Staying at Downing

Accommodation

Downing is the newest of the 'old' University of Cambridge Colleges and oldest of the 'new'. It is this unique combination of the traditional and contemporary that is reflected in all aspects of college life - especially in the accommodation.

During the programme, students will stay in one of College’s beautiful buildings, set amongst spacious and peaceful gardens in the heart of Cambridge city centre, close to many University faculties and departments, just like a Cambridge student would.

Students will stay in single occupancy rooms, with shared bathrooms and high-speed Wi-Fi. All accommodation includes kitchen space with cooking facilities for making snacks and hot drinks, and laundry facilities are free to use.

Catering

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided to students Monday to Friday, along with weekend breakfast. For breakfast, students can enjoy a classic continental breakfast in the Dining Hall.

Lunch will be provided in the Butterfield Café, where many students enjoy spending free time.

Dinner will be varied, offered in the Dining Hall, Lord Butterfield Café, and the Paddock when weather allows. Students can also enjoy dinner at Cambridge restaurants supervised by Teaching Assistants. After graduation, on the final day of the programme, students will have the opportunity to celebrate completing the course in the traditional setting of Formal Hall at the College.

Facilities

The extensive facilities that students have at their disposal enable them to develop their academic and extracurricular interests, as well as a host of other pursuits, in the company of like-minded summer programme students.

Facilities include:

  • College Dining Hall
  • Lord Butterfield Café 
  • Maitland Robinson Library 
  • The Heong Gallery 
  • College Chapel 
  • Music rooms
  • Basketball courts 
  • Tennis courts 
  • Gym
  • Laundry