Sidney Sussex College

There is no such thing as a typical “Sidneyite”– though one of the smaller Colleges, the College boasts a diverse student body, meaning that nobody who comes here ever feels like a loner. Being small also means that we have a very tight-knit community – “friendly” and “cosy” are two words often associated with this College, and it’s a reputation that definitely hits the mark.

Priyanka Rao
MML, 4th Year
Wirral

Many students are jealous of our location – our 16th Century courts, set amongst beautiful greenery, are right in the centre of town, opposite Sainsbury’s and Fopp. Being this central also means that tourists rarely fi nd us, so we often get to enjoy having the College all to ourselves. The College’s facilities are pretty good, and anything else you would ever need is only a short walk or bike ride away. The library and computer suite are open 24/7 (for anyone who is feeling a bit nocturnal); there is a basic but decent gym, squash court and music room on site.

Our sports grounds are shared with a couple of other Colleges and, although they are about ten minutes walk away, they are extremely large and very well-kept. We also boast a fantastic bar – officially the cheapest in Cambridge – which puts on a fantastically cheesy fancy-dress ‘bop’ event every two weeks. Our canteen is reasonably cheap and serves meals three times a day, so if you don’t feel like cooking, you don’t have to! We also hold formal hall – a 3-course meal in candlelight in our beautiful College hall - ideal for any sort of celebration and a great way to start a good night out.

Accommodation is eclectic, ranging from suites in the old College courts to cosy shared flats, terraced housing to recently built en-suite rooms. It is comfortable and reasonably-priced, and most students never share kitchens and bathrooms between more than 4 people. All first year students live on College grounds or in Cromwell Court, 2 minutes down the road, with the following years’ accommodation decided by a random room ballot.

Best thing? Best location in Cambridge

In terms of extra-curricular activities, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. Sport is all about the participation – Sidney aren’t exactly known for their sporting prowess, but anyone can have a go, and we have thriving rugby, rowing, football and hockey clubs, just to name a few. Music and drama flourish here – we have a growing music society and choir, who regularly tour around Europe and a newly-revived drama society, for the budding thesps amongst us. There’s also a weekly newsletter – Sidnews – that is circulated amongst the students, which lets you keep track of all the gossip within College (if you haven’t already heard about it...)

In short, if a small, chilled out and close-knit College community, who work hard and play much harder, is what you’re after, come and visit or drop us an email. Whatever your interests there will definitely be something here for you, so get keen and definitely think about applying!

Worst thing? Sports ground is shared with St John's

Key facts…

No. of undergraduates

116 per year

Rent per week (range)

£75-105

Price of a pint

£1.70

Avg. price of lunch

£3.50

Distance to sports pitch

10 minute walk

Music practice rooms

Yes

Gym

Yes

Ask a student…