Student Life

Library and Archives

Our historic Old Library is linked to our foundress Lady Margaret Beaufort's original donation of 39 texts back in the early 1500s. Today we offer our undergraduates and postgraduates students a 24/7 Working library and Law Library with more than 40,000 modern printed books covering all subjects taught in college to support your learning needs. The library is also a great study and lounge space, situated in the college grounds. 

For more information on space and services we encourage prospective and current students to visit our Library and Assistive/Disability Resources website (http://www.christs.cam.ac.uk/library-archives).  Library staff are always happy to talk to prospective or current students and are available Monday-Friday 9-5 at the library office, or via email library@christs.cam.ac.uk.

 Meals

Christ's has many options for meals - students can eat in Upper Hall (the College canteen), get sandwiches and snacks through the day in the Buttery cafe, book in for a formal dinner with friends or use the basic gyp room / kitchen facilities in the accommodation. More information about the different options in College can be found here.

Anissa, who studies Medicine at Christ's, says:

" Upper Hall (the college canteen) is a brilliant way to socialise with friends. All the medics head there every day for lunch after lectures, and it's the perfect break between lectures and self-study. It's a great way to meet friends spontaneously and to socialise with different people over each meal. It really helps to bring together the college community, as you get to know everyone."

Chapel, Choir and Music

The College Chapel is in First Court, at the heart of the college. It is open every day and all are welcome. Christ's Chapel is very much a community space, variously hosting singing and music (there is a grand piano) as well as quiet reflection, prayer and the services that take place. The College also has a very active Music Society with lots of opportunities to get involved.

Chapel picture page
Chapel and Choir
Music Society

Simon, who studied Music at Christ's, says:

"I sing in the College Chapel choir, which rehearses three times a week. This is probably what I've enjoyed most in my time at Christ's - it's been a fantastic experience both musically and socially."

Exercise and Sport

Many students enjoy continuing with previous sporting interests or picking up something new. With both College and University level clubs and activities, there are opportunities for a full range of sports and exercise, suitable for all levels. Information about sports teams and facilities can be found here.

Matt, who studied Computer Science at Christ's, says:

"I find that getting involved with extra-curricular activities actually makes you work more effectively, whilst also giving you a nice break from work."

 Theatre

With its own theatre, and a drama society which produces three shows a year and funds many more, Christ's is home to a vibrant student theatre community. More information about theatre at Christ's can be found here.

Becca, who studies Computer Science at Christ's, says:

"I’ve enjoyed getting involved in a handful of productions, mostly put on by Christ’s Amateur Dramatic Society (CADS). I’ve done tech for a couple of shows, stage managed a couple and taken a few publicity photographs and headshots. Even though I’m not acting, it’s fun to be part of the production as a whole."

Visual Arts

Christ's has a long tradition of fostering the visual arts, and our alumni include Anthony Caro (sculptor), Nicholas Serota (Director of The Tate), Philip King (sculptor), Anthony Smith (sculptor), Auguste Bréal (painter), Charles Suamarez Smith (historian), Simon Schama(historian) and Dee Ferris (painter), amongst others. More information about Visual Arts in Christ's can be found here.

Mira, who studied Education at Christ's, says: 

"I was really attracted by the Visual Arts scene at Christ's. During my time here, a few friends and I founded the Art Society and our Art & Chill sessions now have several similar versions across the university."

Further Societies
(Christ's and university-wide)

There are a number of further College societies, some of which are managed by students with financial support from the College. Many college societies have set up their own web pages which you can find through the MCR and JCR. This list is not necessarily comprehensive but gives you an idea:

Readers of the undergraduate student profiles will know that many students are also involved in unviersity-wide societies. There's a very helpful set of films below about university societies. At university level, there's a wide range of the sport, music and drama societies but also a lot more. These films show a few examples, and in particular it's worth bearing in mind that campaigns and cultural societies tend to be university-wide, and there are university-wide subject societies too:

• Film 1: Hip Hop, Hindu Cultural, Economics, Graduate
• Film 2: May Week Alternative, India Soc, Oxfam, Sikh Soc
• Film 3: Refugee Scholarship Campaign, Majlis, St John's JCR (as an example), CamFM
• Film 4: Cambridge SU BME, Street Dance, Unicef, Wilberforce, Debating
• Film 5: ACS, ABACUS, Archimedeans, Bangla

If you have a particular interest that you want to look up, the Cambridge Students' Union Societies Directory is helpful, but please bear in mind that not all societies keep their websites up-to-date (don't be put off if there's not much information about something you're intereseted in).

Undergraduate admissions / Postgraduate admissions / Christ's Cats