Kate Middleton Facts About Her College Years

1 Kate Originally Had Plans to Attend the University of Edinburgh

Kate was initially accepted into the University of Edinburgh in 2000, but eventually decided to take a gap year and attend St. Andrews the following year. Even though Edinburgh was reportedly Kate's first choice, royal biographer Katie Nicholl claims that her sudden change of heart stemmed from William's acceptance into the Scottish university.

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2 She Studied Abroad in Italy

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During her gap year, Kate did volunteer work in Chile and also studied at the British Institute in Florence.

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3 She Was (and Still Is) Very Athletic

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After running cross country, swimming, and playing tennis and field hockey during boarding school, Kate stayed active as an undergraduate in college, even trying out for the university's hockey team.

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4 Kate and William Stayed in the Same Dormitory

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The two first met when they were both living at St. Salvator's Hall during their freshman year. After bumping into each other in the stairwell, they eventually become friends, eating breakfast together and accompanying each other to class.

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5 Kate Was Dating Someone Else When She Met William

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Believe it or not, Kate and Will's relationship was actually platonic at first. During their first semester, Will was dating fellow student Carley Massy-Birch, while Kate was dating a senior named Rupert Finch.

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6 Kate Caught William's Eye After Appearing in a Charity Fashion Show

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Things officially started heating up between the pair when Kate walked the runway in see-through lingerie during the annual Don't Walk charity fashion show their second semester. The prince was reportedly so taken with her beauty that he even tried to kiss her during an afterparty. However, since she was still dating Rupert, she denied his advances.

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7 Kate Shared a Flat With William Her Sophomore Year

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During their second year at university, the two became roomies when they moved off campus and shared an apartment with a few of their mutual friends. Kate, who was newly single, then began a low-key romance with the prince.

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8 Kate Graduated With a Master's in Art History

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In 2005, Kate graduated with honors, which now makes her the UK's first royal bride with a university degree. Even better, if Kate ever becomes queen, she will also be the first ever to have attended college.

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