Student Accommodations near University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge is one of the finest higher education institutions in the world and welcomes thousands of students every year to become part of its historic and prestigious academic community. One of the main challenges students face even before arriving in the country is finding the right student accommodation in Cambridge. Although there are several excellent options to choose from, like Anglia House, Castle Hill, and Student Castle Cambridge, finding the best property based on your individual needs can be quite a hassle.

This is where University Living comes into the picture. With over a decade of experience in the international student accommodation industry, we have assisted over 12 million students to date find the right student property in 640 cities worldwide. ULInfinity also helps students transition into a new phase of their life by providing critical services like international SIM cards, airport transfers, flight tickets, and forex. Some of the top neighbourhoods for student accommodation near the University of Cambridge are Cambridge City Centre, Mill Road, Chesterton, and Romsey, and the starting rent for student flats is just £120 per week.

Student accommodation near the University of Cambridge comes in various types, namely: University Student Halls (provided by individual colleges), Student Housing (PBSAs), and Private Apartments. These property types are standard across all student accommodation in UK. University of Cambridge college 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 with us.

Founded in 1209, the University of Cambridge is the third oldest university in the world and the second oldest in the English-speaking world. The university has an unparalleled reputation for academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and exceptional graduate employability. The institution holds a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) and is consistently ranked among the top 3 universities globally, ranking 2nd in the QS World University Rankings 2026.

The university hosts a diverse student body of approximately 24,000 to 26,000 students, with a large international population. Students from over 150 countries from all across the world are a part of the university. The university is composed of 31 autonomous colleges and over 150 academic departments, faculties, and research centres, primarily located across the Cambridge city centre.

The university is particularly famous for its Faculty of Law (renowned globally), the Judge Business School (triple crown accredited: AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS), the Faculty of Computer Science and Technology, the School of Clinical Medicine (ranked among the best medical schools in the world), the Faculty of Mathematics (home to the world-famous Isaac Newton Institute), and the Department of Engineering. The university has produced 121 Nobel Prize winners, 47 heads of state, and countless leaders in science, literature, politics, and business. Notable alumni include Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Stephen Hawking, John Milton, Oliver Cromwell, Alan Turing, Sir David Attenborough, and over 120 Olympic medalists. The university's research output is unmatched, with over 90% of its research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021). Over 95% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation (HESA 2023).

There are several excellent student apartments near the University of Cambridge. Although students have plenty of housing choices available, not every property suits the specific needs of University of Cambridge students. A quality student housing should meet several key criteria, such as being within walking distance of the campus, offering reasonably priced rent, and covering utility bills like electricity, water, gas, and Wi-Fi in the rent. Therefore, the table below highlights the top 5 student rooms near the University of Cambridge that meet all of these criteria and are truly loved by students.

Castle Hill, Cambridge

• Address: 3 Histon Rd, Arbury, Cambridge CB4 3BF, United Kingdom

• Distance from University: Around 8-minute bus ride from The University of Cambridge

• Property highlights: Students enjoy a Lounge area, a fully equipped gym, a laundry room, and a study room.

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

• Nearby attractions: Kettle's Yard, Jesus Green, Midsummer Common, and The Castle Mound

Student Castle Cambridge, Cambridge

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

• Distance from University: Around 14-minute bus ride from The University of Cambridge

• Property highlights: Students get to use an Outdoor Courtyard, a living area, a 24/7 gym, and a smart TV.

• Best for: Students looking for good amenities and are willing to pay a slightly higher rent, with proximity to the university.

• Nearby attractions: Midsummer Common, Jesus Green, Cambridge Museum of Technology, and St Matthew's Piece

Anglia House, Cambridge

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

• Distance from University: Around 10-minute bus ride from The University of Cambridge

• Property highlights: Students get to use an elevator, a TV Lounge, a study room, and a laundry room.

• Best for: Students who wish to stay in a PBSA with great amenities, on-site maintenance, and proximity to the university.

• Nearby attractions: Abbey Leisure Complex, Coldham's Common, Cambridge United Football Club, and Barnwell Lake Nature Reserve

Stellaris, Cambridge

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

• Distance from University: Around 14-minute bus ride from The University of Cambridge

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

• Best for: Best suited for students who love to pursue a hobby in their free time, and want to live close to the university.

• Nearby attractions: Cambridge North Station area, Ditton Meadows, Cambridge Science Centre, and Fen Ditton Nature Reserve

The Cam Foundry, Cambridge

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

• Distance from University: Around 13-minute bus ride from The University of Cambridge

• Property highlights: Students get a Private Study Room, an outdoor courtyard, a lounge area, and a cinema room.

• Best for: Students looking for good cheap student accommodation Cambridge.

• Nearby attractions: Mill Road, Cambridge Junction, Romsey Recreation Ground, and Cambridge Leisure Park

The monthly cost of living for students near the University of Cambridge ranges between £1,100 and £2,000. The cost of living in Cambridge is significantly cheaper than the cost of living in London, even though it is still one of the more expensive cities in East England. Cost of living varies from student to student, but it should be noted that students can live on a budget of under £1,100 per month very comfortably in Cambridge if they budget realistically. The following table lists the various tuition expenses students can expect to pay 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 cost of living near University of Cambridge, students can use University Living's exclusive Cost of Living Calculator.

Another significant expense for students in the city is tuition fees at the University of Cambridge. The fees for domestic students vary by college and course, while the tuition fees for international students are outlined briefly below:

Some of the best areas near the University of Cambridge for students include Cambridge City Centre, Mill Road, Chesterton, and Romsey. These neighbourhoods are located in close proximity to the university's colleges and departments and therefore help reduce transportation costs for students. The best part about these areas is that they already have a well-established student community, so students can reach out to their peers in case of any emergencies or concerns. A brief overview of these neighbourhoods is provided below:

City Centre

One of the best neighbourhoods for student accommodation near University of Cambridge is the city centre, which is also home to the university, and can be accessed within 5 minutes from any part of the area. This is undoubtedly one of the best areas, as it is surrounded by incredible medieval and Tudor architecture comprising libraries, lecture halls, and historic restaurants. One of the most visited areas in the neighbourhood is the King's College Chapel, which is probably the most recognised Cambridge landmark that boasts one of the best fan-vaulted ceilings anywhere, with an uninterrupted choral sound which reaches its apogee during the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols when the chapel choir sings. This place is absolutely mesmerizing. The average rent for student residences in the city centre ranges between £1000 and £1200 per month.

Mill Road

Another one of the top neighbourhoods for student accommodation near University of Cambridge is Mill Road, and it is located a short 15-minute walk from the university. This is widely considered the most cosmopolitan and colourful part of Cambridge, and has a bohemian vibe that is different from the historic city centre. One of the busiest places in the suburb is The Old Bicycle Shop, which is a casual, non-pricey restaurant that is well-known for their posh kebabs, which makes this student magnet. Students also enjoy Luk Thai at The Cricketers, which is a famous gastropub that serves the best Thai food in Cambridgeshire. The average rent for student accommodation in Mill Road ranges between £900 and £1100 per month.

Romsey

Another one of the top neighbourhood for University of Cambridge student accommodation is Romsey, and is located a short 15-minute walk from the university. Situated just south of Mill Road, Romsey is a gentler haven for students who are happy to sacrifice some vibrancy in exchange for quieter, more residential surroundings, but still within easy reach of Mill Road's super amenities, which give a genuine community feel all too absent from many more transitory student havens. The Lockers Cafe is one of the best spots in the area for brunch locally, and is a good spot for an easy breakfast or coffee. One of the best pubs in the neighbourhood is the Pint Shop, which is another student favourite bar in the suburb too. The average rent for student rooms here ranges between £750 and £900 per month.

Chesterton

One of the top neighbourhoods for affordable student housing near University of Cambridge is Chesterton, and it is located a short 15-minute walk from the university. This is essentially a self-contained community with its own high street of local shops, cafes, and pubs. This area provides a village like feel, while still staying close to the city centre. One of the best places to visit in the area is The Orator Classic Cambridge, which is a gastro-pub and a restaurant located in the centre of Chesterton, and is offers great food and a good selection of drinks to students. Another student favorite spots is Jesus Green, which is one of the biggest parks in Cambridge and probably in a top list of most visited places in the suburb. The average rent for student properties in the neighbourhood ranges between £650 and £800 per month.

Cambridge is home to over 145,000 residents, and to make daily commuting easier for students and residents in the city, Cambridge has developed an efficient public transport network, which includes Stagecoach bus services, the famous Park & Ride system, and the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway, along with Great Northern and Greater Anglia railway connections to London, Stansted Airport, and the East of England. These modes of public transport have been explained briefly below:

Bus Services

Cambridge boasts an extensive bus system that covers the entire city and surrounding areas, and one of the best parts of these services is that they are University-sponsored U-bus services. These buses are partially funded by the university and connect the campus to major student areas in the city. Operated by Stagecoach, some of the most important bus routes that connect to the university include route numbers 1 and 7, Stagecoach number 13 and Whippet U.

Train Services

The Cambridge Railway is a major interchange on the Greater Anglia and Great Northern train networks, and provides fast and convenient connectivity to cities like London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Cardiff. The Cambridge Railway Station is a short 15 to 20-minutes walk from the university. Students can use the 16-25 railcard to further get 1/3rd off on regular train travel.