Cambridge Union
The Cambridge Union is the Cambridge Union Society, the University's debating society, founded in 1815 and the oldest continuously running debating society in the world. It is an independent membership society, not the students' union, which is a separate organisation.
In practice
The Union holds formal debates in its chamber, modelled on the House of Commons, and hosts talks by politicians, scientists, business leaders, writers and entertainers from around the world. It also runs debating training and competitions, and has a bar and library. Membership is open to members of the University, usually through a one-off fee for life membership. Its building is just behind the Round Church in the centre of town.
Why it matters to newcomers
Graduate students and visiting academics can join, and the Union's speaker events are one of the easiest ways to hear well-known names in person. "The Union" in Cambridge means this society; the representative body for students is Cambridge SU.
Related
- Footlights - the University's comedy club, another famous society
- College - membership of the Union runs alongside College life
- Senate House and graduation - the University's ceremonial heart
Source: Cambridge Union Society.