Cambridge Colleges for Gates Scholars: How to Choose
Cambridge has 31 colleges, and the application asks for your college preferences. The system confuses virtually every international applicant. Here's how it actually works — and why it matters more than you think for daily life.
ScholarshipUnion Editorial
4 min read
Updated Oct 5, 2026
What Are Colleges, and Why Do They Exist?
Unlike most universities, where you belong to a single institution, Cambridge is a federation of 31 independent colleges plus the central university. Your department handles your academic teaching and supervision. Your college handles your housing, social life, meals, pastoral care and a big part of your daily experience.
The university is where you work. The college is where you live, eat, socialise and belong.
Every student and academic at Cambridge is a member of both the university and one specific college. Each college has its own buildings, dining hall, library, chapel, accommodation, grounds, traditions, culture and finances. Some are medieval foundations dating to the 1200s; others were established in the 20th century. The differences are real and affect your daily quality of life.
How to Choose Your College
You choose two preferences
On the Cambridge application form you list your first- and second-choice colleges. You can also make an “open application” and let the university assign you. If neither of your chosen colleges takes you, you may be “pooled” to another college with places available.
Graduate accommodation matters most
The single biggest practical difference between colleges for postgraduates is housing. Some colleges guarantee accommodation for the whole of your degree; others only for the first year. Given Cambridge’s tight rental market, that’s a significant consideration. Check each college’s graduate accommodation policy before choosing.
Financial resources vary
Wealthier colleges (Trinity, King’s, St John’s) can offer better facilities, more funding opportunities and cheaper accommodation. Less wealthy colleges may have fewer perks but often make up for it with a stronger sense of community. As a Gates scholar, your core funding is secure whatever your college, but extra grants for conferences or travel may depend on the college.
College categories
Peterhouse (1284), Trinity, King’s, St John’s, Clare, Pembroke. Stunning architecture, deep traditions, large endowments. Can feel intimidating at first.
Darwin, Wolfson, Clare Hall, Hughes Hall, St Edmund’s, Lucy Cavendish. A high proportion of graduate students means a more mature community and often better graduate facilities.
Churchill, Robinson, Fitzwilliam, Girton. Modern sites, often with more space and better accommodation. Less central but quieter.
Emmanuel, Downing, Corpus Christi, Queens’. Walking distance to everything, active social scenes, popular with international students.
Gates scholars’ top picks
Gates scholars are spread across all the colleges, but several are particularly popular: Darwin (graduate-only, warm community), King’s (progressive, central, iconic), Trinity (enormous resources), Churchill (STEM-friendly, modern) and St John’s (large, wealthy, excellent facilities). But the “best” college is genuinely the one that fits your personality and needs.
Practical Considerations
Location
Some colleges are right in the city centre (5 minutes’ walk to everything); others are 15–20 minutes by bike. In Cambridge this matters less than in a big city because everything is close — but in winter, a 20-minute ride in the rain feels longer than you’d think.
Formal halls
Most colleges host “formal halls” — candlelit dinners in historic dining halls, with gowns. How often and how formal varies by college: some hold them nightly, others weekly. If this sounds appealing (or horrifying), factor it into your choice.
Community size
Larger colleges (Trinity: 1,000+ students) offer more diversity but can feel impersonal. Smaller colleges (Corpus Christi: ~500) are tighter-knit but have fewer events and resources. Graduate colleges hit a sweet spot for many postgraduates.
Gardens and grounds
Cambridge colleges often have stunning gardens, sometimes right on the River Cam. If green space and punting access matter to your mental health during a PhD, consider colleges with extensive grounds (King’s, Trinity, St John’s, Clare).
Sports and facilities
Each college has its own sports teams, a gym (quality varies enormously) and sometimes its own boathouse. If you’re serious about rowing, rugby or any sport, check what your college offers. University-level facilities are open to all students regardless.
Here’s the honest truth: most students end up happy at their college, even if it wasn’t their first choice. Your department, your research and the Gates community will shape your Cambridge experience more than your college. The choice matters, but it’s not worth losing sleep over.
Research Resources
- Official postgraduate college listing — browse the colleges that admit postgraduates.
- Postgraduate admissions college guide — information specifically for postgraduate applicants.
- The Student Room: Cambridge — a student forum with candid reviews of each college.
College Chosen? Think About Life in Cambridge
Living in Cambridge →Your college is your home base, but Cambridge itself is a small, beautiful and unusual place to live. Read about living in Cambridge and the Gates scholars community.