Oxbridge

Oxbridge is a word that is used to mean the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge in England. It used to mean a fictional mix of the two universities, but now refers to both in real life.^[1]

The word 'Oxbridge' started because the two universities are very similar:

• They are the two oldest universities in England; both were started more than 800 years ago.^[2][3]
• They were the only universities in England until the 19th century.
• Between them they have produced a large number of Britain's most well known scientists, writers, and politicians,^[4] as well as famous people in many other jobs.^[5]
• Also, they both share a similar college system, as each university is made up of separate colleges.

The competition between Oxford and Cambridge also has a long history, dating back to the days when Cambridge was founded by unsatisfied scholars from Oxford.