Anglia Ruskin University

In 2005, Anglia Ruskin became the last institution in the UK to purge itself of the dreaded ‘P’ word, dropping ‘Polytechnic’ to take the name of Victorian intellectual John Ruskin, who opened the School of Art back in ye olden days. With one foot in Cambridge and the other in Chelmsford, it’s a wonder the uni’s crotch doesn’t split. The spirit at each site varies as much as the names on the train tickets: the Cambridge site is defiant and down-to-earth, (compared to its illustrious neighbour), while the large number of part-time and mature students in Chelmsford makes for a less studenty, more studyish atmosphere...more detail Very keen on students from non-traditional backgrounds, Anglia’s hot on vocational courses and most are offered only at one site...more on academic It's all about the ale in Cambridge with loads of old-man pubs and riverside lounging on offer...more on entertainment Having given up trying to politically represent students 80 miles apart, the SU focuses on welfare and ents...more on the SU When it comes to sports, the ethos is give it a go, even if you throw like a girl...more on sports  Cambridge is pretty as a picture, but competition for places to live is fierce...more on accommodation Welfare provision is geared towards supporting the non-traditional students...more on welfare.

Woohoo: The perks of studying in Cambridge without the Hooray Henrys
Boohoo: Cambridge and Chelmsford are like second cousins thirty-six times removed

For a list of open days, click here.