How does the Oxbridge college system work? Is it like University of London?

[kittybelle]

Are all the colleges separate entities like LSE, UCL, SOAS etc? When you apply to do a subject at an Oxbridge college - is it just taught in that college or is it taught with students from across the Uni?

There are also trivial things that are worth considering / knowing about - the system of kitchen fixed charges which you have to pay even if you don't eat in hall (which you might not want to if the food is rubbish / you have allergies / keep kosher etc) - these will vary by college.

Also rents - some colleges charge a flat rent & you take turns at getting big/small rooms, others you can choose to rent a smaller room for less money or a palace for more

And as MrsHathaway says, location is worth considering - go to Girton, and you can at least be assured of keeping fit

There's a fab book by Elfi Pallis which details exactly how the Oxbridge system works and talks about colleges and applications in some detail. Can highly recommend it.

Amazon linky

This may no longer be applicable but when I applied to Cambridge I looked up the entry requirements for each College for my subject and went for the lowest 5! Maybe these days it's all 3A* but back in the day it did differ slightly! and as I had no other criteria to go with that's how it went- successfully I'm pleased to say!

one of the things that seems to differ between colleges at Cambridge is the pressure that is put on students. If mumsnet is to be believed there are Cambridge colleges where your exam marks are given to all those studying your subject and you are grilled if you don't get a 2.1. Most or maybe all colleges have an interview with those students doing very badly, its supposed to be to see if the student needs more support. There are also differences in the amount of work required from students for supervisions. Some colleges have scholars rooms for those getting firsts, some dont.

The really interesting Cambridge table is the Baxter table. This is one that could be considered a proxy for added value or teaching contribution and is virtually impossible to see. Sometimes a hint leaks out.

There are some Cambridge colleges that rarely take people from the pool and others that take a lot. Apply to one of the more popular colleges and you may be pooled to a less popular college. Make an open application and you'll be interviewed by a less popular college and if they make you an offer you'll never be seen by a more popular college. Therefore apply to a popular college if you like the look of one. There are lot of published statistics on admissions but applying based on them is madness.

Students should look at places they'd like to live based on what matters to them. If you want ensuite, not all colleges have it. If cooking matters gyp rooms vary a lot. Sports facilities may be on site or some distance. Girton is the only undergrad college with a heated swimming pool. Selwyn is ( I think) the only one with a "large cat" www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-28966001. The alternative prospectus and the student room website are helpful.