ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Colleges of the University of Cambridge

Colleges are like special houses where students live and learn while studying at a university. The University of Cambridge, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, has these special houses called colleges.

Imagine you are going to a big school with many different classes and teachers. At this school, there are separate houses where students stay, eat, and study. These houses are like little communities within the bigger school.

Each college has its unique name, identity, and history. They are kind of like families. There are around 31 colleges in Cambridge, just like there are many houses in a neighborhood. Every college is different from others and has its buildings, gardens, and even its own history and traditions.

When you want to study at the University of Cambridge, you apply to a specific college. The college will be like your home while you are at university. You will live in one of their student rooms, eat at their dining hall, and become part of their community.

The colleges provide many things to make your life at the university comfortable. They have libraries for you to study, common rooms to relax and socialize with other students, and even sports facilities like gyms and fields.

Each college has its tutors, who are like special teachers. These tutors will teach you in small groups or one-on-one, called tutorials. During tutorials, you can ask questions, discuss topics, and learn more deeply about what you are studying.

Colleges also have their own events and traditions that make the university experience exciting. For example, some colleges have formal dinners, where everyone dresses up and eats together in a grand hall. Other colleges have special societies and clubs to join, centered around various hobbies or interests.

Even though each college is separate, all of them are part of the University of Cambridge. They work together to make sure you get a great education and have a fulfilling university life.

So, when you go to Cambridge, you will become part of not just a big university, but also a smaller college community that will support you and make your time at university the best it can be!