Anglia Ruskin University (UK)

1 day ago
3 min read

With origins dating back to 1858, Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) offers students the best of both worlds: historic creative heritage and career-focused education.

Named University of the Year by Times Higher Education in 2023, ARU has become one of the UK’s most student-focused universities.

Here are some of the highlights from my visit!

Cambridge city

Perhaps one of the best aspects of studying at ARU is its location in one of the UK's most charming cities.

With a population of around 150,000, Cambridge is an absolute gem.

It's a convenient 1-hour train from London and is exactly what you might imagine a historical, picturesque English city to be like.

Wedding photos on a regular Thursday evening

In addition to its really cute coffee shops (Michaelhouse Cafe and Bould Brothers being my favorites), I found it so peaceful walking along the River Cam.

I highly recommend going punting down the river, too (riding in a small boat with a guide), as you'll be taken along the backsides of the University of Cambridge colleges, which are absolutely stunning buildings.

This bridge is how the city got its name; the bridge over the River Cam!

When back on land, do be careful though.

Sure, you can walk everywhere, but there are certainly a lot of cyclists!

It's also worth climbing up the tower of Great St Mary's for 360-degree views of Cambridge.

The market stalls are fun to visitOn a sunny day, the market stalls are fun to visit — On a sunny day, the market stalls are fun to visit

ARU campus

Founded by John Ruskin, ARU began life as the Cambridge School of Art in 1858 to provide practical creative training.

Since then, it has maintained its early facilities and is the place to be if you want to study art in the city of Cambridge (that other university here doesn't offer it!).

The artistic DNA remains central to the university today.

Notable alumni include:

Thomas Taylor, who illustrated the original UK cover of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Two members of the legendary band Pink Floyd — Syd Barrett and David Gilmour

ARU officially became a university in 1992 and has since grown into a thriving institution of 35,000 students across its five campuses, with about 20% coming from outside the UK.

Cambridge is the main campus, home to about 12,000 students, but there's also:

Chelmsford - scenic riverside campus
Writtle - set in the Essex countryside, featuring a working farm, equine centre, dog grooming facilities, and specialist physiotherapy labs
London - ideal for students seeking career opportunities in a global capital
Peterborough - newer campus focused on skills-based education and regional workforce needs

Besides art and design, ARU is ranked in the top 5 in the UK for sports science (Guardian, 2025) and also offers programs in law, business, nursing, and creative writing and publishing.