Getting a place at Cambridge isn't the only difficult part, though. Studying there can be just as daunting - especially when your peers are just as intelligent and competitive as you.
The workload can be tougher than at other universities, there are certain traditions to follow (depending on which college you live in), and your social life will be far removed from what your friends are up to in London or Manchester.
But if you know what you're up against, going to Cambridge can be one of the best experiences of your life. To find out how to make life there easier, we asked a handful of former students what they wish they knew before their first day.
Here's what you should know: