Cambridge Downing - In Depth

Founded: 1800; women undergraduates first admitted 1978.

Admission: All offers based on school reference, interviews and A-levels or equivalent.

Scholarships: Scholarships on performance in university exams. Annual organ scholarship and instrumental awards. Substantial awards available for Downing graduates intending to train for the legal and medical professions or for careers in management or business. Largest fields of study: Natural sciences, law, engineering, medicine; but applications welcome in all subjects.

Travel grants: Endowed trust funds. Library & information service: Well-stocked college library. Separate IT service, open 24 hours/day. 45 points with access to library, 40 to internet (ratio 1:10 workstations to students). IT support from 3 computer officers, most student rooms networked.

Eating arrangements: Undergraduates may take all meals in hall. Limited facilities provided for self-catering.

Gate/guest hours: Gates always open. Guests not booked in overnight must leave by 1.45 am.

Other college facilities: Coffee and reading room, auditorium, bar and cafe; computer room: 2 tennis courts and 2 squash courts in college precincts: sports ground 10 min cycle ride away; boathouse.

Accommodation: All undergraduates in college accommodation for at least 3 years: average rent £58 per week, term-time only. No first degree students live at home.

Term-time work: College does not allow term-time work except in college (eg in library, as computer assistants).

Financial help: Some funds available.