The Issue: Does Oxford have the edge over its historical rival town of Cambridge?

Oxford University history student Veronique Thouroude, originally from Cambridge

CAMBRIDGE is Oxford’s younger sibling – so cute it gets away with anything! Visitors from Oxford would find much that feels familiar in England’s other university city, but with heaps of extra charm.

The two cities are of a similar size in terms of population, but Cambridge feels cosy and familiar. Cambridge University is full of awe-inspiring architecture, the most famous of which are King’s College Chapel and Trinity’s Great Court.

But the town itself isn’t focused on big spaces like Radcliffe Square and Broad Street. Instead, you can explore Cambridge through its winding cobbled streets, old alleyways, and slightly crooked buildings.

Even in the height of the tourist season, it feels like every corner takes you to a new discovery just for yourself.

Both cities are well-known for their green spaces but in Cambridge, these open areas are closer to the heart of the city.

The cows of Port Meadow and Christ Church Meadow might be used to seeing the people of Oxford pass by on their weekend strolls, but in Cambridge cows and residents have to share the many thoroughfares of the city such as Midsummer Common and Coe Fen.

A commute home in Cambridge feels like going to the countryside.

Both cities have their distinctive traditions that are an important part of their history and culture.

In Oxford, we wake up to hear Magdalen College Choir greet dawn on May Morning.

The early birds of Cambridge get up not in balmy May, but on Christmas Eve.

That morning they can go to King’s College to queue for the famous Nine Lessons and Carols.

King’s started this event during the First World War, and it has continued most years since then – even in the Second World War, when the chapel windows had been removed.

The queue-members spend their day not moaning about the cold, but making friends with one another, sharing snacks and hot drinks, and thanking the Fellows who bring out chairs from their teaching rooms.

The atmosphere sums up Cambridge: grand but friendly, traditional yet quirky.

Oxford

Mark Holmes, from Yorkshire, a student at The Queen’s College in High Street, Oxford

SO, the eternal debate rages on – Oxford or Cambridge? Well, actually, does it?

It’s a debate which revolves around the university rivalry and not the civic pride that those living in Oxford or Cambridge, whether students or locals, rightly feel.

It’s a difficult task, but here’s why I love our city; without mentioning the university, its buildings, or its traditions.

Oxford has all the attractions of a large-ish city, yet still retains its greenery and small town feeling.

We have pubs, clubs, theatres, and actually pretty decent shopping.

We get West End quality theatrical productions and weekly markets at Gloucester Green, which showcase local produce while also giving us a taste of the world.

Our city might be a little compressed in the centre, but nothing within Oxford is really too far to walk if you’ve got the time.

Cambridge may be built around its green space, but that also means travelling what feels like a light year to get anywhere.

Oxford is tantalisingly close to the beautiful countryside around it and a stone’s throw from the Cotswolds.

The reality of Cambridge is that it feels like a quiet county town because that’s what it is – sorry Cambridge – but the inferiority complex is justified.

While Oxford’s pubs are tourist traps, they haven’t lost their charm; they each have their own story and each bring something unique to the city’s nightlife.

Whether it’s the quality food and drink at The Perch, the sacrificed neck ties that decorate The Bear’s walls, or the numerous (and often spurious) claims of famous historical revellers at each pub – they all have a different tale to tell.

Equally Oxford has a sense of social and collective responsibility that is unrivalled, prominent examples of charity; from the foundation of Oxfam, to the work of smaller community and faith groups are something of which we can all be proud.

I nearly made it to the end without mentioning the university.

But I have to say thank you, for without it this staunch Yorkshireman would never have got the chance to live here.