Mention Cambridge and the first thing that comes to my mind is the bevy of colleges, all with rich architecture - some modern and some ancient Gothic. I love the ancient style of architecture. Although the newer buildings are also interesting, they do not evoke the same kind of feelings as the old buildings.
Last year we had been to Cambridge to visit a cousin of mine who was studying in one of the business schools there. He had invited us to a
Formal Hall - a formal dinner hosted in an ancient panelled dining hall. It was a different experience and we had a nice time. And while in Cambridge he also took us on a College Tour. We visited some of the well-known colleges and university buildings.
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| Trinity College |
The Cambridge Tourism department conducts official guided tours of the colleges but as a student my cousin was allowed to bring along guests. So, off we went on a walking tour combined with some memorable punting.
The tour lasted a little under two hours and we visited several of the historic colleges - Corpus Christi College, King's College, Pembroke College, Trinity College, St. John's College and Christ's College to name a few. The tour was engaging and fun; with my cousin sharing some fun facts and the information he had gained during his stint as a student in Cambridge.
From King's College (the very impressive and most visited college in Cambridge) to Trinity College (with its beautiful, large courtyard) to Corpus Christi College (with the oldest courtyard in Cambridge), each college was unique and offered a lovely insight into the history of the university town.
What also stood out was the range of subjects taught across these colleges. From arts and humanities like history, languages and philosophy to science subjects such as maths, physics, medicine and engineering, the academic mix was wide. Some colleges are well known for certain subjects, but all offer a strong academic base. It gave a real sense of Cambridge as a place where many different ideas and fields of study come together.
We also noticed students working on many different tasks around the campus. Some were reading or making notes outside. Others were typing on laptops in quiet corners or group spaces. We saw students in discussions. A few were carrying study kits or musical instruments. It made it clear that college life involves a mix of reading, research, practical work and group study, often happening side by side in the same space.
All this study links closely to the strong focus on
essay writing at Cambridge. It is a big part of how students learn and share ideas. Essays are not just about facts. They are about clear thinking and clear views. You could see how the quiet spaces, libraries and group areas support this way of working. It showed that students are encouraged to think deeply, question things, and explain their ideas well, both on paper and in person.
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