The University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge is one of the oldest and most famous universities in the world.

It was founded in 1209, when a group of scholars left Oxford after a dispute and came to Cambridge to teach and study. From those small beginnings grew a world-leading university with more than 800 years of history.

Cambridge isn’t one big campus like many other modern universities.  It is a collection of colleges, faculties, and departments, spread across the city.

There are 31 colleges, each with its own buildings, dining halls, chapels, and gardens. Colleges are where students live, eat, and get personal teaching (called supervisions).

The university itself organises lectures and exams, research, libraries, laboratories, and degrees. Students belong to both a college and the university.

Over 20,000 students (about 12,000 undergraduates and 8,000 postgraduates) from 140 countries. study in Cambridge.

Cambridge preserves many traditions.

Formal Hall – a special dinner in the college halls, with gowns and a Latin grace.

May Balls – big summer parties after exams, with music, food, and fireworks.

Rowing on the River Cam – a huge part of student life, with famous races like The Boat Race against Oxford.

Matriculation and Graduation ceremonies held in Latin at the Senate House.