A walk along the college ‘Backs’ is always relaxing even though in every weather and season it somehow looks different. A good loop starts at Queen’s Mathematical Bridge, goes past the famous view of King’s College, past Clare, Trinity, St John’s and then loops back around past Magdalene back into the city centre.

If Cambridge is feeling a bit small, go remind yourself of the amazing scale and variety of the animal kingdom at the Zoology Museum. It is FREE and found on the New Museums site in the appropriately named David Attenborough building a few minutes walk from college.

We do not have far to go to find countryside (and some cows) and feel like you have escaped the city. Walk along the river through the Grantchester meadows made famous by the poet Rupert Brooke and Pink Floyd. Bring a picnic or stop in at the Orchard Cafe and pretend you’re Virginia Woolf for a moment.

Discover the medieval splendours of Ely Cathedral only a short and cheap train ride away. Bring your Camcard for FREE entry into the Cathedral. Ely also has nice shops stocking books, antiques and cake!

Follow the meandering river from Jesus Green, through Midsummer Common, Stourbridge Common and finally Ditton Meadows (where the rowing Bumps take place). If you make it to the village of Fen Ditton keep an eye out for the rowboat weathervane on the church steeple. There’s a good pub nearby too.

Open every day except Monday and FREE to visit, the Fitzwilliam Museum is packed with amazing art and antiquities. Everything from Egyptian mummy’s through to priceless paintings by Monet. They have regularly changing exhibitions and a cafe too.

Cambridge has a mind-boggling number of FREE or cheap concerts of live music. From symphonies to jazz sessions, or something with a bit more bass. Don’t forget to ask for the student ticket!

The University’s Botanic Gardens are a short walk away from College and FREE to visit with your Camcard. With plants from all over the world they are worth seeing year-round.

Barely a two minute walk from college are the Downing site museums, including the Archaeology and Anthropology Museum which has a collection which reflects humanity past and present from all over the world. There is also the Sedgwick Musuem which houses the earth sciences collection of interesting rocks and fossils. Rock on as both are FREE!

If you need a quiet moment to yourself, the Emmanuel College Gardens are your own haven. Lovingly tended by our dedicated team of gardeners, it looks serene throughout the year. When they are open to visitors you can also explore other college gardens.

See something new at Kettle’s Yard. A quirky house museum and the University’s contemporary art gallery. At the beginning of the academic year they even let you borrow a piece of art for your college room! Entry is FREE, though sometimes you need to book when it is busy.

If you’re a scientist, or someone interested in the history of science, this museum is only a few minutes walk from college behind Corpus Christi and tells something of the history of discovery in Cambridge. It is FREE.

Almost every day in Cambridge during term time, world-class choirs are singing the service of Evensong - including in our own beautiful chapel. It is a short (no more than an hour) and meditative service usually sung at the end of the day. Whether you are motivated by faith or just want to listen to the ethereal music and share in a centuries-old tradition, they are FREE to attend.

If you are feeling a little more adventurous, then there are a couple of nearby National Trust properties you can visit, Anglesey Abbey and Wimpole Hall. There are historic houses to explore, gardens and parkland to roam around, and scones to be eaten. You can reach them by short bus rides away or cycle or walk if you are feeling athletic.

If you need to let off some steam, or work on your fitness in a friendly and convenient place.

Come face to face with a Greek god or a Roman emperor at the Museum of Classical Archaeology. Spot one or two fine plaster backsides and copies of sculptures located in museums around the world. Entry is FREE and you can find it on the Newnham side of the Sidgwick site.

Our own college chapel is impressive, but nothing quite makes your mouth open in astonishment as King’s College Chapel. When it is open to visitors your Camcard gets you and two guests in for FREE. During term you can also go listen to the famous choir sing Evensong. See the website for more details.

If your life needs some more drama, there’s plenty of theatre going on in Cambridge. From the Footlight’s late night comedy sessions called ‘Smokers’ through to performances of opera, dance, Shakespeare and new plays, there’s something for you. You might just see the next famous Cambridge superstar.

With teams and clubs for all levels of skill, from enthusiastic beginners to budding champions, there is plenty of sports on offer in college and the university, from rowing to throwing a frisbee.