A Day in the Life of a Cambridge University Student

The University of Cambridge is one of the oldest and most famous universities in the world. But what is an ordinary day actually like for the students who study there? Here is a look at the rhythm of student life in Cambridge.

Life revolves around the colleges

Cambridge is a collegiate university. Every student belongs to one of its colleges, which is where they usually live, eat and socialise, and where much of their teaching is organised. For many students, the college quickly becomes a second home and a close community.

Morning: lectures across the city

A typical morning might start with lectures or practical classes. These are run by the university departments and faculties, which are spread across the city. Students of English, for example, attend the English Faculty on the Sidgwick Site, while scientists head to labs in other parts of town.

Getting around by bike

Cambridge is compact and flat, so the bicycle is the classic way to get around. At rush hour you will see hundreds of students cycling between colleges, lectures and libraries. Walking is easy too, as most of the historic centre is close together.

Afternoon: supervisions and study

One of the most distinctive parts of a Cambridge education is the supervision: a small-group session where a few students discuss their work in depth with an expert. Students prepare essays or problem sheets for these, so a lot of the afternoon is spent studying, either in a college library or in the enormous University Library.

Taking a break

Between lectures and study, students relax on the green spaces along the River Cam, meet friends in cafés, play sport or join some of the hundreds of student clubs and societies. In good weather, punting on the River Cam past the famous college buildings is a favourite way to unwind.

Evening: college life

Evenings often centre on college life: dinner in hall, society meetings, concerts, drama or simply time with friends. Some colleges hold formal dinners, a tradition many students love.

Experience Cambridge for yourself

You don't have to be a university student to enjoy studying in this inspiring city. At ILC Cambridge, international students improve their English in the heart of a world-famous university city, and our Cambridge summer school gives teenagers a taste of student life too.