University Open Day

Our next Open Day is Friday 11 September 2026.

Downing College participates in three University-wide Open Days each year, in both July and September. Open Days are opportunities for prospective applicants and their supporters to learn more about the University of Cambridge and life at a collegiate university. Whether you’re certain you’ll apply or want to weigh up your options, visitors will be able to explore the College grounds, meet current students and staff, and get a feel of what studying at Downing could look like. 

Summer Webinars 2026 

Alongside our in-person Open Day programme, Downing College will be hosting a series of live 30-minute subject webinars throughout July and August. These sessions will offer a clear introduction to each subject, along with the opportunity to ask questions during a live Q&A. 

We will also be hosting an additional Applicant Support Webinar with a member of our Admissions Team. This session will cover the admissions process, how to prepare for an admissions assessment and how to write a strong Personal Statement. 

The webinars are aimed at Year 12 students (S5 / Year 13 in Northern Ireland). Fill out our form to book your place.

The link to join via Zoom will be emailed two hours prior to the start of each session. 

 Monday 13 July

  • 2pm: History - Dr David Pratt
  • 2.45pm: Geography - Dr Dino Kadich
  • 3.30pm: Chemical Engineering & Biotechnology - Dr Kamran Yunus 
  • 4.15pm: Engineering - Dr Maria Vera Morales 

Tuesday 14 July

  • 1pm: English - Dr Bonnie Lander Johnson
  • 2pm: Natural Sciences - Professor Zoe Barber, Dr Alice Sowton, Professor Marta Correia, Professor Chris Haniff and Professor Nick Rawlinson
  • 3pm: Psychological & Behavioural Sciences - Professor Amy Milton
  • 4pm: Medicine - Nick Coleman

Tuesday 21 July

  • 2pm: Law - Dr Brendan Plant
  • 3pm: Asian and Middle Eastern Studies - Dr Nanese Shirota
  • 4pm: Linguistics/LML - Professor Ian Roberts

Wednesday 5 August 

  • 1pm: Economics - Dr Michael Ashby 
  • 3pm: Philosophy - Dr Johannes Wagner 
  • 4pm: Theology - Rev'd Dr Keith Eyeons

Monday 10 August 

  • 1pm: Classics - Dr Guilia Maltagliati 
  • 2pm: Music - Louisa Denby
  • 3pm: Modern & Medieval Languages - Dr Elena Martinez-Acacio 
  • 4pm: HSPS - Professor Monica Moreno Figueroa 

September Open Day 2026 

The September Open Day will take place on Friday 11th September. Keep an eye out for when bookings open at the end of July on the University website. 

Travel Information  

Whilst Downing does not have any parking available for visitors during the Open Days, Cambridge is a wonderfully connected city via public transport. 

We recommend looking into the Cambridge park & ride scheme if you are planning on driving. Alternatively, Downing is a short 20-minute walk from the Cambridge Train Station, and the first College you will come across on your way into town. The College is also just a 10-minute walk from the National Express Coach Station.  

University staff and student ambassadors will be based at Cambridge Train Station, Trumpington P&R and Madingley P&R on the mornings of the event. 

Once in Cambridge, visitors are encouraged to walk between venues or use the Whippet U Bus (standard fares apply).  

For more details on transport to and from Cambridge, please visit the University’s page. 

We look forward to welcoming you to our College!