Cambridge University

The University of Cambridge is one of the oldest and greatest universities in Great Britain. It was founded in about 1209 by teachers and students who left Oxford and the University of Oxford after constant fighting with townspeople. It’s interesting to note that in the early centuries students at Cambridge University were taught in Latin. Also, it’s known that until the 19th century women were not allowed to study ay Cambridge University.
Nowadays the University of Cambridge consists of more that 100 departments, schools and faculties. There are 31 Colleges in Cambridge. Some of them admit only women or only graduates. A lot of people apply for Cambridge each year. But only 26% of them are enrolled. The alumni of the University often become very successful. For example, about 40 British Prime Ministers are graduated from Cambridge and Oxford. Among other famous alumni are John Harvard (who later founded Harvard University), the poet John Milton and the scientist Charles Darwin.
The academic year consists of three terms of about eight weeks each. Students have to be in residence during the term. Students are taught in small groups by members of the faculties who are called supervisors. This is organised by the Colleges. Moreover they provide both graduate and undergraduate students with academic support. However students are registered both as University and College members. So, it is the Universitys administration who determines what theory and practical classes should be provided to students of different Colleges and Faculties. Nevertheless taking a course at Cambridge is not only about academic activity. Colleges offer a wide range of extracurricular activities for students to participate in. Actually Colleges usually have their own sport facilities, theatres, societies and clubs. Among them are language, cinema and political clubs, drama and philosophy societies. It’s interesting to note that Oxford and Cambridge Universities often compete with each other. For example, the Boat Race, in which students of both Universities take part, is extremely popular and is even broadcasted by the national television.