fbpx
Unifresher — The UK Student Guide

Your Ultimate Guide to

Student Life in Cambridge

Discover the best universities, events, deals, and experiences that make Cambridge the perfect city for students

Universities
0
Students
0 +
Monthly rent
from £ 0
Universities

Study at a world-class university

Cambridge is home to two prestigious institutions offering exceptional education and student experiences.

Cambridge | Unifresher
University of Cambridge
🏆 Russell Group
University of Cambridge

One of the world's greatest universities, right in the heart of Cambridge

Ranked among the top 3 universities in the world, Cambridge is synonymous with academic excellence, ground-breaking research, and a collegiate system that defines student life unlike anywhere else.

24,000+Students
300+Courses
Top 3World Ranking
Popular courses
Natural SciencesMedicine LawEngineering EconomicsHistory
Explore courses → Open days
🏙️ The City

Why study in Cambridge?

01 / Teaching

The supervision system: learning like nowhere else

Cambridge's world-famous supervision system gives you weekly one-to-one or small-group teaching with experts at the top of their field. Staff are leading researchers whose discoveries shape their disciplines globally.

World Top 3Supervision system300+ courses
02 / Location

A compact, beautiful, and brilliantly connected city

Cambridge is one of the UK's most stunning cities — entirely cycleable, packed with history, and just 50 minutes from London King's Cross by train. The city is compact enough to feel like home from day one.

London 50 minCycle-friendlyHistoric city
03 / Community

31 colleges, one extraordinary university

Cambridge's collegiate system gives every student a home within a home — your own college provides community, welfare, social events, and sport alongside the wider university. Students come from 135+ countries.

31 colleges135+ nationalities700+ societies
04 / Affordability

Generous bursaries and subsidised college life

Cambridge offers some of the most generous financial support in the UK via the Cambridge Bursary scheme. College accommodation is guaranteed for most students in first year, and subsidised college meals keep day-to-day costs manageable.

Cambridge BursaryCollege mealsFirst-year accommodation
£750–1,000Avg monthly rent
50 minTo London
135+Countries represented
Top 3World University Ranking
Anglia Ruskin University
⭐ TEF Silver
Anglia Ruskin University

A modern, ambitious university in the heart of Cambridge

Anglia Ruskin is one of the UK's largest universities, with campuses in Cambridge and Chelmsford — known for health, business, and creative courses with strong industry connections and excellent student support.

45,000+Students
350+Courses
~86%Employment
Popular courses
NursingBusiness PsychologyLaw ArchitectureFilm
Explore courses → Open days
🏙️ The City

Why study at Anglia Ruskin?

01 / Teaching

Career-focused learning with real-world impact

ARU puts employability at the heart of every course — with placements, industry links, and practical skills built in from day one. Around 86% of graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduating.

TEF Silver~86% employmentIndustry links
02 / Location

Studying in one of the world's most iconic cities

ARU's Cambridge campus sits right in the city centre, giving students access to one of the UK's most beautiful and historic cities — with London just 50 minutes away by train and excellent connections throughout the East of England.

City centre campusLondon 50 minCycle city
03 / Community

A diverse, welcoming, and ambitious student body

With over 45,000 students from around the world, ARU has one of the most diverse student communities in the UK. The Students' Union runs a packed calendar of events, societies, and sports clubs throughout the year.

Diverse communityActive SUSports clubs
04 / Affordability

A Cambridge address at a realistic price

ARU offers competitive tuition fees compared to many universities, plus bursaries and scholarships for eligible students. Cambridge is more expensive than Northern cities, but ARU's student support teams can help you manage costs and find the right funding.

Competitive feesBursaries availableStudent support
£700–950Avg monthly rent
50 minTo London
45,000+Students
~86%Graduate employment
student neighbourhoods

Where students live in Cambridge

Discover the best areas to live based on your budget, lifestyle and university.

Cambridge Neighbourhoods | Unifresher
Petersfield

Petersfield

One of Cambridge's most popular student neighbourhoods — close to the city centre and ARU's campus, with a great mix of terraced houses, independent shops, and easy access to the River Cam.

Lively & Central
📍 10 min walk to ARU city centre campus
What's great:
Close to city centre Riverside walks Affordable terraces Student staple
Mill Road

Mill Road

Cambridge's most vibrant and multicultural street — packed with independent cafés, international restaurants, vintage shops, and a brilliant community feel that students absolutely love.

Vibrant & Independent
📍 15 min walk to city centre
What's great:
Independent cafés International food Vintage shops Community vibe
Romsey Town

Romsey Town

A quieter, more affordable residential area just south of Mill Road — popular with second and third-year students looking for more space and cheaper rents without straying far from the action.

Quiet & Affordable
📍 20 min walk to city centre
What's great:
Cheaper rents More space Quieter streets Good transport
Chesterton

Chesterton

A well-connected neighbourhood north of the city centre, popular with graduate students — offering riverside walks along the Cam, local pubs, and a relaxed residential feel with great bus links.

Relaxed & Riverside
📍 20 min cycle to University of Cambridge
What's great:
River Cam access Local pubs Good bus links Graduate favourite
Newnham

Newnham

A leafy, sought-after neighbourhood on the west side of Cambridge — close to the University's colleges and the River Cam, with beautiful green spaces, peaceful streets, and a strong sense of community.

Leafy & Sought-After
📍 10 min walk to University of Cambridge
What's great:
Near University colleges Green spaces Peaceful streets Riverside access
Arbury

Arbury

A more affordable northern suburb that's increasingly popular with students — offering lower rents, good Citi bus links into the city, a local park, and a quieter pace of life away from the tourist crowds.

Budget-Friendly & Laid-Back
📍 25 min bus to city centre
What's great:
Lower rents Citi bus links Arbury Park nearby Away from tourists
student accommodation

Find your perfect student home

Everything you need to know about student accommodation in Cambridge.

Cambridge Student Housing Types | Unifresher
College Accommodation

College Accommodation

£650–950/month
Best for: First-year Cambridge University students

✅ Pros

  • Bills included
  • College community
  • Meals available
  • Secure & central

⚠️ Cons

  • College rules apply
  • Less independence
  • Limited space
Shared Houses

Shared Houses

£650–900/month
Best for: 2nd year & ARU students

✅ Pros

  • Choose housemates
  • More space
  • Local feel
  • Flexible areas

⚠️ Cons

  • Bills separate
  • High Cambridge rents
  • Competitive market
Private Student Housing

Private Student Housing

£800–1,100/month
Best for: Students wanting convenience

✅ Pros

  • Modern facilities
  • Bills often included
  • Social events
  • Great locations

⚠️ Cons

  • Most expensive option
  • Fixed term contracts
  • Less character

When to start looking

Secure your student accommodation using these four steps the year before moving in.

When to Start Looking | Unifresher
🔍
September – December

Start researching areas and viewing properties for next year. Get a feel for the market before competition heats up.

Step 1 of 4
🏠
January – March

Peak house hunting season — the best properties go fast. View, decide, and secure your place early!

Step 2 of 4
✍️
April – May

Last chance to secure places and sign contracts. Don't leave it any later — good options will be gone.

Step 3 of 4
📦
June – August

Finalise details, arrange deposits, and prepare to move in. Summer admin sorted before the new year starts.

Step 4 of 4

Where to search for accommodation

The best websites and resources for finding student housing in Cambridge — from official university portals to local letting agents.

Where to Search | Unifresher Cambridge
Cost of living
Cambridge Student Budget Calculator | Unifresher

Calculate your student budget

Get a realistic estimate of living costs in Cambridge with our interactive calculator

Adjust Your Expenses

🏠
Rentper month
£820
£600£1,100
🛒
Groceriesper month
£170
£80£300
🚲
Transportper month
£20
£0£100
☕
Eating Outper month
£100
£0£300
📶
Utilities & Billsper month
£90
£30£180
🎉
Entertainmentper month
£80
£0£250
Your Estimated Budget £1,280 per month
Yearly Total £15,360

How You Compare

Your Budget£1,280
Cambridge Average£1,200
↑ 7% above average

💡 Money Saving Tips

  • ✓Cycle everywhere — it's faster, free, and how everyone gets around
  • ✓Shop at the Cambridge Market for fresh, affordable produce
  • ✓Use your NUS/TOTUM card for discounts across the city
  • ✓Take advantage of free college events and subsidised hall meals
  • ✓Visit the Fitzwilliam, Polar, and Whipple museums — all completely free
£650–£900
Average rent in Cambridge
£40–£60
Weekly grocery budget
Guides and tips

Explore our Cambridge guides

From the best student nights out to walking routes around the town, get to know Cambridge with our range of guides written by local students.

the top places to visit near cambridge
The top 9 places to visit near Cambridge
26/08/2025
Lili Kibble
There’s no disputing that Cambridge is a stunning place to live, especially if you’re a student studying...
Read More
The top 9 places to visit near Cambridge
the top 10 free things to do in Cambridge
The top 10 free things to do in Cambridge revealed!
22/08/2025
Lili Kibble
There’s no two ways about it – uni life is expensive. We all know it, we all hate it when we hit...
Read More
The top 10 free things to do in Cambridge revealed!
The ten best nightclubs in Cambridge
The ten best nightclubs in Cambridge
24/06/2025
Rachel Brooks
Whilst Cambridge isn’t renowned for its nightlife; don’t knock it until you try it! If you’re...
Read More
The ten best nightclubs in Cambridge
Beechwoods LNR_Christine Newell_23Apr2011 (3)
The best walking routes in Cambridge
23/02/2025
Hafsah Zahoor
This article was written by Hafsah Zahoor from Anglia Ruskin University...
Read More
The best walking routes in Cambridge
de903cbf15e6a3a5df9e79a56ef89433
The top Japanese restaurants in Cambridge
09/02/2025
Hafsah Zahoor
This article was written by Hafsah Zahoor from Anglia Ruskin University...
Read More
The top Japanese restaurants in Cambridge
breakfast
These are the 10 best brunch spots in Cambridge
29/10/2024
Hafsah Zahoor
This article was written by Hafsah Zahoor from Anglia Ruskin University...
Read More
These are the 10 best brunch spots in Cambridge
Shepreth Wildlife Park
9 top outdoor things to do in Cambridge
29/10/2024
Hafsah Zahoor
This article was written by Hafsah Zahoor from Anglia Ruskin University...
Read More
9 top outdoor things to do in Cambridge
Cambridge-aerial-Getty-xlarge
10 fun things to do in Cambridge
28/10/2024
Hafsah Zahoor
This article was written by Hafsah Zahoor from Anglia Ruskin University...
Read More
10 fun things to do in Cambridge
Everything you need to know about Lime Tree Clinic, Cambridge
Everything you need to know about Lime Tree Clinic, Cambridge
30/12/2022
Unifresher
For anyone looking for a family planning clinic in Cambridge, the Lime Tree Clinic is usually the first...
Read More
Everything you need to know about Lime Tree Clinic, Cambridge

Want to see a specific Cambridge guide? Suggest an idea or join our team of student contributors

Suggest an idea
Write for us
Parents' area

For parents and carers

For Parents | Unifresher Cambridge

Everything you need to know about Cambridge as a student city

Whether your child is considering studying in Cambridge or already enrolled, this guide covers costs, safety, accommodation, and what life is really like as a student in one of the world's most extraordinary university cities.

✅ World-renowned universities 🚲 Safe, compact, cycle-friendly 🚆 50 min to London 🏆 Top 3 university in the world
💷 £650–£900 Average monthly rent — Cambridge Bursary available
🚆 50 min To London King's Cross by direct train
🎓 2 unis University of Cambridge (Top 3 world) & Anglia Ruskin
🌍 135+ Countries represented at the University of Cambridge
Useful information for parents
🏠

Student Accommodation

Cambridge University students are typically guaranteed college accommodation in first year — a huge reassurance for parents. After that, most move to shared houses in Petersfield, Mill Road, or Romsey. ARU students can apply for on-campus halls or private rentals.

💰

Cost of Living

Cambridge is more expensive than Northern cities but cheaper than central London. The University of Cambridge's bursary scheme is one of the most generous in the UK. Use our budget calculator to plan realistic monthly costs with your child before they start.

🎓

Universities in Cambridge

Cambridge is home to the world-famous University of Cambridge — ranked in the global top 3 — and Anglia Ruskin University, one of the UK's largest and most inclusive modern universities with excellent graduate outcomes.

Cambridge parent guide →
🤝

Student Support Services

Cambridge University provides college-based welfare teams, a central counselling service, mental health advisors, disability support, and financial hardship funds. Every student has a college tutor as their first point of contact for wellbeing and academic concerns.

Cambridge counselling service →
🗓️

Open Days

Parents are warmly welcomed at both Cambridge University and ARU open days. Tour the colleges and campuses, meet academic staff, and get honest answers about the admissions process, fees, courses, and day-to-day student life in Cambridge.

View Cambridge open days →
🌆

Things to Do in Cambridge

From punting on the River Cam and the Fitzwilliam Museum (free entry) to cycling through meadows and the Cambridge Market — Cambridge offers world-class culture, outdoor life, and a genuinely magical environment to live and study in.

Common parent questions

Q Is Cambridge safe for students?

Cambridge is one of the UK's safest and most walkable cities. The collegiate system at Cambridge University means students always have a close community around them. The city is compact, well-lit, and predominantly cycle-friendly — popular student areas like Mill Road and Petersfield are well-connected and have a strong local community feel.

Q How much will my child need each month?

Typical monthly costs range from £1,100–£1,400 including rent, food, transport, and social life. Rent averages £650–£900/month depending on the area and housing type. Cambridge University's bursary scheme can significantly reduce costs for eligible students, and college accommodation often includes subsidised meals.

Q What support is available if they're struggling?

Cambridge University provides college welfare teams, a central counselling service, mental health advisors, financial hardship funds, and academic support tutors. Every student has a college tutor responsible for their welfare. ARU has its own dedicated student services team, including mental health and money advice support.

Q Can I visit my child easily?

Cambridge is brilliantly connected — just 50 minutes from London King's Cross by direct train, with regular services throughout the day. The city itself is compact, beautiful, and full of things to do together: punting, the Botanic Garden, world-class museums, and independent cafés on Mill Road all make for a wonderful visit.

Attending an open day? Bring your questions.

Both Cambridge University and Anglia Ruskin welcome parents at open days — tour the colleges and campuses, meet academic staff, and get honest answers about the admissions process, student life, fees, and support available.

Cambridge open days → ARU open days →
FAQs

Your questions answered

Everything you need to know about student life in Cambridge.

Living in Cambridge

Student accommodation in Cambridge

Getting around

Student life

Studying

Local business?

Reach 20,000+ students with featured listings and targeted promotions on Unifresher

Partner with us
Active students
0 +
Partner businesses
0 +
Monthly views (sitewide)
0 million

CODE:

BHCJKS6mSGH

Got To External Website
Updated Weekly

View Our Latest Deals

View All Deals