Cambridge’s world-class university is one of the top reasons why this destination is popular with locals, fellow Brits, and international travellers alike. Here are more reasons to visit post-lockdown if you’re currently contemplating a much-needed city break.
According to the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings, which surveys some 1,400 universities across 92 countries, the University of Cambridge is the third-best on the planet. It ranked even higher in the Complete University Guide, taking the top spot for 2021. But why is the University of Cambridge so revered around the globe?
It has a long and interesting history
The University of Cambridge has been around for a very long time, so long in fact that it’s officially the second oldest university in the English speaking world and the fourth oldest on the planet. Its history spans eight centuries in total and this shows in its famous colleges and university buildings.
Despite its very long-standing heritage, the history behind its foundation is far from conventional as Britannica reveals:
“The start of the university is generally taken as 1209, when scholars from Oxford migrated to Cambridge to escape Oxford’s riots of ‘town and gown’ (townspeople versus scholars).
To avert possible troubles, the authorities in Cambridge allowed only scholars under the supervision of a master to remain in the town. It was partly to provide an orderly place of residence that (in emulation of Oxford) the first college, Peterhouse, was founded in 1284 by Hugo de Balsham, Bishop of Ely.”
The University now consists of 31 colleges, six schools, and more than 150 faculties and departments, all of which are still governed by the customs and origins of these early years.
It has many world-renowned alumni
The University of Cambridge is well known for its world-renowned alumnus. It’s been attended by monarchs, heads of state, mathematicians, scientists, philosophers, writers, lawyers, politicians, and actors. It’s also been attended by 14 British Prime Ministers.
As of 2020, the University of Cambridge’s alumnus has won 121 Nobel Prizes, 11 Fields Medals, and 7 Turing Awards. The alumnus is a who’s who of great minds, with Sir Isaac Newton, Alan Turing, Charles Darwin, Stephen Hawking, Francis Bacon, William Harvey, Joseph Stiglitz, and Sir David Attenborough just some of the bright minds who attended.
It’s not just academically where ex-Cambridge students are succeeding. Its alumni have won 194 Olympic medals to date.
It’s currently home to more than 20,000 students
Cambridge’s student population is pretty hard to miss. In fact, the 23,380 students that currently call Cambridge their home give our university city that vibrant feeling that only adds to its charm and character.
Thanks to the presence of its student population, the city boasts many great spots to eat, drink and simply enjoy the thriving social scene, all of which make Cambridge the perfect staycation destination.
Cambridge’s student population hails from all over the globe too, which makes the city a diverse place to work, study and visit.
See why the University of Cambridge is world-famous for yourself by booking your 2021 city break with us today.