OXBRIDGE

Oxford and Cambridge are the oldest the most prestigious and privileged universities in the United Kingdom. Both universities grew gradually as federations of independent colleges most of which were founded in the 14^th, 15^th and 16^th centuries. Both are cities of fine architecture, represented by Norman, Gothic, Classic and modern art. There are about 40 colleges in Oxford and 30 in Cambridge. The construction of each college is connected with a name of some King or queen of England or with some prominent people of the country.

Two universities, Oxford and Cambridge, Oxbridge, as they are sometimes jointly called, for seven hundred years dominated British education, and today they dominate more than ever. The students of Oxbridge make up one of the most elite elites in the world. Many great men studied here. Among them Bacon, the philosopher, Milton, the poet, Cromwell, the soldier, and Newton, the scientist. Many prominent Conservative and Labor leaders and ministers, members of the Royal family studied there too.

Today Oxford and Cambridge have less then one-tenth of all British university students (less than 1% of Britain’s population). Only a small per cent of the candidates are chosen – mainly on the results of the written examinations.

The division between Oxford and Redbrick is sharp. The division is essentially a class one. A large per cent of Oxford undergraduates come from public schools. Only since the 1870s women have been admitted and the women’s colleges constitute only 12% of the Oxbridge population.

Oxford and Cambridge preserve an antique way of life. Oxbridge is only in session half the year. The year is divided into three terms of 8 weeks each: autumn term, winter term, spring term and long summer vacation lasting 4 months from June till mid-October. A long holiday is a relic from medieval times when scholars had to bring in the harvest. Nowadays vacations are regarded not as the rest time but the time for independent work. Students are given tasks in reading, studying literature, writing essays. Both Oxford and Cambridge now consist of self-governing colleges where students live. The students have lectures and tutorials. Each student has a tutor who tells him to write papers on the subjects he is studying. The tutor also directs the students reading, advises him what lectures to attend. Attendance of lectures is not compulsory. Some lectures are crowded; some are sparsely attended depending on the popularity of a lecture. Tutors are responsible for the students’ progress. Each student goes to his tutor’s room once a week to read out an essay which he has written, and for an hour he and the tutor discuss the essay. Much of the student’s time is given to working in the library.

While many evenings are usually devoted to attending society meetings, afternoons are given up to numerous sports. One of the most famous sporting events in Oxbridge is the Boat Race annually held at Easter time. The teams of Oxford and Cambridge, each consisting of 8 rowers, row 4,5 miles along the river Thames in London. Crowds of people line the banks to watch the race and thousands more watch it on TV.