If Lucy Cavendish was writing a lonely hearts add, she would describe herself as 'a smart woman witha life looking for an even more interesting future. Enjoys a good book'. Lucy Cavendish College is only open to women over 21 years old and the average age is 30 years old. The atmosphere is relaxed and progressive, with fewer formalities. The independent inhabitants happy to work and get on with their studies. There is plenty of involvement for other halves and support for students with children. There are less socials and formals here and the older demographic tend to cook more for themselves. Four of the buildings of Lucy Cavendish College (600 metres from King’s Parade) date from the end of the 19th century, the rest are modern, including the library. The site’s full of trees, tranquil and quite beautiful, complete with a tiny Anglo-Saxon herb garden – perfect for peaceful study. There’s no catty female atmosphere – it’s a refreshingly diverse college where dedication, creativity and flexibility are rated higher than early educational success. There’s a healthy dose of partying along with the intellectual exertions though and students are increasingly making their mark on the wider University stage.
| Sex ratio (M:F): 0:100 |
Founded: 1965 |
| Full-time u’grads: 114 |
Part-time: 0 |
| Postgrads: 106 |
Mature: 100% |
State:private school: 100:0
|
Disabled: 9 |
| Academic ranking: 28 |
International: 23% |
Ents: Café-style bar is popular during the day as an alternative study venue to the library, but it still gets to don its party shoes with jazz and themed nights. Music pavilion for practice and recitals, a cool new choir (the Lucy Cavendish Singers) open to all who fancy a singalong. The Lucy Cavendish Players was only set up in the last couple of years and is striding forth with its productions.
Library: Modern, attractive building (20,000 books, 24-hr access) but most students work in their rooms or the bar. Home to a special collection of Victorian kids’ books and 18 computers.
Accommodation: Network points in all bedrooms (£25 a term). Residents can choose between newer, smaller rooms with en-suite facilities or larger, older rooms. Prices vary between £71-91. Kitchens are well-equipped, which is just as well as students have to make their own breakfast and four dinners a week. Formal dinner most Thursdays costs £10.75. Students occasionally share in some musical entertainment post meal. Students and staff eat together (a refreshing change). Provisions for students with spouses or sprogs.
Gym on site and rowing team. College not known for athletic miracles, but, Lucy is only small bless her.
Text in italics is Push's opinion - take it or leave it
Last updated on: Thursday, October 29, 2009