Cambridge, University of, often called Cambridge University, is a world-famous British university. Cambridge probably originated in 1209, when some scholars left Oxford University after several disturbances there between students and townspeople. A number of these scholars moved to the city of Cambridge, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of London, where a new university grew up.
Each Cambridge student is a member of one of the university’s 31 colleges, of which 3 are for women and 28 are for both men and women. Two colleges admit only graduate students. The first college, Peterhouse, was founded in 1284 by Hugo de Balsham, Bishop of Ely. Other well-known colleges are Churchill, Christ’s, Corpus Christi, Girton, Jesus, King’s, Pembroke, Queens’, and Trinity Hall.
Each college is an independent, self-governing corporation, though it must obey the laws of the university. Every college owns its own property, has its own income, and admits its own students. The colleges provide lodging, instruction, and social and sporting facilities. The university provides some library and laboratory facilities.
Each undergraduate at Cambridge is assigned to an instructor called a tutor, to a director of studies, and to various supervisors. The tutor looks after the student’s general well-being. The director of studies advises the student on what lectures to attend, and the supervisors give personal instruction to their students. The university grants bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees. Cambridge first granted degrees to women in 1948.
The university’s website at https://www.cam.ac.uk/ offers additional information.
