Cambridge Gonville & Caius - Student View

Main college buildings (Old Courts) are attractive and ornate - pretty flower beds and trees! - in the centre of town, next to the Senate House.

Most first years live in Harvey Court (1960s monstrosity, admired by architects!), 10 minutes' walk away on the Backs and next to the arts faculties and university library. 2nd years live out in college houses, allocated by ballot (ballot order reversed to choose 3rd year rooms in the Old Courts). All staircases are mixed.

Old Court Porter's Lodge closes at 1am (but access possible afterwards). Washing machines/irons etc are readily available, and 2-5 people share a kitchen with fridge and cooking rings. Officially only minor cooking is allowed, as it's compulsory to buy 45 meal tickets a term for hall; this means that generally the whole college meets up at least once a day, so everyone knows everyone else.

Some find it insular but many Caians are involved at university level in various activities, including various sports, RAG, CUSU etc. Relations between the students and administration are friendly and each student has a personal tutor.

The Student Union (GCSU) is active and affiliated to the university SU and to NUS; it concentrates on welfare issues rather than party politics; advice is available from specific officers (eg welfare or women's officer) on any problems with college life or work. Generally a relaxed atmosphere; college bar and courts tend to be very sociable.

History and medicine particularly strong; law, economics and natural science also well respected. It is easy to change subject for Part II. Workloads vary hugely between individuals and between courses; arts subjects require self-reliance (generally 1-2 supervisions a week and few lectures); natural sciences and medicine are much more structured. Standard of teaching is excellent, though courses tend to be fairly theoretical and demanding. College library (highly regarded in Cambridge) open 17 hours a day.

College excels at rowing; football, rugby and hockey are also popular and other sports are played at a laid back level. Some 50+ clubs and societies in college and easy to start up a new one (eg karting, Amnesty International recently); debating, drama, music and RAG are all thriving. Some 50% of students are women, 5%-10% of students are international (more in the MCR) and special efforts are made to ensure their integration into college life. Little ostentatious wealth amongst students; few leave without an overdraft.