University of Cambridge is one of the world’s leading universities, made up of more than 30 colleges offering teaching across arts, sciences and medicine. Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) offers a modern, career-focused alternative with a large campus right in the city centre.
Mill Road, Romsey and Chesterton are popular with ARU students thanks to walkable distances and bus links. Cambridge students often live in college accommodation, with private rentals spread across areas like Cherry Hinton, Newnham and Arbury.
Cambridge nightlife is smaller and more relaxed than big cities, with student nights focused around clubs, college bars and historic pubs. Expect chilled club nights, live music and plenty of post-lecture pub trips.
Many University of Cambridge students live in college accommodation for several years, which simplifies housing. ARU students usually live in halls first, then move into shared houses or flats around Mill Road and nearby areas.
Cambridge is famously cycle-friendly, with most students getting around by bike. The city is compact, buses cover wider areas, and trains make London an easy day trip.
Jesus Green, Parker’s Piece and The Backs are central to student life, especially in warmer months. College gardens and riverside paths make Cambridge feel calm and green year-round.
Rent in Cambridge is high, particularly near the centre. Students save money by living in college accommodation, cycling everywhere, and making the most of student discounts and college facilities.
Go punting on the River Cam, picnic on Jesus Green, explore the historic colleges, and end the day in a pub that’s older than most cities’ nightlife scenes.
World-famous colleges plus a modern, career-focused university
Tight-knit college life meets busy city-centre student scene
Well connected to London, the East of England and beyond
Are the universities in Cambridge good?
Yes – Cambridge is one of the most prestigious university cities in the world. The University of Cambridge is a globally renowned, research-intensive institution with consistently high rankings, excellent teaching and strong graduate outcomes. Alongside this, Anglia Ruskin University (Cambridge campus) offers a wide mix of practice-focused degrees with close links to local employers and professional bodies. Together they create a diverse higher education scene, ranging from elite academic pathways to more applied and vocational routes.
What are the University of Cambridge and Anglia Ruskin University known for?
The University of Cambridge is best known for its collegiate system, world-leading research and academically demanding degrees. It has particular strengths across subjects such as mathematics, natural sciences, engineering, computer science, law, medicine, economics and the humanities, with many courses ranked among the best globally. Teaching takes place through a mix of lectures, labs and small-group supervisions based in colleges and departments spread across the historic city centre.
Anglia Ruskin University is recognised for its applied, career-focused programmes and strong professional accreditation in areas such as nursing and healthcare, business, social sciences, education, art and design, and computing. Its Cambridge campus is modern and purpose-built, with specialist facilities, studios and labs designed to support hands-on learning and placements alongside academic study.
Is Cambridge a good city for students?
Cambridge is a brilliant city for students if you like a compact, picturesque place with a big academic community. The historic colleges, cobbled streets and riverside walks give it a unique atmosphere, and there are plenty of cafés, pubs, independent shops and green spaces. Nights out tend to be more bar, pub and society-event focused than mega-club based, but there’s still a busy student social scene, especially around college events, balls and student societies.
The main downside is that Cambridge can be expensive, particularly for rent and eating out, and the housing market is competitive. However, many students feel the trade-off is worth it for the city’s safety, sense of community, easy cycling routes and the number of academic and cultural opportunities on offer.
How hard is it to get into the University of Cambridge and Anglia Ruskin University?
The University of Cambridge is very competitive. Many courses ask for high A-level grades, often in the A*AA–A*A*A range or equivalent, alongside strong performance in admissions assessments and interviews. Popular subjects such as medicine, engineering, computer science, economics and law typically attract a large number of highly qualified applicants per place. Cambridge also considers contextual information, your personal statement, references and submitted work or tests, depending on the course.
Anglia Ruskin University generally has more accessible entry requirements, with typical offers varying by course and sometimes allowing for more flexible routes in via foundation years, BTECs or other qualifications. Some professional or creative programmes may ask for specific subjects, portfolios or relevant work experience. In both cases, it’s important to check the latest entry criteria and any contextual offer schemes on the universities’ official course pages, as requirements can change year by year.
Typical weekly and monthly student costs in Cambridge for 2026 entry. Switch between accommodation types to see how much you might spend.
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Click on the icons on the map below to explore each of Cambridge’s top student areas to live in.
Explore different housing options and providers to find the right student accommodation in Cambridge for you.
Premium studios and en suite rooms just north of the city centre, within easy reach of both the University of Cambridge colleges and Anglia Ruskin. Good if you want modern, self-contained living with on-site social spaces, gym-style facilities and all bills included.
View Student Castle Cambridge
Part of the CB1 development by Cambridge station, managed by Host. Ideal if you want to be close to trains, supermarkets, leisure park facilities and ARU, with modern en suite rooms and studios plus bills included and an active events programme.
View CB1 student homes
High-end studios close to the historic city centre and several Cambridge colleges. Suits students who want a quieter, more independent base with on-site gym, games room, study areas and a courtyard, all within walking distance of lectures and libraries.
See Castle Street studios
Modern student accommodation near Cambridge station and ARU, with en suite rooms in shared flats and independent studios. Good if you want city-centre style living, gym and common room access, and an easy walk or bus to campus.
Explore The Railyard
Specialist Cambridge letting agent with a dedicated student service and a wide range of shared houses and flats across the city. Ideal if you’re looking for traditional student houses close to colleges, ARU and popular student areas.
See student rentals
Cambridgeshire rental specialist with student houses and flats in and around the city. A good option for groups who want quality, purpose-selected student homes with clear pricing and support from an experienced local team.
View OpenArch student homes
Long-established independent Cambridge letting agency with properties across the city and nearby villages. Good if you’re a student or postgrad looking for quality rentals in residential areas rather than big halls.
Browse properties with RAH
Hosts students with carefully selected Cambridge families, offering single, twin and en suite rooms. A good choice if you’d prefer a homely base, meals included options and extra support while you study.
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Discover different student hotspots in the city by using the toggles and cards in our interactive explorer.
The postcard side of Cambridge: cobbled streets, colleges, the Market Square and the Grand Arcade. Ideal if you want to be close to lectures, libraries, shops and nightlife.
Lively, slightly alternative area packed with cafés, independent restaurants and late-night food spots, between the station and the centre. Very popular with students and grads.
Leafy, village-feel streets just west of the river, close to the Sidgwick Site, sports grounds and meadows. Great if you like calm, green surroundings but still want an easy cycle into town.
Quieter residential streets along the river to the north-east of the centre. Good for students who are happy to cycle or bus into town in exchange for more space and calmer vibes.
Newer university district with modern accommodation, cycle paths and local amenities. Ideal if you’re based at West Cambridge or want newer flats with easy bike links into the centre.
More suburban, often slightly cheaper for shared houses, with parks and local centres. Best if you’re happy to rely on buses and bikes rather than being right next to college.
Cheesy bangers, light-up dancefloor and full throwback energy. Great if you want a fun, non-serious night out with chart and classics.
Major venue near the station hosting gigs, comedy and club nights. Ideal if you’re into live music and want something beyond standard student club events.
Historic city-centre venue with touring bands, comedy and special events. Perfect for bigger nights out that still finish in time to catch a late snack.
Pub-brewery with its own beers, screens and a relaxed, student-friendly atmosphere. Great for pre-drinks, pub quizzes and low-key nights.
Cambridge institution famous for sticky Chelsea buns, brunch and strong coffee. Perfect for treating yourself after handing in an essay.
Sicilian bakery and café serving huge slices of pizza, focaccia and gelato. Expect queues at peak times – and very happy tastebuds.
Historic pub where Watson and Crick reportedly announced the structure of DNA. Now a classic student spot for pints and pub food in the centre.
Daily market in the city centre with stalls selling noodles, burritos, curries and more. Ideal for a quick, affordable lunch between lectures.
Cosy Afghan spot serving generous plates, fresh naan and rich coffee, with plenty of veggie options. Ideal for warming comfort food catch-ups a little way off the busy city-centre chain scene.
Big open green spaces along the river, perfect for picnics, summer barbecues and revision breaks. A classic spot for student hangs when the sun’s out.
Central green with sports pitches and paths, ringed by cafés and student routes. Great for quick walks, casual football and people-watching.
Peaceful river walk out of the city towards Grantchester, with cows, fields and tearooms. Feels like a countryside escape within walking distance of town.
Beautiful gardens near the station with glasshouses, lawns and lakes. Perfect for quiet walks, reading outdoors and taking visiting family somewhere pretty.
Classic Cambridge views of colleges backing onto the river. Great for walks, photos and watching (or trying) punting in the summer.
The big one: huge legal-deposit library with multiple reading rooms and more books than you’ll ever need. Serious study vibes and long opening hours.
Bright, modern library on Anglia Ruskin’s Cambridge campus with group rooms, silent zones and plenty of plug sockets for laptop marathons.
Public library inside the Grand Arcade with quiet corners and big windows. Good if you want to work in town but away from uni libraries.
Speciality coffee shop with laptop-friendly tables and a buzzy but chilled atmosphere. Perfect for essay days when you need caffeine and background noise.
Café tucked inside the city-centre bookshop, with quiet tables and plenty of plug points. Ideal for lighter reading and planning sessions.
Use the filters below to find inspirations on all the best things to do in Cambridge for students.
