Why did student and teacher migrations matter to the growth of medieval universities?

Student and teacher migrations were fundamental to the growth and spread of medieval universities, acting as a primary mechanism for the creation of new academic centers and the dissemination of scholarly standards.1

These migrations were often driven by the need to escape local grievances, civil or religious interference, or unfavorable conditions such as plagues. Because medieval scholars and masters were considered clerici (clergy), they possessed the mobility to relocate when their rights were threatened. Key impacts of these movements included:23

• Founding New Institutions: Many universities originated directly from the migration of students and teachers from established centers. For example, the University of Cambridge was formed in 1209 by a group of students migrating from Oxford. Similarly, numerous Italian universities between the 13th and 15th centuries were established following student migrations.31
• Standardization of Academic Rights: Migrations necessitated the formalization of the jus ubique docendi—the right to teach anywhere—which ensured that a degree earned at one studium generale was recognized at others.2
• Institutional Protection: To prevent the loss of their scholarly communities, authorities began granting privileges, such as the right to strike or secede (cessatio), which allowed universities to negotiate for better security and autonomy.2