Cambridge University: Peterhouse

What's it like as a place to live? Friendly and laid back, with beautiful gardens and architecture.

How's the student accommodation? Accommodation in College is guaranteed for four years. It ranges from stunning wood-panelled sets on Old Court to inconveniently distant houses (15 minutes' walk from College), but due to recent renovations there is no undesirable accommodation. The cost is generally reasonable, and rooms allocation is based on a unique ballot which rewards participation in College and University life as well as academic achievement; a much fairer system than other colleges.

What's the student population like? Like any Cambridge college, the student population in Peterhouse is diverse and accepting. Most parts of the UK are represented, and there is a strong international presence as well (the author is an Irishman).

What are the teaching staff like? Cambridge is full of world-class academics, and Peterhouse has its fair share: this year I am being supervised by the man who wrote the textbook on the subject in question. Generally, they are friendly and approachable, and in such a small college they are closer to the student body than they might be elsewhere

What are student societies like? Despite having such a small population, Peterhouse has a wide range of societies, from a lively theatre company (the Heywood Society) and music society to the Kelvin Club, a scientific society, the Peterhouse Politics Society and the Peterhouse Historical Society. We also have clubs for most sports, and our pool team is one of the best. And, of course, there are all of the University societies and clubs for niche interests and the most competitive of sportspeople.

How can you get home safely? Peterhouse is 10 minutes' walk from the furthest venues in the city, and 25 minutes' walk from the furthest colleges (where one hardly ever goes), and the streets are remarkably safe at night. Taxis abound, although a Petrean doesn't need to, and generally doesn't use them

Average price of a pint? £2.10 in the Peterhouse bar.

What's the part-time work situation? You need special permission from the Senior Tutor if you want to take on a job during term time, and generally they're frowned upon; terms in Cambridge are so short that there isn't much time to hold down a job on top of study.

What's the best feature about the place? The people – Peterhouse seems to attract laid-back, friendly and interesting people.

And the worst? It's difficult to say, but I suppose its small size can be a curse. Gossip travels incredibly fast.

And to sum it all up? The oldest, smallest and friendliest college; relaxed, conveniently located and absolutely charming.

Colin Greenwood (bass player of Radiohead); Michael Howard (politician); Sam Mendes (film director, producer); David Mitchell (Mitchell & Webb); Max Perutz (molecular biologist and Nobel Prize winner); Michael Portillo (politician and journalist); Frank Whittle (inventor of the jet engine).