The Most Popular College at Cambridge, Ranked

Choose the college you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Mar 29, 2024 06:58
Choosing a college at Cambridge is a significant decision for prospective students, one that shapes their academic journey and social life. To aid in this decision, ranking the colleges based on popularity provides insight into where students feel most at home. Such rankings highlight aspects of college life like community spirit, academic support, and extracurricular opportunities. By participating in voting for the most popular college, users contribute to a broader understanding of each college's appeal. This collective input helps future students navigate their choices by showing which colleges are favored by peers. It also fosters a sense of community as current students and alumni share their pride and experiences. So, cast your vote and see how the colleges stack up!

What Is the Most Popular College at Cambridge?

  1. 1
    54
    votes

    Trinity College

    Sir Thomas Pope
    Trinity College - one of the oldest and wealthiest colleges with famous alumni such as Isaac Newton and Stephen Hawking.
    Trinity College is one of the most beautiful colleges in Oxford. It offers an idyllic and picturesque setting for its students and visitors. Its stunning architecture, immaculate gardens, and rich history make it a must-visit destination. The college is famous for its grandeur and tranquil surroundings, providing an atmosphere conducive to learning and reflection.
    • Foundation Year: 1555
    • Architectural Style: Gothic
    • Main Buildings: Neville Court, Great Quadrangle, Chapel
    • Master: Sir Ivor Roberts
    • Number of Students: Around 300
    Trinity College in other rankings
  2. 2
    16
    votes

    St John's College

    Lady Margaret Beaufort
    St John's College - known for its stunning architecture, large grounds, and notable alumni such as William Wordsworth and Hugh Laurie.
    St John's College is one of the most popular and prestigious colleges at the University of Cambridge. Founded in 1511, it has a rich history and tradition of academic excellence. St John's College is known for its stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and vibrant community.
    • Location: Cambridge, England
    • Foundation Year: 1511
    • Architecture Style: Gothic and Neoclassical
    • Notable Alumni: William Wordsworth, William Wilberforce, John Milton
    • Academic Subjects: Arts, Humanities, Sciences, Engineering
  3. 3
    27
    votes
    King's College
    Flaming Ferrari (talk) · Public domain

    King's College

    King Henry VI
    King's College - famous for its choir and stunning Gothic chapel, as well as alumni such as Alan Turing and John Maynard Keynes.
    King's College is one of the most popular colleges at the University of Cambridge. It was founded in 1441 by King Henry VI and is known for its beautiful architecture and outstanding academic reputation.
    • Established: 1441
    • Location: Cambridge, England
    • Architectural Style: Gothic
    • Chapel: King's College Chapel, one of the finest examples of Gothic English architecture
    • Famous Alumni: Alan Turing, Salman Rushdie, John Maynard Keynes
  4. 4
    19
    votes
    Pembroke College
    Monsarc · CC BY 3.0
    Pembroke College - known for its beautiful gardens and notable alumni such as Samuel Johnson and William Pitt.
    Pembroke College is one of the most beautiful colleges in Oxford, situated in the heart of the city. It is known for its stunning architecture, serene courtyards, and picturesque gardens, offering a peaceful and inspiring environment for studying and living.
    • Foundation Year: 1624
    • Architectural Style: Jacobean
    • Location: Oxford, England
    • Chapel: Pembroke Chapel
    • Library: The JCR Library
    Pembroke College in other rankings
  5. 5
    19
    votes
    Peterhouse - the oldest college in Cambridge, with notable alumni such as Lord Kelvin and John Milton.
    Peterhouse is one of the most popular colleges at the University of Cambridge. It is the oldest college in Cambridge, founded by Hugo de Balsham, Bishop of Ely, in 1284. Peterhouse is known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant academic community.
    • Foundation Year: 1284
    • Age: Over 735 years
    • Location: Cambridge, England
    • Total Students: Around 300 undergraduates and 110 postgraduates
    • Notable Alumni: Sir Frank Whittle, Nobel Laureate Sir John Gurdon, Lord Rees of Ludlow
  6. 6
    13
    votes

    Gonville and Caius College

    Edmund Gonville
    Gonville and Caius College - one of the largest colleges with notable alumni such as Stephen Fry and David Attenborough.
    Gonville and Caius College, also known as Caius College or simply Caius, is one of the oldest and largest constituent colleges of the University of Cambridge. It was founded in 1348 by Edmund Gonville, with the primary intention of providing education for students in the fields of medicine and law.
    • Location: Cambridge, England
    • Foundation Year: 1348
    • Motto: Adeo in Domino confido (So I trust in the Lord)
    • Collegiate System: Yes
    • Number of Students: Approximately 900
  7. 7
    8
    votes
    Clare College
    Ed g2s · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Clare College

    Richard de Badew
    Clare College - known for its picturesque bridge over the River Cam and notable alumni such as John Rutter and Ian McKellen.
    Clare College is one of the most popular colleges at the University of Cambridge. It is located in the city center, along the banks of the River Cam. The college has a rich history dating back to its foundation in 1326, making it one of the oldest Cambridge colleges. Clare College is known for its stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and lively community atmosphere. It offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines.
    • Location: Cambridge, UK
    • Foundation Year: 1326
    • Architecture Style: Gothic & Neoclassical
    • Academic Programs: Various disciplines
    • Number of Students: Approximately 600
  8. 8
    8
    votes
    Emmanuel College
    Cmglee · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Emmanuel College

    Sir Walter Mildmay
    Emmanuel College - known for its beautiful chapel and notable alumni such as Prince Charles and Graham Greene.
    Emmanuel College is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Cambridge. It was founded in 1584 by Sir Walter Mildmay, making it one of the oldest Cambridge colleges. The college has a rich history and is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. Emmanuel College prides itself on its inclusive and diverse community, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment for its students.
    • Location: Cambridge, England
    • Foundation Year: 1584
    • Collegiate University: University of Cambridge
    • Architectural Style: Gothic and Classical
    • Famous Alumni: John Harvard, Charles Darwin
  9. 9
    4
    votes
    Magdalene College
    © Andrew Dunn · CC BY-SA 2.0

    Magdalene College

    Benedict Spinola
    Magdalene College - known for its beautiful gardens and notable alumni such as Samuel Pepys and C.S. Lewis.
    Magdalene College is one of the most popular colleges at the University of Cambridge, located in Cambridge, England. It is known for its beautiful architecture, picturesque grounds, and rich history. The college has a vibrant academic community and offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various disciplines.
    • Foundation Year: 1428
    • Traditional Quadrangle: Cloister Court
    • Chapel: The Pepys Building Chapel
    • Library Collection: Over 60,000 volumes
    • Famous Alumni: Samuel Pepys, Thomas Cranmer, C.S. Lewis
  10. 10
    6
    votes
    Corpus Christi College - known for its stunning medieval architecture and notable alumni such as Christopher Marlowe and John Donne.
    Corpus Christi College is one of the most prestigious colleges at the University of Cambridge. It was founded in 1352 by the Guilds of Corpus Christi and the Blessed Virgin Mary, making it the sixth-oldest college in the university.
    • Location: Cambridge, England
    • Motto: Spiritus Sanctus Vivificans Vita
    • Coat of Arms: Features a pelican feeding its young with its own blood
    • Architecture: Combines a mix of medieval and modern buildings
    • Main Quad: Known as 'Front Court'

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Ranking factors for popular college

  1. Academic reputation
    Consider the college's academic standing, including faculty expertise, course offerings, research output, and overall reputation within the university and across subjects.
  2. Entry standards and selectivity
    Evaluate the college's admissions standards, including the number of applications it receives, the percentage of applicants it admits, and the typical qualifications of admitted students. A college that attracts high-quality applicants and maintains a competitive admissions process can be considered popular among prospective students.
  3. Alumni success
    Assess the achievements and career outcomes of the college's alumni, which can serve as an indicator of the quality of education that the college provides.
  4. Facilities and resources
    Take into account the resources and infrastructure offered by the college, such as libraries, laboratories, study spaces, and other facilities that contribute to a positive learning environment.
  5. Size and diversity
    Consider the size and diversity of the college's student population. A college that has a diverse student body in terms of gender, nationality, and academic background can provide a more enriching educational experience.
  6. Social atmosphere and extracurricular activities
    Examine the college's social environment and opportunities for students to engage in clubs, societies, sports, and other organizations. Many students are drawn to colleges that offer a vibrant social scene and a wealth of extracurricular opportunities.
  7. Financial aid and scholarships
    Investigate the availability of financial assistance and scholarships at the college. A college that offers generous financial support to students may be more attractive to prospective applicants.
  8. Location and campus environment
    Assess the college's location and setting, whether it is situated in the heart of the city, on the outskirts, or in a more rural area. Also, take into account the beauty and architectural style of the campus.
  9. Accommodation
    Check the quality, cost, and availability of accommodation provided by the college, including the state of the buildings, the facilities offered, and the location of the student housing.
  10. Reputation and traditions
    Look at the historical context, reputation, and any unique traditions associated with the college, which may contribute to its popularity among students and alumni alike.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular college at Cambridge. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or college is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1860 views
  • 168 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each college once every 24 hours. The rank of each college is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most popular college at cambridge

Cambridge is renowned for its prestigious academic institutions, but which college is the most popular among students? With so many options to choose from, it can be a difficult decision to make. However, according to our StrawPoll data, the most popular college at Cambridge is Trinity College. This historic institution boasts an impressive alumni list, including Sir Isaac Newton and six British prime ministers. But what makes Trinity so popular among students? Perhaps it's the stunning architecture and beautiful gardens, or the thriving social scene and array of extracurricular activities on offer. Whatever the reason may be, it's clear that Trinity College is a top choice for many students at Cambridge.

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