stand-up and Shakespeare, to plays written by students. Christ’s College Music Society puts on concerts, recitals, blues and acoustics nights where anyone can join in (even me – that’s saying something!) The fast-growing Politics Society runs debates and lectures from local and national figures. We’re also one of few Colleges to have its own Visual Arts Centre, where an artist-in-residence holds classes and exhibitions, and a theatre in which we show films that have only just left the cinema.

Best thing? Location, location, location!

If all that sounds like too much effort, you can always just chill out in the bar, the TV Room or the huge Fellows’ Garden, which comes complete with beehives, a 17th-century mulberry tree and an outdoor swimming pool...

Almost everyone at Christ’s lives within the college walls for all three years of the degree – the exception being some of the second year, who enjoy the chance to live in College-owned houses just 3 minutes from the back gate. Rooms come in all shapes, sizes and styles, from the ancient beams of First Court to swish modern rooms (with ensuite and balconies!) in our obligatory 60s block. In general, our rooms are among the cheapest in Cambridge. Food is also heavily subsidised: you can eat three meals a day in the Upper Hall canteen, or treat yourself to Formal Hall with friends, which is available about five nights a week, and cheaper than many colleges at just £6 for three courses with wine! In general, there’s no need to worry about cash, because the College is generous with bursaries and study grants – useful if you fancy travelling abroad in the vacations for a research trip (or should that be ‘research’ trip?!)

Worst thing? Dodgy food in Upper Hall...

And the future looks bright, with the College putting lots of money towards improving the bar and constructing a totally new library over the next few years. With great teaching and support, top-notch facilities and, above all, a welcoming group of students with which to enjoy it all, where else but Christ’s for the best three (or four or more...) years of your life?

Key facts…

No. of undergraduates

128 per year

Rent per week (range)

£69-109

Price of a pint

£2.30

Avg. price of lunch

£2.90

Distance to sports pitch

10-15 minute cycle

Music practice rooms

Yes

Gym

Yes

Ask a student…