Cambridge Lucy Cavendish - Student View

Affectionately known as 'Lucy', it's unique in Cambridge, as it caters solely for mature (over 21), female students. About 220 students, and a good mix of undergraduates and postgraduates. This creates an exciting and diverse mixture of age, background, culture and experience.

A few minutes' walk or cycle ride to the city centre, close to the Backs and River Cam. It comprises a mixture of several Victorian houses, and a number of modern buildings situated in beautiful gardens in a 3-acre site and four houses for married students or those with families. New library houses excellent computer facilities and a multi-media suite. Access 24/7 to library and other buildings for college members, providing a flexible service to accommodate the individual needs of different students.

Most students live in during term-time, in shared flats, study bedrooms, or single (ensuite) rooms; all have computer points with internet connections. Lunch is provided seven days a week, formal dinner every Thursday, with supper on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Food is excellent - always a choice of hot/cold dishes and vegetarian option.

Lectures and teaching rarely more than a few minutes away by bicycle - definitely the preferred method of transport within the town! Work is intense and demanding, but also exciting and stimulating. Standard of teaching generally good, and Lucy staff are approachable. friendly and supportive. Demands of academic life can be difficult to balance for students with family and other commitments, but mature students are generally well motivated and most achieve good results. College staff always willing to help and give advice as well as practical help, including financial (from hardship funds, bursaries etc); also excellent, confidential, free university counselling service.

Lucy Students' Association (affiliated to the university SU and NUS) exists mainly as a social, rather than a political body; its aim being to enhance and improve the life of the students. It organises parties and other social gatherings, formal hall 'swaps' with other Cambridge colleges, and supports various sporting activities including a successful rowing team, regular yoga class and aerobics group; opportunities to take part in football and other sports in other colleges; also small, well-equipped college gym. Lucites enjoy weekly video nights, regular jazz nights in the college bar, pub quiz nights, cheese and wine events, garden party and winter ball.

Cambridge is a lively place to be: cosmopolitan population and mixture of students, residents and tourists. Plenty of places to go - pubs, restaurants, cinema, theatre, clubs and concert venues - as well as the market, the museums and the old, traditional colleges.

Cambridge is an excellent place to study, and Lucy is a very special place to be. It is small enough to be friendly and welcoming, but large enough to offer a unique, often life-changing experience.