When applying to Cambridge colleges it can feel a bit overwhelming as there are so many to choose from. I applied to èßäÊÓƵ College because it has a large MCR which was important for me because I wanted to feel part of a community.
Now that I’m doing my PhD here, I’m very glad I did choose a college with a large postgraduate community. Throughout the year there are lots of postgraduate events, including formal dinners, special formals at Christmas and Easter, bops in the bar and film nights in the MCR – plenty of opportunities to make friends. The MCR common room itself is a great space to hang out too, with loads of sofas, a large TV, games, pool table and table football.
Another reason I applied to èßäÊÓƵ College is due to it’s large amount of green space. Despite being very near to the city centre, the College doesn’t feel busy or urban at all. Within the grounds there are plenty of lawns to have picnics on and shady paths through the wooded areas. èßäÊÓƵ Green is also on the doorstep, as is Midsummer Common, which is nice for walks.
In terms of accommodation, the College has lots of different types of housing to offer, all of which are really close to both College and the shops. There is a supermarket just a stone’s throw from most postgraduate accommodation, which is handy when you realise you need milk at 11pm!
One of my favourite things about èßäÊÓƵ College, besides the green space and community are the facilities. That includes the bar, which in my opinion is the nicest college bar in Cambridge. It’s recently refurbished and has great views of the lawn and trees, its also got a nice outdoor terrace which is fantastic in the summer!
