Peterhouse

The oldest college in Cambridge. The grounds are very beautiful with traditional architecture and serene gardens hidden behind the walls. The college is rarely open to public, we’ve visited during the university open days. Absolutely worth a visit!

Peterhouse: Cambridge’s first, founded 1284—older than the printing press. Fewer than 400 students, but its library holds 70,000 rare books. Supervision? Weekly, intense, direct—think medieval master and apprentice, but with WiFi.

Oldest college in Cambridge; with past members including five Nobel Prize winners, and Frank Whittle, Lord Kelvin, Henry Cavendish, and David Mitchell. Very pretty grounds and buildings. Small chapel and two main courts.

Very small, but very pretty college, with very large gardens with lots of trees and flowers.

This is the oldest of all the colleges in Cambridge, hence worth a visit on its own. It has a contrast of old and new buildings inside and the exterior of the chapel looks like a grandfather clock!

One of the finest and the most gorgeous institutions in the world. Had a phenomenal time here pursuing a PhD. Those were easily the most enjoyable 4 years, ever! Here are the admissions policies of all colleges we visited (or attempted to visit) between July 28 and August 3: Open to all visitors Jesus (open to all visitors) St. John’s (open to all visitors) King’s (open to all visitors) Downing (open to all visitors) Emmanuel (open to all visitors) Corpus Christi (open to all visitors) Queen’s (open to all visitors) Newnham (open to all visitors) Pembroke (open to all visitors, closed on one day for a wedding) Open to any alumni, regardless of college Trinity (only open to any alumni, likely due to construction work) St. Catherine’s (only open to any alumni) Magdalene (only open to any alumni) Only open to their own alumni Peterhouse (only open to their own alumni; exceptions may be made for other alumni) Christ (only open to their own alumni, likely due to construction work and wedding on one day) Sidney Sussex (only open to their own alumni – could not visit) Gonville & Caius (only open to their own alumni – could not visit) Trinity Hall (only open to their own alumni – could not visit) Clare (only open to their own alumni, likely due to construction work - could not visit)

Being the oldest college in Cambridge, Peterhouse is a really nice college with a magnificent dining hall and a pretty garden. Despite being called the smallest college, the college appears surprisingly large. The formal here varies greatly in standard. When I was here, the food was surprisingly good and the price was cheap.

Peterhouse, the oldest college of the University of Cambridge, established in 1284, offers a unique blend of historical charm and academic excellence. Nestled in the heart of Cambridge, its beautiful medieval architecture and tranquil gardens provide an inspiring environment for study and reflection. With a strong sense of community, Peterhouse supports a vibrant student life through a variety of societies and traditions. Known for its rigorous academic standards and distinguished alumni, the college continues to foster intellectual growth and innovation. The intimate size and supportive atmosphere make Peterhouse a distinctive and rewarding place to pursue higher education.