Cambridge St John's - In Depth

Founded: 1511; women undergraduates first admitted 1981.

Admission: Candidates apply for conditional offers (which include STEP grades for mathematics), or on the basis of A-levels already taken.

Scholarships: Scholarships awarded to members of the college on the basis of performance in university examinations. Scholars receive generous book grants and other privileges.

Travel & other grants: Travel grants available to all undergraduates for course-related travel. All receive book grants and financial help with extra-curricular expenses.

Library & information service: New college library (plus early 17th century Old Library) with over 120,000 volumes, ranging from medieval manuscripts to modern university textbooks; full set of Law Reports; skeletons for medical students. 3 computer rooms (2 in library) open 24 hours/day. 4 IT support staff. Training sessions in first week; university runs free IT courses.

Eating arrangements: Self-service buttery dining room; formal dinner in Great Hall available 6 evenings a week.

Gate/guest hours: College members may come and go as they wish; certain regulations regarding overnight guests.

Other college facilities: Bar, 2 choirs and musical society, theatre in School of Pythagoras; badminton court, fitness centre, multi-gym, disco cellar; music practice rooms, art studio, drawing office and large auditorium; cinema; 26-acre playing fields and pavilion near college; modern squash courts, table tennis and billiards rooms, college punts.

Accommodation: All students in college: £770-£880 per term. No first degree students live at home.

Term-time work: Not permitted.