(often informally shortened to just '''Sidney''') was founded in was among the first students (although his father got sick and he never graduated), and his head is now buried beneath the College's chapel.
The college is nicknamed "Sidney Sainsbury's" by neighbouring
Cambridge students, due to its proximity to the Sidney Street branch of
Sainsbury's , frequented by Cambridge students from all colleges thanks to its central location.
Academically speaking, Sidney Sussex performs well though not exceptionally when compared with the other Cambridge colleges (placing 14th out of 29 in the unofficial
Tompkin's Table ). However, the college has traditionally excelled in certain subjects, notably Engineering and Law.
Sidney's sporting performance is equally unexceptional, although it does boast a strong women's football team and performs well at darts.
The college has been the home to one of the only a few student-run bars in Cambridge University, a source of much pride for Sidney students. Darwin College also has a student-run bar.
Sidney Sussex has a proud history in the television show
University Challenge , putting together a winning team in both
1971 and
1978 (final broadcast in
1979 ). The 1978 team, comprised of John Gilmore, John Adams, David Lidington, and Nick Graham, won the "Champion of Champions" University Challenge Reunion competition in 2002.
Famous Alumni of the College include:
