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Clare College
Often referred to as the ‘friendly College’, Clare is home to the best gardens in Cambridge and its beautiful old buildings and long traditions are complemented by its relaxed and laid back atmosphere. It has a vibrant student life, with the only College bar still student-run in Cambridge, and its range of clubs and activities is enormous, with well-known societies including music, acting, sports and politics. On the river, it has stunning views and the oldest bridge in Cambridge, and it is close to both the shops in the town centre, and to the University Library and main arts site (the Sidgwick site).
Clare Fanthorpe
Clare
History, 2nd year
Clare’s College bar is in a beautifully refurbished cellar and every Friday it is hosts Clare Ents, a student-run night attracting students from all over Cambridge with the likes of the Scratch Perverts, DJ Caspa and Pendulum. On other nights, its arched ceiling and bare bricks give it a perfect cosy atmosphere for relaxing over cheap drinks or holding other events: Clare Jazz nights draw in crowds from both the University and the town, and Clare Comedy is regularly touted as Cambridge’s best-kept secret. This monthly stand-up night features student acts, ranging from first-timers to seasoned performers, and top London circuit headliners to round off the night.
The first year accommodation is across the river from the main site, even closer to the University Library and Sidgwick site but still within minutes of the city centre. Many first years live in spacious “en-suite sets”, with a bedroom, bathroom and living room, though smaller rooms are available, and rents are surprisingly affordable. Everyone lives very close to a small kitchen, with hobs, a kettle, a toaster and a microwave. Second and third years often live on another site which is a fifteen minute walk away, but also have the opportunity to live in gorgeous 18th century rooms in “Old Court”, the main College site.
Although Clare’s accommodation isn’t all on the same site, the College has a strong community feel, with an atmosphere which avoids pretention and is supportive of all student undertakings, which includes a good relationship with the healthily non-patronising College authorities. The Clare College Student Investment Fund is an example of how trusting the authorities are of the students – it is a sum of money which the College allows a group of current students to invest in anything they like, to gain practice in financial markets. The Clare May Ball, one of the best parties in May Week with recent performances from Faithless and Feeder, is also completely organised and run by students.
Best thing? Friendly and unpretentious atmosphere
Clare also has one of the most impressive College Music Societies and one of the best College Choirs. There are music practice rooms, and the choir sing in the chapel and also get to go on international tours, including to New York. The Clare Politics society attracts visitors from inside and outside of the University, bringing leading figures from the world of politics for discussion of the big issues of the day.
Clare’s playing fields, although a fifteen minute cycle from the College, are some of the best in Cambridge, and have been used by Anna Kournikova and Cambridge City football team. All major sports have teams, with our rowing, rugby, hockey and lacrosse teams particularly successful at the moment, making the most of our brand new gym!
Worst thing? When the bridge is overrun with tourists!