Oxbridge rivalry

The University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, collectively known as Oxbridge, are the two oldest and most famous universities in England. Both were founded more than 750 years ago, and between them have produced a large number of Britain's most prominent scientists and politicians, as well as noted figures in many other fields. The competition between Oxford and Cambridge also has a long history, dating back to the days when Cambridge was founded by dissident scholars from Oxford.

Differences between Oxford and Cambridge

The city of Oxford is slightly larger, busier and more industrial than Cambridge. Oxford is associated with the motor industry (BMW currently produce the Mini in Oxford), whereas the area surrounding Cambridge is known as Silicon Fen and has more high technology manufacturers.

Related Topics:
Oxford - Cambridge - BMW - Mini - Silicon Fen - High tech

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Oxford is more often featured in the cinema; recent films with scenes shot in Oxford include the Harry Potter movies, and there are plans to use Oxford for the movie '. The architecture of the city has made it a popular location with film-makers and tourists, and the His Dark Materials trilogy was partly set in Oxford. Cambridge also has a number of major tourist attractions, including the King's College Chapel, one of the most famous buildings in England, and punting, which is a more popular activity in Cambridge than Oxford because of the proximity of more university colleges to the river.

Related Topics:
The cinema - Harry Potter - King's College - Punting

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There are differences in the terminology used at the two universities. For example, the undergraduate student body is referred to as the "JCR" in both universities, but in Oxford this stands for "Junior Common Room", whereas in Cambridge it is "Junior Combination Room". At Oxford, the three terms of the academic year are called Michaelmas, Hilary and Trinity, whereas at Cambridge they are Michaelmas, Lent and Easter. The large enclosed squares of grass found in most colleges are referred to as "courts" in Cambridge and "quadrangles" (or "quads") in Oxford.

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Choice of college at Oxford is more important than at Cambridge, since no Oxford college admits students in all the subjects available at the university (hence choice of college is limited depending on which subject applicants wish to study), whereas most Cambridge colleges do give their students the option to study any subject offered by the university. Although both universities interview applicants in early or mid-December (or occasionally November), the admissions process is slightly different, with Oxford generally interviewing applicants at more than one college, and asking them to stay in the city for longer during interviews; the decision-making process is quicker, with applicants generally being notified of their acceptance/rejection before Christmas. Cambridge tends to have shorter interviews, normally only calling candidates back for interview at a second college if they have been rejected by their first-choice college; applicants are notified of their success or failure at the end of December or beginning of January.

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Traditions also vary between the two universities. For example, it is still compulsory at Oxford to wear formal academic dress ("sub fusc") to all university examinations, although this is not the case at Cambridge.

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Traditions and the seriousness with which they are taken tend to vary widely amongst the different colleges in each university, more so than between the two universities as a whole.

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