UniHomes guide to

Cambridge

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Uni Life in Cambridge

Cambridge student life is alive with attractions and activities to keep any type of student busy. Aside from being home to the prestigious University of Cambridge, you'll see why this city has become a student favourite from the moment you step onto its charming streets. It's not difficult to find somewhere to fit in, whether you're into history, art, music, sports, or want to unleash your inner party animal!
When you're not occupied discovering the sights and sounds of beautiful Cambridge, you can relax in top student accommodation areas like Mill Road and Newtown.

Key reasons to study in Cambridge

  • 1
    Academic excellence

    No surprises here. The University of Cambridge is consistently ranked as one of the world’s top universities and is extremely competitive. It provides world-class facilities, including its University Library, museums, galleries, and ADC Theatre. Anglia Ruskin University is also highly regarded, celebrated for its focus on employability and diverse environment.

  • 2
    Getting around

    Cambridge is flat and compact, making it a very walkable and cyclable city. You’ll never be too far from a pub or a park, and there’s no excuse to be late to your 9 AM lectures! If you want to travel further afield, it’s only just over an hour to London by train, and it’s also relatively easy to get to Leicester, Norwich, and Oxford.

  • 3
    Green spaces

    Student life in Cambridge wouldn’t be complete without wholesome visits to the city’s top green spaces. Take your pick from the university’s Botanical Gardens, Jesus Green, and Parker’s Piece, or take a stroll along the River Cam.

  • 4
    Local highlights

    Some must-do Cambridge Uni student life highlights include punting on the River Cam, trying street food in Market Square, and paying the Fitzwilliam Museum a visit, an art museum featuring award-winning exhibitions.

  • 5
    A vibrant social scene

    Just because Cambridge is smaller than cities like Manchester and London doesn’t mean there isn’t some good nightlife here! There are pubs aplenty to grab a quick pint in, including Eagle and The Maypole, as well as clubs to let your hair down in, such as MASH and Vinyl.

  • 6
    A student community

    The University of Cambridge is known for its close-knit collegiate system, which makes you feel like you’re part of a new family. Moreover, there are hundreds of societies between the two institutions, so there’s always something to get involved in, whatever your interests.

Having spent both my undergraduate and master's years in Cambridge, I’ve come to appreciate it for more than just a place of study. As someone from the countryside, I feel there’s something really special about living within a city that has numerous green spaces. It makes it feel like home.

Chloe-Mae Nova Lister Brand Ambassador

Universities in Cambridge

University of Cambridge

Picture of University of Cambridge

As the fourth-oldest university in the world, the University of Cambridge was founded in 1209 and is famous for being one of the highest-ranking institutions. It is home to around 24,000 students, attracting learners from over 140 different countries.

Anglia Ruskin University

Picture of Anglia Ruskin University

Established in 1858 as the Cambridge School for Art, Anglia Ruskin University is renowned for its strong focus on education and healthcare, serving as the East of England’s largest provider of midwives and nurses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! As well as receiving a world-class education, students here can also enjoy living in a stunning city steeped in history and beauty. There are plenty of bars, shops, and society events to keep you occupied away from your studies.
Nighttime student life in Cambridge offers a mix of pubs, bars, and clubs, so there’s always something to suit your mood. Hidden Rooms offers a nice cocktail, while you can dance the night away at Revs.
University of Cambridge student life notoriously comes with a lot of studying, with undergraduates typically doing a minimum of 35 hours per week (including lectures and seminars). However much you do really depends on your course.
October is the best time to start looking for student accommodation in Cambridge. Properties will be available until February, but we would recommend starting a search for a property during the autumn. The most popular student areas in Cambridge is City Centre.
UniHomes has a property search tool which displays hundreds of student properties in Cambridge, all with bills included. Sign up to our mailing list so that you can be notified of new properties going live.
Tenancy periods in Cambridge usually last for 12 months. Most contracts will start on the 1st July and end on the 30th June the following year. Occasionally, letting agents may offer tenancy periods that last for 10 or 11 months, starting in August or September. You can always enquire with the letting agent to find out how long your contract length will be.
Deposits are usually either 4 or 5 week's rent. The maximum legal amount a landlord can charge your for a deposit is 5 week's rent. You’ll get your deposit back when you move out of the property. That said, if the landlord is still owed outstanding rent or needs to pay for repairs to damage within the property, they may take deductions from the deposit to cover the costs.
UniHomes accommodation in Cambridge usually costs £186 – £204 per person, per week. This price includes the cost of all bills you'll need to pay, which you won't always see on other student accommodation websites. Check out the full range of student accommodations available in Cambridge.

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