Cambridge University: King's

King’s effectively has the best of both worlds – from outside it presents the best-known and most impressive exterior in Cambridge; within, it is informal and relaxed. In nearly every field, social, academic, artistic – even sport, at a pinch – it can hold its own (at least) with the rest of the university. It is the King’s breakdown of the Cambridge cliché that makes it stand out – here students, staff and fellows do actually achieve some sense of community. High ratios for women, state school, mature and graduate intake, resulting in a mature and well-balanced student body: it actively welcomes and encourages applicants from all backgrounds. Minority subjects are a speciality. The student activism of the 60s and 70s that led to the tag of Red King’s has left its legacy – the college offers a unique degree of student representation and involvement. The college is home to most shades of opinion and is seen as a tolerant place to be. Student hardship is taken seriously; a very sympathetic finance tutor runs workshops during freshers’ week (though not just for freshers) with help and advice. College is relatively affluent and can bail people out. It also welcomes the disabled – a set of rooms specially converted for wheelchair access. It’s a nice place but be prepared to work hard!

Housing: College accommodation ranges from not bad to pricey-but-good (bedroom plus sitting room for many final years). Eats: Adequate choice in canteen. Town tends to be either McDonald’s or expensive, with lots of restaurants and two kebab vans. Drink: College bar the only financial relief for the real drinker. Nightlife: Good for films and student plays both on and off campus. Sports: College facilities improving. Travel: Town is compact so little need for transport. Travel abroad can be funded by college. Financial help: Lots and lots of lovely lolly. Jobs: Lots of badly-paid tourist industry work in summer, also colleges themselves are quite good. Many students get work in their home area out of term-time. Good news: Hardship funds being improved.

Sir Robert Walpole (politician); Rupert Brooke (poet); J M Keynes (economist); The King’s Singers; Michael Mates MP; Alan Turing (mathmatician); E M Forster, Salman Rushdie, Zadie Smith (authors).