Downing College (Cambridge): Detailed Guide, General Information and Contacts

Downing College is located on Regent Street in the centre of Cambridge and is surrounded by other colleges such as Emmanuel College and Pembroke College

Downing College offer grants for international travel expenses, language courses and course materials.  Downing College have a Hardship Fund and support students with unexpected financial difficulties.  There are also BAME Solidarity Funds and an LGBTQ+ Fund to cover expenses related to mental health support and other expenses.

More information can be found here

Societies at Downing College include:

• The Cranworth Society, the largest student-run college law society in Cambridge
• The Blake Society for Arts and Humanities
• The Whitby Medical Society
• The Downing Astronomical Society

As well as these, there are hundreds of other university societies that you can join.

Downing College offers accommodation for the duration of undergraduate study.  Accommodation for undergraduate students is either in the College site or in one of several College houses adjoining the main site.  First-year students live in rooms in the main site, whereas in the following years a student-run ballot determines where students live.  Over half of rooms have en-suite facilities, with every room having access to Wi-Fi, shared kitchen spaces and laundry facilities.

The majority of College accommodation for postgraduates is located on the main College site, with several rooms also available in the surrounding area.  All rooms are  fully furnished, with many offering en-suite facilities.  Priority is given to students with housing needs due to health or disability.

The main site is equipped with a multi-gym and several courts for tennis, basketball and netball.  The College sports ground is a short distance away, where students can enjoy many sports such as cricket, football, hockey, rugby or rowing.

Downing College have a team dedicated to student wellbeing.  Run by the Head of Student Wellbeing, the team includes two College Nurses, two College Counsellors as well as a physiotherapist.  The team offer wellbeing consultations to support both the physical and mental health of their students, as well as running campaigns and activities relating to wellbeing throughout the year.

• Downing College is home to the Heong Gallery, an art gallery that provides students with the opportunity to engage with modern and contemporary visual art.  The College also hosts poetry reading, music performances and dance presentations here
• The Maitland Robinson Library is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to all members of the College.  This also includes computer and printing facilities
• Downing has a Music Centre where students can go to play a range of instruments.  There are a number of grand pianos available for student use as well as several other instruments
• Downing College students can make use of the Howard Theatre, a 140-seat venue that regularly hosts performances, lectures and conferences

Quentin Blake

Andy Hamilton

Farmida Bi

John Cleese