Student Accommodation near Anglia Ruskin University

One of the finest higher educational institutions in the United Kingdom is Anglia Ruskin University (ARU). Ranked among the top 40 universities in the UK (The Guardian University Guide, 2025), this university is a dream for many students across the globe. It has excellent placement support and strong industry connections, and its reputation alone can help you secure opportunities in some of the top organisations across the UK and beyond.

Every year, thousands of students come to the city to become part of this well-regarded university, and one of the major concerns for students is finding the right student accommodation in Cambridge, which can sometimes be a challenge. This is where University Living comes to the rescue of students. With over 10 years of experience in the international student accommodation industry, we have helped over 12 million students find their home away from home. Students also use ULInfinity to book flight tickets, arrange airport transfers, FOREX, and for international SIM cards. There are several great student properties near Anglia Ruskin University, and the rent for these typically ranges between £120 and £350 per week.

Student accommodation near Anglia Ruskin University come in various types, namely: University Student Halls, Student Housing (PBSAs), and Private Apartments. These property types are standard across all student accommodation in UK. Anglia Ruskin University student halls are accommodations provided directly by the university, but they are quite limited in number and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. For off-campus accommodation, students can choose from a range of room types, including En-Suite / Non-En-Suite, Studio apartments, and shared apartments.

Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) has roots dating back to 1858 as the Cambridge School of Art and gained university status in 1992. It is ranked among the top 40 universities in the UK (The Guardian University Guide, 2025) and was named the Times Higher Education's University of the Year in 2022. The university serves a diverse student population of approximately 30,000 to 35,000 students across its campuses, with a vibrant international community representing over 100 countries worldwide. The university has several campuses, including:

• Cambridge Campus (East Road)

• Chelmsford Campus

• Peterborough Campus (ARU Peterborough)

• London Campus (ARU London)

ARU's key strengths lie in its industry-focused programmes and research excellence in areas such as health, innovation, and sustainability. The university is home to renowned research centres including the StoryLab (digital journalism), the Veterans and Families Institute, and the Global Sustainability Institute. ARU has an outstanding career reputation, with over 90% of graduates in work or further study within 15 months (HESA 2023). The university holds the prestigious TEF Silver award for teaching excellence, and the Faculty of Business and Law is accredited by the Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS). ARU graduates have secured positions at leading organisations including Addenbrooke's Hospital, Microsoft, the BBC, PwC, the NHS, and ARM Holdings.

Some of the top student accommodation near Anglia Ruskin University include Student Castle Cambridge, Anglia House, and Varsity House. These are the closest to the university and are absolutely loved by students. Although there are a plethora of options for students to choose from, not every property is the best suited for the students of Anglia Ruskin University. Therefore, it is important to look for properties that are under your budget and are located close to the university. The average price of student rooms near Anglia Ruskin University ranges between £120 and £350 per week. The table below explains the top properties in brief:

Varsity House, Cambridge

• Address: New St, Cambridge CB1 2TX, UK

• Distance from University: Around a 4-minute walk from Anglia Ruskin University

• Property highlights: Students get a study area, a microwave, a laundry area, a dining area, and an oven.

• Best for: Students who are looking for a peaceful student flats with great transport connectivity and proximity to the university! This property also has some of the best studio apartments Cambridge.

• Nearby attractions: King's College Chapel, The Fitzwilliam Museum, and the Great St Mary's Church.

Anglia House, Cambridge

• Address: 217 Newmarket Rd, Cambridge CB5 8AY, United Kingdom

• Distance from University: Around a 5-minute walk from The Anglia Ruskin University

• Property highlights: Students get an elevator, a games area, an outdoor courtyard, and a study lounge.

• Best for: Students who are willing to spend a good amount for their student property but want great amenities with proximity to the university.

• Nearby attractions: Cambridge Buddhist Centre, Cambridge United Football Club, and the Ditton Meadows

Student Castle Cambridge

• Address: 1 Milton Rd, Cambridge CB4 1UY, United Kingdom

• Distance from University: Around a 7-minute walk from Anglia Ruskin University

• Property highlights: Students get to use a meeting room, a games room, a dining room, and a flat screen TV.

• Best for: Students who are looking for a modern student accommodation with good amenities and want to stat close to the university

• Nearby attractions: Jesus Green, The Tivoli, ADC Theatre, and Midsummer Common

The Cam Foundry, Cambridge

• Address: 315, 349 Mill Rd, Cambridge CB1 3DL, United Kingdom

• Distance from University: Around a 10-minute walk from Anglia Ruskin University

• Property highlights: Students get access to a social space, an outdoor courtyard, and a cinema room!

• Best for: Students looking for housing in Cambridge and want good amenities.

• Nearby attractions: Mill Road, Cambridge University Botanic Garden, The Cambridge Blue Pub, and Parker's Piece

Stellaris, Cambridge

• Address: 444 Newmarket Rd, Cambridge CB5 8JL, UK

• Distance from University: Around a 8-minute bus ride from Anglia Ruskin University

• Property highlights: Students enjoy a common lounge, a pool table, a karaoke room, and table tennis.

• Best for: Students who wish to stay in an affordable student property with basic amenities and proximity to the university.

• Nearby attractions: Cambridge Museum of Technology, Ditton Meadows, Abbey Stadium, and Fen Ditton Village.

The cost of living for students near Anglia Ruskin University typically ranges between £950 and £1,750 per month. Cambridge is undoubtedly one of the most expensive cities in the UK outside of London, and therefore, the cost of living in Cambridge is quite high. However, if students plan their budget properly and ensure they don't overspend on everything the city has to offer, they can expect to spend a month well under £950. One of the major expenses for students is the rent for their Anglia Ruskin University student accommodation. The table below underscores some of the major expenses that students might undertake while studying in the city:

Students must note that these figures are tentative and might change based on their actual expenses and lifestyle. To get a better idea of the exact cost of living near Anglia Ruskin University, students can use University Living's exclusive Cost of living Calculator.

Another one of the major expenses for students in the city is tuition fees at Anglia Ruskin University. The tuition fees for domestic (UK) students are capped at £9,790 per annum, while the fees for international students vary from course to course and have been explained in detail below:

Some of the best areas near Anglia Ruskin University for students are Cambridge City Centre, Mill Road, Petersfield, and Arbury. These neighbourhoods are a top choice for students in Cambridge and are located in close proximity to the university. The best part about these neighbourhoods is that they already have an established student community, and therefore, new students are recommended to stay in such locations so that they can reach out to their peers in case of any issues and emergencies. These neighbourhoods have been explained in brief below:

Petersfield

One of the best neighbourhoods for student accommodation near Anglia Ruskin University is Petersfield, which is just a short 5-minute walk from any place in the neighbourhood. This is because the university is located right in the heart of this area, and hence, is the most convenient option for students. One of the best places to be in Petersfield is The Grafton Centre, which is a large shopping centre located just off East Road and features a cinema, gym, and a variety of high-street shops. The Parker's Piece is one of the most famous parks in the city, and is a large public green space just a 5-minute walk from campus. This park is perfect for picnics, casual sports, and the annual Bonfire Night fireworks. The average rent for student apartments in the neighborhood ranges between £1000 and £1200 per month.

Mill Road

Known for its lively and multicultural atmosphere, Mill Road is one of the most popular areas for Anglia Ruskin University student accommodation, as it is just a short 10-minute walk from the university. This neighbourhood is known for housing a variety of shops, international food stores, cafes, and pubs in the city. One of the best places to visit in the neighbourhood is the Mill Road, which is the iconic main street itself and is filled with everything from butcher houses and Asian supermarkets to artisan bakeries and vintage shops. The locality is also home to one of the best pubs in Cambridge, the Devonshire Arms, which is a legendary pub famous for its real ales, no-frills atmosphere, and a large beer garden. The average rent for student housing in Mill Road ranges between £900 and £1200 per month.

Cambridge City Centre

Located in the heart of historic Cambridge, the city center is undoubtedly one of the top neighbourhoods for student halls near Anglia Ruskin University and is located a short 10-minute walk from the university! This area offers an unparalleled lifestyle and convenience for students and hence, is a student favorite! One of the best places to be in the city centre is King's College Chapel, which is the iconic symbol of Cambridge, and features a breathtaking fan-vaulted ceiling and world-famous choir. If you wish to get grocery essentials, Market Square can be your best place to be, as this is Cambridge's central market, and it operates daily with stalls selling everything from street food and fresh produce to books and clothes. The average rent for student properties in the city centre is between £750 and £1000 per month.

Arbury

Located in the northern part of the city, another one of the most popular neighbourhoods for affordable student residence near Anglia Ruskin University is Arbury, which is a short 10-minute bus ride away. Arbury is a quieter and more practical choice for students who are willing to trade a longer commute for significantly lower costs. One of the most scientific locations to visit in the neighbourhood is Cambridge Science Park, which is one of the UK's most important technology hubs, and is located on the northern edge of Arbury, thus, offering potential internship and job opportunities. The Milton Arms is a famous traditional community pub on Arbury Road, which is known for its classic pub grub and Sky Sports. The average rent for student flats in the neighbourhood ranges between £650 and £800 per month.

Cambridge is home to more than 150,000 residents, and in order to make the daily commute easier for these people, the city has developed an extensive network of public transit systems that includes Stagecoach bus services and train services. These modes of transit act as a lifeline for students in the city and are used by thousands every single day. These have been further explained below:

Buses

One of the primary modes of public transit for students near Anglia Ruskin University are the bus services. The campus is well-connected by both local and regional bus services, and the bus services in the city are operated and managed by Stagecoach. These services provide last-mile connectivity throughout the city and ensure that no passenger is stranded anywhere in the middle of the night. The nearest bus stop to the university is the Fire Station and is just a 2-minute walk from the university! Some of the most widely used bus routes that serve the city include routes 2, 7, 13, PR2, PR3, and X75.

Trains

The Cambridge Station is a major junction in the region, and connects major train lines like the East Coast Main Line, the West Anglia Main Line, and the Fen Line! The station is just a short 20-minute walk from the ARU campus, and students mostly use it to go to nearby cities for a weekend getaway. These trains are fast and comfortable, and provide great connectivity to major British cities like London (approx. 50-60 mins), Stansted Airport, Birmingham, Ipswich, and Peterborough.