Hiya, I’m Grace and I’m a second-year law student at Gonville and Caius (pronounced keys) College. I was completely unsure which college to apply to when applying to Cam and Caius won me over because they gave out free water bottles on the Open Day. However, despite my rather superficial reason for applying to Caius I am SO glad I did, it is truly a college which is defined by its people and we have some of the nicest around. Before arriving at Caius, I was aware of its traditional reputation as a private school dominated, ‘tory’ college but I have not once felt out of place here- despite my northern, comprehensive state-school background.
In case this point didn’t come across clearly enough before I think Caius’ main selling point is its student population. It is one of the largest colleges in Cambridge, which allows for students from a range of backgrounds and experiences to interact yet despite its size the community is close knit. All freshers are housed together in the Harvey Court site (which is some of the nicest freshers’ accommodation in Cambridge). This helps students to make friends and get to know their year before moving to accommodation which ranges from houses to Old Courts rooms in their second and third years. Another factor which facilitates the close community at Caius is the minimum dining requirement, which requires students to eat in hall 36 times per term. Whilst Caius food has a bad rep within Cam it has improved even whilst I’ve been here, there is always a variety of food with vegan and vegetarian options—and the price is fairly reasonable at around £4.70 for three courses.
One of the things that makes Caius unique (but also may be something to keep in mind if you want a certain kind of college) is that it is relatively spread out. We have an Old Courts site along with St Mikes (other accommodation and fellow’s rooms) across the road, but these sites are small compared to our nearby neighbours of Trinity and Kings—or even other colleges which are all on one site. However, this being said, Caius has a LOT of property in Cambridge. You can live in the centre of town in Rose Crescent or Green Street, which have modern style rooms in converted town houses (see below to get a feel for what they’re like), or you can live further out of town on Mortimer or Gresham Road. These properties are much more house-like than typical Cambridge accommodation, and allow you to have a bit more of a student experience.
Caius has a fun and friendly vibe. We have strong sports teams in football, rugby, rowing, netball, among others, as well as a range of societies. This can be a great way of making friends across years. I think you should be aware that Caius doesn’t quite have the same vibe as colleges further up the Tomkins Table as although the fellows and academic staff are amazing the student body (appear to me at least) to have a slightly more laid-back vibe and a reputation for being very social. The MCR community is also very friendly and interacts with the undergraduate population (relatively) often which means you may get to see the lovely post-grad accommodation on Harvey Road.
Caius has some way to go with regards to diversity, but it is trying in the wake of the debate around the removal of the Fisher Window from Hall. It can sometimes feel that the fellows disregard the views of the student population, and I think this is probably why Caius’ traditional reputation remains. However, as I said before, I have not once felt out of place or insecure in my status as a student at Caius and have found all the staff I have interacted with to be lovely and helpful throughout my time here. I am very glad I chose to apply to Caius as I think it is true that your college does define your experience at Cambridge. The people I have met and become friends with come from a range of countries, academic backgrounds and subjects but I hope to remain friends with them for the rest of my life. Caius’ community defines our college and I love being a part of it.
