What You Didn’t Know About Cambridge

A Secret Math Bridge & the World’s Most Lavish College Party?!

The 18th Century ‘Mathematical Bridge’ Over the River Cam Linked to Newton’s Legacy

The Mathematical Bridge is one of Cambridge University’s most iconic landmarks, famously linked to a popular legend involving Sir Isaac Newton.

According to the tale, Newton designed and built the bridge without using a single nail or bolt—relying solely on perfect geometric principles to demonstrate the force of gravity.

However, the truth is quite different. The bridge was actually constructed in 1749 by James Essex the Younger, and it has been rebuilt twice since then. The earlier versions were held together using iron pins, while the current structure is secured with nuts and bolts.

Cambridge University Tradition: The May Ball

The dress code for May Balls is highly formal:

  • Men are expected to wear black tie or white tie, with a tuxedo or formal tailcoat.
  • Women should wear full-length gowns or elegant evening dresses.

Some colleges are so strict that guests without proper formal attire will be denied entry!

💰 Ticket prices typically range from £100 to £300 (roughly NT$4,000~12,000), and some colleges charge even more for exclusive access.

🤫 The exact lineup of entertainment is kept strictly confidential until just a few weeks before the event adding to the mystery and excitement.

In the past, May Balls have featured:
🎢 Roller coasters
🚗 Dodgems (bumper cars)
🎠 Carousels
🎧 Silent discos
🛼 Roller skating rinks
🎡 Ferris wheels
🔫 Laser tag arenas

Lord Byron Kept a Pet Bear in His Dorm Room?! 🐻

British Romantic poet Lord Byron wasn’t just wild in his poetry, he was even wilder in real life!

In 1805, when he entered Trinity College, Cambridge, Byron wanted to keep a dog. But the university had a strict “no dogs allowed” policy. 🚫

Byron’s response?
“Fine, no dogs… I’ll get a bear.” 🐻💥

Since the college rules didn’t specifically ban bears, he boldly brought one onto campus walking it around the courtyard and terrifying professors and classmates alike.

The wildest part? Byron even tried to get the bear officially enrolled as a student. (Spoiler: it didn’t work.)

The bear was eventually sent to live in the countryside, but Byron went on to become one of the most legendary figures in Romantic poetry.

Still, this may just be the craziest student pet story in Cambridge history no competition.

Valour UK Summer Study Tour

Join us and soak up the awesome, quirky side of Oxford culture!

🌟Top 5 Highlights of the Study Tour🌟

1️⃣ Official Oxford & Cambridge Open Days

  • Explore the campuses, including libraries, lecture halls, and dormitories.

  • Attend university experience seminars with a variety of course options.

  • Have face to face meetings with university admissions teams to fully understand application requirements and insider tips.

  • Experience firsthand the school atmosphere, teaching styles, and campus life in the most authentic way.

2️⃣ Expert Study Abroad Consultants Throughout the Trip

Led by professional consultants with 8 years of UK study experience and over 10 years of international education expertise, providing full support and instant answers to all your overseas study questions!

Our consultants are well versed in British culture and the intricacies of university applications abroad, making this an invaluable opportunity for students aiming for top UK universities.

3️⃣ Visits to Top 10 UK Universities Insights from Local Students on Their Application Experiences

Tour the UK’s top 10 universities:
Oxford, Bristol, Bath, Warwick, Cambridge, UCL, Imperial, LSE, King’s College London, and UAL.

Local Students Share the Ultimate Application Tips ✏️

  • How to write a Personal Statement that really stands out?

  • What competitions or extracurricular activities do admissions officers actually want to see?

Get the inside scoop straight from students at top universities!

4️⃣ Experience a Prestigious Private Boarding School

Bede’s Summer School offers a wide variety of courses, including equestrian lessons, La Liga football classes, zoo management, and more all in a full English speaking environment that helps students explore their interests!

With students from over 50 countries, the school provides a truly international setting, enhancing English communication skills and teamwork.

For more details, feel free to contact a Valour representative.

5️⃣ Explore Famous Attractions and British Charm

Visit must see landmarks like Buckingham Palace and Big Ben,
plus hidden gems known only to locals, such as Shakespeare’s hometown Stratford-upon-Avon and the picturesque Cotswolds.

Contact us