Cambridge is one of the world’s most celebrated university cities, where over 800 years of academic tradition meet cutting-edge innovation. This beautiful city in the heart of East Anglia has produced more Nobel Prize winners than any other institution and continues to shape global thinking in science, technology, arts, and humanities. With over 35,000 students across its universities, Cambridge offers an intimate yet intellectually electric environment unlike anywhere else on earth.

The University of Cambridge consistently ranks among the world’s top universities and has educated some of history’s greatest minds, including Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Stephen Hawking, and Emma Thompson. Anglia Ruskin University is one of the UK’s largest universities, with a strong focus on career-ready education and creative industries. Together, they welcome students from over 150 countries, creating a community where world-changing ideas are born daily.

Student accommodation in Cambridge is among the most expensive in the UK outside London, reflecting the city’s desirability and limited housing stock. Weekly rents typically range from £140 to £200 for shared houses in popular student areas. However, Cambridge is famously flat and compact, making it one of the UK’s premier cycling cities. Most students get everywhere by bike, dramatically reducing transport costs and making the entire city accessible within minutes.

What truly makes Cambridge special is its extraordinary combination of world-famous architecture, including King’s College Chapel and The Backs, exceptional career opportunities in the thriving Silicon Fen tech hub, a rich cultural scene with outstanding museums and theatres, the stunning Cambridgeshire countryside on your doorstep, and punting along the River Cam past some of the most beautiful college grounds in the world.

The Best Neighbourhoods for International Students

Cambridge’s student areas spread outwards from the historic city centre, with most students choosing to live in Mill Road, Romsey, Chesterton, Newnham, Arbury, or the city centre itself.

Mill Road

Mill Road is Cambridge’s most vibrant and diverse neighbourhood, running southeast from the city centre across the famous railway bridge. This eclectic street is packed with independent shops, international restaurants, quirky cafes, and vintage stores that give it a distinctly bohemian character quite different from the historic centre. It’s often called Cambridge’s answer to London’s Brick Lane.

The area buzzes with life, featuring the annual Mill Road Winter Fair, which closes the entire street for a community celebration. You’ll find cuisines from around the world, from Ethiopian and Vietnamese to Turkish and Caribbean, alongside traditional English pubs and craft beer bars. The Cambridge Leisure Park with its cinema and bowling is nearby. Mill Road suits students who want a lively, multicultural atmosphere with easy cycling distance to both universities. Average weekly rent ranges from £135 to £175.

Romsey

Romsey, also known as Romsey Town, sits just south of Mill Road and offers a quieter residential alternative whilst still benefiting from Mill Road’s amenities. This traditional working-class neighbourhood has become increasingly popular with students seeking good value accommodation within easy reach of the city centre.

The area features Victorian terraced houses on tree-lined streets, local parks, and a genuine community feel. Romsey Recreation Ground provides green space, and the neighbourhood is well served by local shops. It’s a five to ten-minute cycle to the city centre and most University of Cambridge departments. Romsey suits students looking for accommodation in a friendly, established community. Average weekly rent ranges from £120 to £155.

Chesterton

Chesterton lies north of the River Cam and offers excellent value accommodation with a village-like feel despite being close to the city centre. The area has its own high street with local shops, cafes, pubs, and supermarkets, creating a self-contained community atmosphere.

The riverside location means beautiful walks along the Cam towards the historic Jesus Green and Midsummer Common. Chesterton is particularly popular with students at Anglia Ruskin University, given its proximity to the East Road campus, but University of Cambridge students also live here. Regular buses and excellent cycle routes connect to the city centre in around ten minutes. Average weekly rent ranges from £115 to £150.

Newnham

Newnham is one of Cambridge’s most desirable residential areas, located west of the city centre near the University of Cambridge’s Sidgwick Site, where many arts and humanities departments are based. The neighbourhood is characterised by large Victorian and Edwardian houses, tree-lined avenues, and proximity to Grantchester Meadows.

The area has a peaceful, leafy atmosphere popular with academics, families, and students who prefer a quieter environment. Newnham Croft Primary School and local shops serve the community. The famous Orchard Tea Garden in nearby Grantchester, once frequented by Rupert Brooke and the Bloomsbury Group, is a popular cycling destination. Newnham suits students who appreciate tranquil surroundings and easy access to West Cambridge. Average weekly rent ranges from £150 to £200.

Arbury

Arbury lies to the north of Cambridge and offers some of the most affordable student accommodation in the city. This residential area features a mix of housing types and has excellent local amenities, including supermarkets, a library, and community facilities.

The neighbourhood is well connected by cycle paths and buses to the city centre, taking around 15 to 20 minutes. Cambridge Regional College is located here. While further from the historic centre than other options, Arbury suits budget-conscious students who don’t mind a slightly longer commute in exchange for significantly lower rents. Average weekly rent ranges from £100 to £135.

City Centre

Cambridge’s city centre offers purpose-built student accommodation and some college-owned properties within the historic heart of the city. Living centrally means you’re surrounded by Cambridge’s stunning medieval and Tudor architecture, with libraries, lecture halls, shops, restaurants, and the famous colleges all on your doorstep.

Modern purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) provides contemporary facilities including en-suite rooms, study spaces, and social areas. The city centre suits students who want to be immersed in Cambridge’s unique atmosphere. However, most undergraduate students at the University of Cambridge are required to live in college accommodation, which is typically provided for all three years. Average weekly rent for PBSA ranges from £180 to £320.

Getting to Cambridge as an International Student

Cambridge is located in East Anglia, approximately 50 miles north of London, with excellent transport links to multiple airports and straightforward connections across the UK.

London Stansted Airport

London Stansted is the closest major airport to Cambridge, located approximately 30 miles south. It serves numerous European destinations and some long-haul routes. Direct buses run frequently between Stansted and Cambridge, taking approximately 50 minutes and costing around £10 to £18. The National Express coach service operates 24 hours a day. A taxi costs approximately £50 to £70.

London Heathrow Airport

London Heathrow offers the widest range of international connections from the UK, with direct flights to destinations across every continent. Located approximately 80 miles from Cambridge, direct National Express coaches run to Cambridge, taking around 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours and costing £25 to £40. Alternatively, take the Tube or Heathrow Express to London King’s Cross, then a direct train to Cambridge.

London Gatwick Airport

London Gatwick is the UK’s second-busiest airport, located approximately 90 miles south of Cambridge. National Express coaches run directly to Cambridge, taking around 3 to 4 hours and costing £25 to £45. Alternatively, take the Thameslink train to London St Pancras, then change for Cambridge.

London Luton Airport

London Luton is approximately 40 miles from Cambridge and serves mainly European budget airlines. National Express coaches run to Cambridge, taking around 1 hour 15 minutes and costing £12 to £20. Trains via Luton Airport Parkway and London connect to Cambridge but involve changes.

Getting Around Cambridge

Cycling: Cambridge has the highest rate of cycling in the UK, with around 30% of residents cycling to work or study. The city is famously flat and compact, with extensive cycle lanes and paths. Both universities provide secure bicycle storage. Buying a second-hand bike costs £50 to £150. Cycling is by far the most popular and practical way for students to get around, with journeys across the city rarely taking more than 15 to 20 minutes.

Buses: Stagecoach operates most bus services in Cambridge. The Universal bus (U) is specifically designed for students, connecting key locations including Anglia Ruskin campuses and the West Cambridge site. Single fares are typically £2 to £3. Megarider weekly tickets cost around £15 to £20. The guided busway connects Cambridge to surrounding towns.

Walking: Central Cambridge is extremely compact and easily walkable. Most locations within the historic centre are within 10 to 15 minutes’ walk of each other. Mill Road to the city centre takes about 15 minutes on foot.

Trains: Cambridge station connects to London King’s Cross (approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes depending on service), Stansted Airport (35 minutes), and other major cities. Cambridge North station serves the Science Park area. A 16-25 Railcard costs £35 per year and saves one-third on most rail fares. Many student bank accounts include a free Railcard.

Universities in Cambridge

University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, founded in 1209. It consistently ranks in the top five globally, placing 6th in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and regularly alternating with Oxford for the top UK position. The university has approximately 24,000 students, including around 9,500 international students from over 150 countries.

Like Oxford, Cambridge operates a collegiate system with 31 self-governing colleges. Students belong to both a college and an academic department. Cambridge has produced 121 Nobel Prize winners, more than any other institution in the world. Strong areas include Natural Sciences, Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, and Medicine, alongside world-leading humanities and social sciences. The University Library holds over 8 million books. Most undergraduates live in college accommodation throughout their degree.

Anglia Ruskin University

Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is one of the UK’s largest universities with approximately 40,000 students across its campuses in Cambridge, Chelmsford, Peterborough, and London. The Cambridge campus is located on East Road, close to the city centre and the vibrant Mill Road area.

ARU is known for its career-focused education with strong industry links. Particularly strong areas include Nursing and Health Sciences, Music and Performing Arts, Business, and Education. The university has invested significantly in its facilities, including the Science Centre and the School of Medicine. ARU was named University of the Year by the Times Higher Education Awards in 2023. International students come from over 185 countries and benefit from dedicated support services including visa advice, English language courses, and orientation programmes.

Cost of Living in Cambridge for International Students

Cambridge is one of the more expensive UK cities for students, comparable to Oxford. Living costs are lower than in London but higher than in most other UK cities. The prevalence of cycling significantly reduces transport costs for most students.

Accommodation (Weekly)

Room in a shared house: £100 – £200

University halls: £140 to £210

En-suite PBSA: £180 to £280

City centre studio: £230 to £380

Food, Transport and Other Costs

Budget around £120 to £180 per month for groceries. Aldi and Lidl offer excellent value, with Cambridge Market in the city centre selling fresh produce daily. Most students cycle and have minimal transport costs beyond the initial bike purchase. Those using buses can get weekly passes for £15 to £20. Mobile phone SIM-only plans cost around £10 to £20 per month. Gym membership outside university facilities runs £25 to £40 per month, though most students use university sports facilities.

Realistic Monthly Budget

Budget-conscious students can live on £900 to £1,200 per month in Cambridge. A typical student spending on mid-range accommodation and moderate social activities should budget £1,200 to £1,600 per month.

International Student Community in Cambridge

Cambridge has one of the world’s most international academic communities, with over 150 nationalities represented. The University of Cambridge has over 700 student societies and clubs, including numerous nationality-based societies, cultural groups, religious organisations, and international student networks. Cambridge University Students’ Union (CUSU) offers support and social events for all students.

Anglia Ruskin Students’ Union has over 100 societies and an active International Students’ Association. Both universities provide comprehensive support, including visa advice, orientation programmes, buddy schemes, and English language courses.

Cambridge’s food scene reflects its diversity. Mill Road is famous for its international restaurants and specialist food shops, including Al-Amin for Middle Eastern groceries, Cho Mee for Vietnamese food, and Aromi for Sicilian cuisine. The city centre offers everything from traditional English pubs to high-end dining, with chains and independents along Bridge Street and around the Market Square.

Cambridge’s nightlife is more intimate than larger cities but has genuine character. Historic college bars provide social spaces, while traditional pubs like The Eagle (where Watson and Crick announced the discovery of DNA) offer atmosphere and history. Mill Road has contemporary bars and live music venues. Student nights at clubs like Lola Lo, Fez, and Revolution draw crowds. College May Balls, held in June after exams, are legendary formal events with live music, entertainment, and champagne lasting through the night.

What Makes Cambridge Special for International Students

Academic Excellence: Study at an institution that has produced more Nobel laureates than any other, alongside some of the world’s brightest minds, in an environment that has shaped human knowledge for over 800 years.

Historic Architecture: King’s College Chapel, The Backs, the Bridge of Sighs, and centuries-old college courts create one of the most beautiful urban landscapes in the world. Much of the historic centre is free to explore.

World-Class Museums: The Fitzwilliam Museum houses outstanding art and antiquities. The Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, the Whipple Museum of the History of Science, and the Museum of Zoology are all free to enter.

Silicon Fen: Cambridge is the heart of the UK’s technology sector, home to over 5,000 tech companies, including ARM, AstraZeneca, and countless start-ups. Internship and career opportunities in technology, biotech, and research are exceptional.

Cycling Culture: Experience the freedom of the UK’s premier cycling city. The flat terrain and extensive cycle paths mean you can reach anywhere quickly and stay healthy while saving money.

Punting: The quintessential Cambridge experience. Glide along the River Cam past the magnificent Backs, under the Bridge of Sighs, and through the heart of the ancient colleges.

Beautiful Surroundings: The charming village of Grantchester, Ely Cathedral, and the flat, peaceful Cambridgeshire Fens are perfect for weekend cycling and exploration.

Traditions: Experience unique Cambridge traditions, including formal hall dinners, May Week celebrations, the famous Boat Race against Oxford, and Footlights comedy shows that launched careers from Stephen Fry to Emma Thompson.

Cambridge FAQs

Is Cambridge a good city for international students?

Absolutely. Cambridge offers a world-class education in an intimate, beautiful setting with a genuinely international community. While it’s expensive compared to many UK cities, the quality of education, unique experiences, and outstanding career opportunities in the thriving tech sector make it an exceptional value. The city has welcomed international scholars for eight centuries.

Is Cambridge safe?

Cambridge is generally considered very safe, consistently ranking among the safest cities in the UK. The compact size, strong community feel, and prevalence of cycling create a secure environment. Both universities provide security services, and the collegiate system means University of Cambridge students have close-knit support networks.

What is the weather like?

Cambridge has a temperate climate and is actually one of the driest parts of the UK, being in the rain shadow of the hills to the west. Winters are cool (average 2-7°C) with occasional frost. Summers are pleasant and can be warm (16-23°C). Wind can be brisk across the flat Fens. A good waterproof jacket is still essential for the rain that does occur.

Is it easy to find part-time work?

Cambridge has good part-time job opportunities, particularly in hospitality, retail, tourism, and the tech sector. Both universities have careers services and job boards. The thriving start-up scene offers unique opportunities. However, University of Cambridge students should note that the intensive supervision-based teaching system leaves limited time for employment during the term.

How does the college system work?

University of Cambridge students apply to and belong to one of 31 colleges. Colleges provide accommodation, meals, pastoral support, and small-group teaching (supervisions). Students also belong to an academic department or faculty for lectures and research supervision. Each college has its own character, facilities, traditions, and often its own library and sports facilities.

Ready to Book Your Room?

Now that you have seen all that Cambridge has to offer international students, it is time to explore our range of Cambridge student accommodation options.

If you have more questions relating to more general international student topics, check out our Ultimate Guide to International Student Accommodation in the UK.