The University of Cambridge is rich in history - its famous Colleges and University buildings attract visitors from all over the world. But the University's museums and collections also hold many treasures which give an exciting insight into some of the scholarly activities, both past and present, of the University's academics and students.

The University of Cambridge is one of the oldest universities in the world and one of the largest in the United Kingdom. Its reputation for outstanding academic achievement is known world-wide and reflects the intellectual achievement of its students, as well as the world-class original research carried out by the staff of the University and the Colleges.

Many of the University's customs and unusual terminology can be traced to roots in the early years of the University's long history, and this booklet looks to the past to find the origins of much that is distinctive in the University of Today.

The University of Cambridge consists of over 100 departments, faculties and schools plus a central administration, most of which have their own web sites.

The University is justly famous for its heritage of scholarship, historic role and magnificent architecture. This heritage supports one of the world's most important centers for teaching and research. The collegiate structure gives a strong sense of community, and the University is determined to remain at the forefront of international scholarship and research.

The University of Cambridge is in the middle of the greatest expansion in its history. Through the generosity of benefactors, the University has been able to create a new science and technology campus to the west of the city centre, and is now looking to expand further to the north west of Cambridge. The arts and humanities have seen dynamic changes in their Sedgwick Site location and expansion in the city centre.

Sustaining a world-class university demands investment in new facilities, new areas of study, and most importantly, in people; continued fundraising efforts and innovative partnerships will be vital. The University will celebrate its eight hundredth anniversary in 2009, marking the legacy of eight centuries and determined to remain among the world's greatest universities.