Planning your academic year at the University of Cambridge? Understanding Cambridge term dates 2025-2026 is essential for students, parents, and visiting scholars.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the 2025-26 academic calendar, including official term dates, full term periods, and practical planning advice.
Cambridge’s academic year starts on Tuesday, October 1st and ends on Tuesday, September 30th, divided into three distinct terms and three vacation periods.
This unique structure has remained largely unchanged for centuries, reflecting Cambridge’s rich academic traditions.
Michaelmas Term (Autumn/Fall Term): Named after the Christian feast of St. Michael and All Angels (September 29th), Michaelmas Term marks the beginning of the academic year. This is when new students arrive for freshers’ week and matriculation ceremonies take place across all colleges.
Lent Term (Winter/Spring Term): Named after the Christian season of Lent, this term spans the winter months and includes the famous May Week celebrations (which occur in June). Many students find this the most academically intensive term.
Easter Term (Summer Term): The final term of the academic year, coinciding with spring and early summer. This term often includes final examinations, graduation ceremonies, and the iconic May Week festivities.
Table of Contents
Official Cambridge Term Dates 2025-26
Complete Academic Calendar Overview
| Academic Year Component | Start Date | End Date | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Year 2025-26 | Tuesday, October 1, 2025 | Wednesday, September 30, 2026 | 365 days |
| Michaelmas Term | Wednesday, October 1, 2025 | Friday, December 19, 2025 | 80 days |
| Lent Term | Sunday, January 5, 2026 | Wednesday, March 25, 2026 | 80 days |
| Easter Term | Friday, April 10, 2026 | Thursday, June 18, 2026 | 70 days |
Full Term Teaching Periods 2025-26
During each term, there’s an 8-week period called ‘Full Term’ when the majority of teaching activities take place. These intensive teaching periods are when lectures, supervisions, seminars, and laboratory sessions are concentrated.
| Term | Full Term Period | Week 1 Begins | Week 8 Ends |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michaelmas Full Term | Sunday, October 12, 2025 – Saturday, December 6, 2025 | Sunday, October 12, 2025 | Saturday, December 6, 2025 |
| Lent Full Term | Saturday, January 18, 2026 – Friday, March 14, 2026 | Saturday, January 18, 2026 | Friday, March 14, 2026 |
| Easter Full Term | Saturday, April 26, 2026 – Saturday, June 20, 2026 | Saturday, April 26, 2026 | Saturday, June 20, 2026 |
Note: Full term dates may vary slightly depending on when Easter falls each year.
Key Academic Deadlines and Important Dates
Application and Admission Deadlines
| Deadline Type | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Applications (UCAS) | Tuesday, October 15, 2025 | Final deadline for 2026 entry |
| Graduate Applications | Varies by course | December 2025 – March 2026 |
| International Student Visa Applications | 3 months before arrival | Allow extra time for processing |
Examination Periods
- Michaelmas Examinations: Late November – Early December 2025
- Lent Examinations: February – March 2026
- Tripos Examinations: May – June 2026
- Graduation Ceremonies: Various dates throughout the year
College-Specific Variations and Move-In Dates
While the University sets official Cambridge term dates, individual colleges have their own specific arrangements for student accommodation, matriculation, and orientation activities.
Typical College Timeline
Pre-Term Arrangements:
- International Student Arrival: Usually 1-2 weeks before term begins
- Freshers’ Week: Week before Michaelmas full term starts
- Matriculation Ceremonies: First two weeks of Michaelmas term
- Key Collection: 24-48 hours before official move-in
During Term:
- College Formal Halls: Throughout term time
- Supervision Scheduling: Weeks 1-8 of full term
- College Events: Various dates during full term periods
Popular Cambridge Colleges and Their Specific Dates
Most colleges publish their own supplementary calendars. Students should check directly with:
- Trinity College
- King’s College
- St John’s College
- Churchill College
- Pembroke College
- Clare College
International and Exchange Student Information
Visiting Student Programs
Study Abroad Timelines:
- Orientation Programs: 1-2 weeks before full term
- Registration Deadlines: First week of full term
- Academic Integration: Weeks 1-2 of each term
Key Considerations for International Students:
- Visa processing times (3-6 months advance planning)
- Health insurance requirements
- Bank account setup procedures
- College accommodation booking deadlines
Practical Planning Guide for Cambridge Term Dates
Transportation and Travel Planning
Peak Travel Periods to Avoid:
- Term Start: October 10-15, January 15-20, April 24-28
- Term End: December 5-10, March 12-17, June 18-23
- Examination Periods: May-June (highest demand)
Recommended Booking Windows:
- Flights: 8-12 weeks in advance for better prices
- Accommodation: 6 months in advance for graduation/matriculation periods
- Train Travel: Book advance fares 12 weeks ahead
Academic Preparation Timeline
Before Each Term Begins:
- 4 weeks prior: Confirm course registrations and supervision arrangements
- 2 weeks prior: Arrive for international students, settle accommodation
- 1 week prior: Freshers’ week activities, social integration
- Week 1: Academic sessions begin, establish study routines
Financial Planning Considerations
| Expense Category | Michaelmas Term | Lent Term | Easter Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | £3,000-£5,000 | £3,000-£5,000 | £2,500-£4,000 |
| College Fees | £3,000-£4,500 | £3,000-£4,500 | £3,000-£4,500 |
| Living Expenses | £2,500-£3,500 | £2,500-£3,500 | £2,000-£3,000 |
| Books/Materials | £300-£500 | £200-£400 | £200-£400 |
University Resources and Support Services
Official Information Sources
Primary Resources:
- University Registrar’s Office: Official term dates and academic calendar
- College Tutorials Office: College-specific arrangements and deadlines
- Graduate School: Postgraduate student services and deadlines
- International Student Office: Visa and immigration support
Digital Resources:
- Cambridge Student Information System (CamSIS)
- Moodle virtual learning environment
- Library services and booking systems
- College accommodation portals
Student Support During Term Time
Academic Support:
- Supervision system (unique to Cambridge and Oxford)
- University Counselling Service
- Disability Resource Centre
- Study skills workshops
Wellbeing Resources:
- College nurses and medical services
- Mental health support services
- Chaplaincy services (multi-faith)
- Student societies and clubs
Frequently Asked Questions About Cambridge Term Dates
When does the Cambridge academic year officially start and end?
The Cambridge academic year runs from October 1st to September 30th each year, spanning a full 12-month period.
What is the difference between ‘term’ and ‘full term’ at Cambridge?
Full term refers to the intensive 8-week teaching period within each term when lectures and supervisions take place. The broader term dates include additional time for examinations, registration, and administrative activities.
How do Cambridge term dates compare to other UK universities?
Cambridge follows a unique three-term system with 8-week teaching periods, unlike most UK universities that use semester systems. This creates a more intensive but shorter teaching format.
Can students arrive on campus before official term dates?
Yes, but this varies by college. Most colleges allow early arrival for international students and offer pre-term orientation programs. Check with your specific college for their policies and additional fees.
When should I book travel to Cambridge?
Book travel well before week 1 or after week 8 of each term to avoid peak student travel periods. Consider booking flights 8-12 weeks in advance for better prices.
Do I need to stay in Cambridge during vacation periods?
Most undergraduate students return home during vacations, though graduate students often continue their research. Some college accommodations may not be available during vacation periods.
How do I plan visits during term time?
Check college guest policies and book accommodation early, especially during popular periods like May Week or graduation ceremonies. Many colleges have specific visiting hours and policies.
When do examinations typically occur?
Major examinations (Tripos) typically occur during May-June of the Easter term, with some supplementary examinations in other terms. Check your specific course requirements for exact dates.
How do I stay updated about any changes to Cambridge term dates?
Monitor the official University of Cambridge term dates page and subscribe to your college’s communication channels for any updates or changes.
What happens if term dates change due to exceptional circumstances?
The University will announce any changes through official channels. Recent experience during global events has shown Cambridge’s ability to adapt while maintaining academic standards.
Planning Tools and Resources
Digital Calendar Integration
Downloadable Formats:
.ics calendar filesfor Google Calendar, Outlook, and Apple CalendarPDF academic plannersfor printing and physical planningMobile appswith Cambridge-specific academic calendar integration
Recommended Planning Apps:
- My Cambridge (official university app)
- Timetable apps with supervision scheduling
- College-specific apps for events and bookings
Essential Contacts and Websites
University-Wide Resources:
- Main University website: cam.ac.uk
- Student services: cambridgestudents.cam.ac.uk
- Academic calendar: Official term dates page
- International students: International Student Office
Emergency Contacts:
- University Security: 24/7 availability
- College porters: First point of contact for students
- NHS services: For medical emergencies
- Student counselling: Mental health support
Conclusion: Making the Most of Cambridge Term Dates
Understanding Cambridge term dates is crucial for academic success and personal planning at one of the world’s most prestigious universities. The unique three-term system with intensive 8-week teaching periods creates an academically rigorous but rewarding experience.
Key Takeaways:
- Plan travel around peak periods to save money and avoid crowds
- Check college-specific dates in addition to university-wide dates
- Allow extra time for international student requirements
- Use official university resources for the most up-to-date information
- Build in buffer time for unexpected changes or delays
Action Steps:
- Bookmark the official University term dates page
- Download the academic calendar to your preferred digital platform
- Contact your college for specific accommodation and move-in details
- Plan travel and accommodation well in advance
- Connect with other students and university services for ongoing support
The Cambridge term system, while unique, provides an intensive and transformative academic experience. By understanding and planning around these Cambridge term dates, students can maximize their time at this historic institution and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Remember to regularly check official university sources for any updates to Cambridge term dates, as exceptional circumstances may occasionally require adjustments to the published academic calendar.
