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Churchill College
So, let’s kick off with a little bit of history…. Churchill College was founded in 1958 as a national memorial to Winston Churchill. Churchill was inspired by MIT in the United States and wanted to establish a British institution that catered for the brightest minds in science. With this in mind, Churchill College was formed. Our motto is ‘Forward’ and this really says a lot about the college and its atmosphere: forward thinking, modern and non-traditional.
Simon Wood
Natural Sciences (Biology)
1st year
Shrewsbury
Being one of the more modern Colleges in Cambridge, we have a much more relaxed atmosphere. We have few of the traditions are stereotypes of the University; we don’t wear black gowns to dinner, you can walk, skip, run and do cartwheels on the grass, and we’re not hidden away behind an intimidating front entrance. Churchill can accommodate every student in on-site accommodation in all years of their course, which means that throughout your degree, you get to know people from all years and all subject groups. This really helps to enforce the strong sense of community that Churchill is renowned for.
The college is a mere 15 minutes on foot from the town centre, or a 7-minute cycle. This means that tourists won’t bug you and the extra distance in to lectures in the morning really does serve to freshen you up for the day!
The on-site facilities really are amazing: we have squash courts, tennis courts, netball courts, a well-equipped gym and huge sports fields which will often be buzzing with the excitement of rugby, Frisbee and football matches. We have our very own theatre, where the annual JCR and fresher’s play are shown, an arts studio as well as an ultra-high tech music facility with soundproof booths and studios. The bar is THE social area in college. Fresh coffee, paninis, fruit, everything from banana chips to croissants, it is stocked to the brim with tasty treats that will see you through the term. For quiet times, there’s a games room with pool table, a quiz machine and a piano. There is a TV room and Sky in the bar, where major sporting events are screened. Around most communal areas there is a wireless Internet connection. We have computer rooms with photocopiers and printers.
Best thing? Friendly and relaxed.
Every Friday is PAV, our free themed weekly disco. This is the chance to get dressed up in costume and dance the night away to the cheesiest music the DJs can muster! PAV is the highlight of the social calendar at Churchill.
Rooms are well heated and all come with Internet access. The rooms are generally spacious with prices depending on size and whether rooms are ensuite or not, they typically range from £65 to £105 per week. Room selection is by ballot, so, although you aren’t guaranteed your first choice, you can opt for a certain type of room. There are several showers and toilets on each staircase; so only on very rare occasions will you have to wait. There are also shared cooking facilities on each staircase, which have fridges freezers, and stoves. If you’re not into cooking then don’t worry: the College is fully catered, with a selection of meal deals at very respectable prices. There are also themed evenings to liven up the menu, including Street food and Italian nights.
Worst thing? On the outskirts of town.
Academically, we placed 3rd in the Tompkins tables for 2010, an outstanding achievement. We have a well-stocked library with plenty of space; dangerously comfortable seating and study rooms open 24/7.
Churchill is full of bright, friendly and fun people. You will be made to feel welcome and part of the community right from the start. If you’re looking for somewhere with a fantastic academic record, incredible facilities and no traditional rules then Churchill College really is the place to be!