When I was applying to Cambridge, I didn’t know much about how the college system worked or how to even think about choosing one to apply to. I didn’t apply directly to Girton, but was offered a place there after being put into the inter-College pool. Upon reflection, I cannot imagine being anywhere other than Girton. This is true for many students at Cambridge – you become oddly attached to your college whether you applied to it directly or not. Each college has its own character and is associated with different things. Some things unique to Girton include its iconic red brick building, beautiful grounds, indoor swimming pool, black squirrels, Girton Spring Ball, and of course its distance from the centre of Cambridge. Girton also has an amazing history: it was the first residential institution offering university level education for women in the UK. Today, it continues to be extremely forward looking, with a big focus on inclusivity and diversity.
Among students, the first thing that comes to mind when asked about Girton is the fact that it is far away. This is true to a certain extent. Yes, it is a bit further from town than the majority of other colleges: you can’t just walk out your front door and immediately be in Market Square or Jesus Green. However, in the grand scheme of things, Girton isn’t as far away as many students would lead you to believe. It’s roughly a ten-to-fifteen-minute cycle to get into town or to Sidgwick Site. I find this greatly beneficial: not only does the cycle wake you up before a 9am lecture; but it also provides a physical and psychological separation between lectures and college. Personally, this allowed me to associate Sidgwick Site with work and College with relaxation, which is a really important balance to have – you can’t work all the time! Furthermore, the fact that Girton is further away from most colleges means that it has a really special sense of community.
Everyone knows (or knows of) everyone and all you have to do is go to hall or the social hub to see a friendly face. On nights out you can always find a Girtonian or two to share a taxi back to college with (or brave the walk back with you), and you can often find Thursday Lola’s (a Cambridge club night) being taken over by Girton students who have gone out after formal hall. When it comes to studying, there is no unhealthy competitiveness or pressure. Instead, everyone just wants the best for everyone. No question or concern is a stupid one and, speaking from experience, you become really close with your subject peer group, not only in your year, but in the years above and below you as well. This fits well with the archetypal Girton student: relaxed, up for a laugh, and friendly. Of course, students at Girton work hard; but they also know how to have a good time.
Admittedly, it can sometimes be frustrating being that little bit further out from town. On cold, wet, and windy days, when your fingers are going blue whilst cycling up castle hill, you sometimes wish that you were blessed with the convenience of a central college. It can also be quite easy to forget that life exists outside of Girton; but this can be easily remedied by a trip into town with friends, or even better by getting involved in one of the many university wide clubs or societies.
Unlike other colleges, Girton’s accommodation is split into corridors rather than staircases. Students on a corridor share bathrooms and kitchens, which compared to other colleges are pretty well-equipped with hobs, fridges, freezers, ovens etc. Rooms in college can vary: some that have been built more recently have ensuites; some rooms are a ‘set’ which means they have a bedroom and living-room type space; some rooms have sinks; and some have double beds (whereas most rooms have single beds). After first year, Girton students can also live off site in student flats in Swirles Court at Eddington, which are more modern than accommodation in college. You get assigned a room in college at random in first year, and for the remainder of your time at Girton a random room ballot creates an order in which students can pick their room for next year. To ensure fairness, the room ballot takes into account the quality of your previous room(s).
Overall, Girton suits me down to the ground and I could not imagine being at any other college. If you are looking to study at a fun and friendly college in a beautiful setting then Girton is the place for you! It has truly become a home from home. If you end up there, whether by applying directly or being pooled, you will have an amazing experience and make friends for life.
Catriona James
Second Year Law Student
Check out the Girton College website for more details!