Cambridge is one of the world’s most iconic university cities, with over 800 years of history. Its cobbled streets, grand colleges, and river punts are instantly recognisable. But beneath the beauty lies a rich world of academic traditions that can feel mysterious to visitors. Understanding these customs will make your trip more engaging, especially for families, history enthusiasts, and curious travellers.

What Makes Cambridge Unique?

Cambridge University is made up of 31 colleges, each with its own history, customs, and personality. Small-group tutorials, known as “supervisions,” are central to student life. Watching student life and walking through college courtyards lets visitors experience a living academic city, not just a museum of history.

Iconic Traditions and Where to Experience Them

1. Formal Hall Dinners

Many colleges host Formal Hall dinners, centuries-old gatherings where students dine in academic gowns. Guests stand for grace, sit in arranged seating, and sometimes eat from historic silverware. Visitors can often book tickets for special open dinners at King’s College, Trinity College, or St John’s College. Families and visitors love the grandeur, historic atmosphere, and chance to witness authentic student traditions.

2. Graduation and Degree Ceremonies

Cambridge graduations are full of pageantry. Students wear gowns and hoods, and ceremonies take place in the Senate House or college chapels. Tourists can often attend open ceremonies or guided tours. Witnessing a graduation adds context and excitement to your visit, and makes for memorable photos.

3. May Week and May Balls

Despite the name, May Week occurs in June after exams. It features May Balls at colleges like Trinity and Clare, with live music, fireworks, and themed décor. While some events are student-only, others allow ticketed access or guided tours, giving visitors a glimpse of student celebrations. It’s an exciting and festive experience for families and young travellers.

4. Punting on the River Cam

Punting is a classic Cambridge tradition. Tourists can hire punts from Magdalene Bridge, Mill Lane, or Granta Boat House. Glide past college “backs,” manicured gardens, and historic bridges. Guided tours combine sightseeing, history, and relaxation—perfect for families or groups.

5. Unique College Customs

Each college has quirks—quirky societies, weekly formal dinners, or rowing competitions like the Cambridge vs. Oxford Boat Race. Tourists can join walking tours or college open days to see these traditions firsthand. Exploring chapels, gardens, and architecture adds depth to your visit.

Why Tourists Will Love It

Understanding Cambridge’s traditions turns a walk through the city into a cultural experience. Watching students in gowns, attending a May Ball, or punting past historic colleges makes the city feel alive. Families, solo travellers, and history buffs alike will find it both educational and entertaining. Knowing these customs also adds context to visits to museums, chapels, and historic landmarks.

Conclusion

Cambridge’s academic traditions offer a unique window into a world where history, learning, and culture converge. From formal halls to punting on the Cam, these customs make every visit richer.

For families, groups, or solo travellers, staying in a short-let holiday home provides the perfect base. With Pass the Keys, you can enjoy comfortable, handpicked properties near the heart of Cambridge’s historic and academic landmarks. This makes it easy to explore traditions, attend events, and experience student life—a visit you’ll never forget.