When people speak about theuniversities of Oxford and Cambridgetogether and want

When people speak about the
universities of Oxford and Cambridge
together and want to distinguish them from other British universities they
usually use the word "Oxbridge", which is мейд up from the names of
the two universities - Oxford and Cambridge. To use one word
"Oxbridge" is quite natural because both universities do not differ
greatly and have much in common. Oxford and Cambridge universities
date back to the Middle Ages and have always been the universities for
gentlemen. Now in both there are colleges for women. Each university consists
of a number of semi-independent colleges. To become a student of Oxford or Cambridge
one has to take an entrance exam in addition to "A" levels and after
that he (she) may be accepted at one of the university colleges.

The teaching in both
universities is based on the tutorial system. Students have tutorials called
supervisions at Cambridge.
Every student has a tutor who plans his (her) work. The student has to write
essays and papers on the subjects he (she) is studying. The student is also
required to submit regularly the results of his (her) work to the tutor who
gives advice and helps him (her) in time of need.

Both universities
are believed to be the best institutions to get education at. Most graduates of
Oxbridge are former students of famous public schools. An Oxbridge degree is
highly valued and recognized by the public and the government. As a rule most
Oxbridge graduates get leading positions in Britain and become politicians, MPs
and prime ministers.

In both
universities students wear gowns. As for Oxford students, when taking exams or
being at a degree ceremony, they have to wear a gown on top of their academic
dress consisting of a black suit or skirt, black shoes and socks or tights, a
white shirt or a blouse and a black tie. Besides they have to put on a black
hat with a flat, square top. Cambridge
students wear gowns when they become members of the university and at
graduation.

The students of Oxford and Cambridge
always compete with each other. They are rivals in academic affairs, in
debating and спорт. Rugby and cricket teams
competitions as well as the Boat Races held each year attract public attention.
Each May the river Thames, known at Oxford as
the Isis, becomes like a Venetian carnival
when colleges row against each other. Crews try to bump the boat in front of
them. The leading crew at the end of four days wins the title Head of the River
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