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University Name:

Cambridge University: Murray Edwards

Location: Cambridge, East Anglia Show on Map

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STAFF & STUDENTS

Undergraduates:	390 women
Postgraduates:	100 women
Teaching staff:	Men: 23 Fellows, 7 external directors of studies. Women: 27 Fellows, 1 external directors of studies.

COLLEGE & ADMISSION

Founded:	1954 as New Hall; changed its name to Murray Edwards College 2008.
Admission:	Mostly following interview. Conditional offers usually AAA at A-level (or equivalent); STEP usually required for maths. Post A-level and mature applications assessed on record and interview.

STUDY OPPORTUNITIES

Academic features:	Mixed fellowship, but student places open only to women. Major contemporary art collection.
Study abroad:	All language students and some law students spend a year abroad as part of course. College promotes exchanges with some universities abroad.
Library and information services:	Large undergraduate library and computer suite, both with access 24 hours/day. Wi-fi and network access to library and internet from all college rooms. IT support from 3 staff and several student computer officers.

LIVING

Eating arrangements:	Cafeteria system (including salad bar and Saturday brunch); formal meals; vegetarian and other diets catered for. Student kitchens.
Other college facilities:	Music rooms, grand piano, drama society, art room, darkroom, multigym, shared sports grounds and boathouse, gardens, squash/tennis courts, bar, freeview widescreen TV, common room, public rooms and lecture rooms with projection cable TV.
Accommodation:	College accommodation available for almost all students: rent £750–£1000 per term of 30 weeks. No students live at home.

MONEY

Term-time work:	Paid work in term-time strongly discouraged. College can sometimes help finding work in vacations. Internship scheme.
Travel grants:	Many small and a few large grants for non-work-related travel.
Financial help:	Generous student support funds for those in need.

Student view

Living

A modern, female college, unique in architecture and outlook. Students can be found in every sphere of university life, owing greatly to the supportive environment at the college. Not the richest college, but it will throw everything it can at you to help you realise your potential (eg various travel grants, substantial rewards for high achievers). After all, what makes it stand out from the crowd is its atmosphere and students. Not lacking when it comes to its facilities: 24-hour access to Rosemary Murray library, new computer suite, fully-equipped multigym, tennis and squash courts, various music rooms, art room and photographic dark room. And of course, the newly-revamped bar, with vending machines, pool, darts and huuuuuge TV! Accommodation ranges from impressive new rooms (40% ensuite) to unique split-level rooms – all with phone and internet connection; rooms and rates to suit everybody. Great food served in the Dome, college’s impressive central venue. Access to fully-equipped kitchens for when you need to unleash your own culinary skills – some with dining tables for 20 and comfy seats! Academically, its students do well compared to other university women, particularly in eg English, SPS, natural sciences and medicine. Extra-curricularly, college is well represented both on a university and college level. A good range of college clubs and societies – Amnesty International, boat club, The Harlots (drinking society), fair-trade group and numerous academic, sport and religious societies. College enjoys good relationships with the other Hill colleges with whom there is a joint orchestra (Orchestra on the Hill), rugby club and drama society.

Summary

Housing: All students housed, in and around college. Eats: Excellent range of affordable meals in ‘dome’ (£2–£2.50); no breakfast but a mean brunch on Saturdays. Several shops and restaurants in walking distance. Drink: Recently refurbished college bar, wide selection of drinks at decent prices. Nightlife: Excellent regular events, varying in themes, topped off by renowned summer garden party!! Locals: Generally OK; occasional town & gown tension. No areas unsafe for students. Sports: Full-equipped multigym, squash and tennis courts. Most sports represented by successful college teams. Travel: Travel grants and vacation grants available. Financial help: Various grants available to anyone who may require them. Jobs: Not allowed during term. 5–10% get work locally out of term, 50% elsewhere. Best features: Relaxed atmosphere: College is made by its people, not the buildings we’re in or their history! And worst: Falling asleep on the heated floors. Peoples misconceptions about female colleges.

Past students

Tilda Swinton (actress), Joanna MacGregor (concert pianist), Sonia Ruseler (TV news presenter), Sue Perkins (comedian), Claudia Winkleman (presenter), Lisa Burke (Sky Weather), Jane Rogers (author), Jocelyn Bell-Burnell (discoverer of pulsars), Haruko Fukuda (World Gold Council), Barbara Stocking (Director of Oxfam), Frances Edmonds (author & broadcaster), Julia King (Institute of Physics), Deborah Swallow (Director Courtauld Institute).