The Cambridge Union

About

The Cambridge Union Society is a student-led debating and free-speech society, founded in 1815, that hosts weekly debates and high-profile speaker events for members and the public. It operates a members' club and event venue in central Cambridge. More information can be found on their website.

Events

The Union runs a termly programme (Termcard) of events, including world-class keynote speakers and weekly Thursday night debates in the Debating Chamber during Cambridge terms. Many events are open to the public or livestreamed/on-demand for members. Details on upcoming events can be accessed through their events page.

Debating Programme

Debates at the Union are organised around motions framed as 'This House...'; Thursday chamber debates feature guest speakers, student paper speeches, and floor speakers. The competitive programme trains members in the British Parliamentary format, offering workshops, coaching, and adjudication, and prepares teams for domestic and international competitions. Further details are available on the debating programme page.

Competitions

The Union runs an inclusive competitive debating programme that selects and sends multiple teams to British, European, and World university championships. The society reports recent success at the European Championships and participation at World Championships, providing selection, travel support, and subsidised coaching for representatives. More information can be found on their competitions page.

Facilities

The Union features a purpose-built Debating Chamber and various event spaces, including the Keynes Library, the Fairfax Rhodes Room, the Old Snooker Room, and a Victorian Dining Room. An onsite brasserie and bar, known as The Orator, is also available, along with rooms for hire for conferences, dinners, and private events. Details about the facilities can be found on their facilities page.

Dining Services

The Orator is the Union's onsite brasserie and bar, offering menus for restaurant, light lunch, bar, and wine. It is open seven days a week and takes bookings, providing promotions and private-hire options. Information regarding opening and food hours is published on the Union's website.

Private Dining

The Union offers historic private dining in the Victorian Dining Room and other hireable rooms, including the Keynes Library and Fairfax Rhodes Room. The Orator can also be privately hired for dining and receptions, with details available on their facilities page.

Membership

Membership is open to current and former students and staff of the University of Cambridge and Anglia Ruskin University, as well as some affiliated schools and institutions. Membership categories include Life, Annual, Access (discounted undergraduate tiers), and Open (public). Fees and application options are available on the membership page.

Membership Benefits

Benefits of membership include access to the Union's debates and speaker events, priority communications and booking, a members' livestream and on-demand archive, discounts at The Orator, life members' events and reunions, reciprocal membership options, and discounted venue hire. Further details can be found on their membership benefits page.

Seasonal Operations

Programming is organised around Cambridge academic terms (Michaelmas, Lent, Easter), with a termly Termcard listing events. The highlight during term is the weekly Thursday debate, and The Orator and the Union publish term and day opening hours and event schedules on their website.

Alumni

Life membership is available to alumni and former staff. Benefits for alumni include access to events, a members' livestream and on-demand archive, life members' events and reunions, discounts at The Orator, reciprocal membership arrangements, and access to the Union's alumni network. More information about alumni benefits can be found on their alumni page.