Fine Arts

Cambrige has been blessed with the reputation and cold hard cash necessary to acquire some of the most wide-ranging collections in the UK.

Your first port of call might as well be The Fitzwilliam Museum, often called ‘'the finest small museum in Europe’'. You’re bound to find something that impresses you here, be it an ancient greek mosaic, medieval manuscript or impressionist painting.

Also worth a look is Kettle’s Yard. Just up 'the hill’past Magdelene Bridge, it plays host to a slightly more modern selection of exhibitions. The current offering –including digital works and films by duo Guthrie & Pope, early 20th century engravings by Gwen Raverat and paintings and sculpture from Syrian artist Issam Kourbaj – is exemplary of the gallery’s commitment to diversity.

The colleges are of course a valuable resource in the search for art in Cambridge. Worth special mention is Murray Edwards, where art and feminism meet in the largest collection of art by women in Europe. For a more traditional trip, head to Trinity, where you can have lunch under the glowering stare of Henry VIII.

Theatre

The Cambridge theatre scene is so lively that it’s actually quite frightening sometimes. Comedy and drama are both well covered by student theatre, with an output unrivalled by other universities. Many colleges have very active drama societies that are worth following, but the main hubs of student theatre are undeniably the ADC and Corpus Playroom with four shows a week between them. These are professionally run theatres and their student productions are (generally) of a very high quality. Ticket prices are fairly cheap for students, although some bigger-budget ADC main shows can get a bit pricey. You’ll be inundated with shiny flyers from Week One and programmes for both theatres are on the ADC website so there’s no excuse for making it to Christmas without a visit.

If you tire of vaguely recognising every second character from the English Faculty Library, try the Cambridge Arts Theatre (just round the corner from the Corpus Playroom). They stage a wide variety of professional touring productions with this month's highlights including Hay Fever, The Full Monty and 1984. A little more expensive, but a often a chance to see something truly outstanding.

Film

Film buffs aren’t nearly as well served as theatre fans but the Cambridge Arts Picture House goes far to fill the void. Located conveniently and weirdly above Spoons, they screen a selection that goes well beyond hollywood blockbusters – with foreign, indie and classic films all common fixtures – and they also host regular Q&A screenings with directors like Ken Loach and Michael Haneke.

Such variety in a small cinema means runs can be irritatingly short. Ticket prices depend on the day but it’s well worth getting a £10 student membership, which immediately pays for itself with two free tickets and some exciting drinks deals – this isn’t a plug, it’s just logic.

Many colleges also have their own film societies, which screen a variety of (often questionable) films, depending on the students' whims that week. Good or bad, they're generally free, so are an easy way to get your film fix.

If your film of choice isn’t showing here you’ll have to go to the multiplexes at the Grafton centre or Cambridge Leisure Park, which are, let’s be honest, a real trek.

Music

Some people say that the DJ at Cindies is legally obligated to change track every 30 seconds because they don’t own the rights to any of the music they play. While that makes literally no sense, the musical offering at the average Cambridge club-night is undeniably depressing and we recommend you get your musical fulfilment elsewhere.

For a low-commitment evening, many college bars, such as Clare cellars, regularly host live bands, but for any acts that might be considered famous, The Cambridge Corn Exchange is your best bet. This term Johnny Marr, The Kooks and Basement Jaxx all grace us with their presence. If you’re not a fame-obsessed, mainstream LOSER, try the Junction, which is like the Corn Exchange only artier and with the odd, highly recommended, club-night thrown in. It’s worth the pilgrimage to the distant plains past the train station. A similar vibe is offered by the The Fountain Inn on Regent Street. This bar/club features a more exciting selection of DJs than the central clubs as well as the occasional live act and student-run events.