Student Accommodation in Cambridge
Looking for student accommodation in Cambridge? You're in the right place. Cambridge is home to 2 Universities - and finding a verified, safe, affordable room near your campus shouldn't be stressful. Gradding Homes lists 311+ student accommodation options in Cambridge, from budget-friendly shared flats to fully furnished en-suites and studios. Every property is verified, bills-inclusive options are available, and our team speaks your language - literally. Compare, shortlist, and book your Cambridge home before it's gone.
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What is the cheapest student accommodation in Cambridge?
The most affordable rooms for students in Cambridge start at around £100–£115 per week. These are typically non-en-suite rooms in shared houses in areas like Arbury or Chesterton. Private house shares in Romsey and Mill Road also offer good value, usually starting around £120 per week.
How much is student accommodation in Cambridge per month?
A shared, non-en-suite room in a private house share typically costs £400–£600 per month. En-suite rooms in PBSA buildings run from around £560 to £860 per month.
Can I book student accommodation in Cambridge without a UK guarantor?
Yes, though it depends on the type of accommodation. Most PBSA buildings offer alternatives to a UK guarantor, such as paying several months' rent in advance or using an international guarantor service. Private landlords and HMOs are more likely to require a UK-based guarantor, so PBSA is generally the more accessible route for international students.
Is student accommodation in Cambridge bills included?
Most PBSA properties include Wi-Fi, water, gas, and electricity in the weekly rent. Private house shares vary significantly, some include bills and some do not. So, always confirm before signing a tenancy agreement. Comparing the total contract cost, rather than just the weekly headline rate, gives a much clearer picture of what you're actually paying.
What is the best area in Cambridge for international students?
Mill Road and Chesterton are consistently recommended for international students both offer multicultural communities, good local amenities, and easy cycling access to both universities. The city centre is convenient but pricier. For students attending ARU, Chesterton and the Mill Road area sit closest to the East Road campus.
How far in advance should I book student accommodation in Cambridge?
As soon as you've received your offer January to April is the ideal window for September entry. PBSA properties in Cambridge are limited compared to larger UK cities, and the most popular buildings fill up months before term starts. University of Cambridge students in the collegiate system should check their individual college's accommodation timeline.
How Much Does Student Accommodation in Cambridge Cost?
Cambridge is one of the most desired city in the UK, and this fact certainly carries a price tag. However, this doesn’t mean that finding the right place to live will have to break the bank. The cost of student accommodation in Cambridge depends on the type of room and the location. Below is a list of typical weekly costs to help you plan before searching for the right place to live.
| Room Type | Weekly Rent |
|---|---|
| Shared room (non-en-suite) | £100–£150/wk |
| En-suite room | £140–£215/wk |
| Studio (self-contained) | £160–£300/wk |
| University College room | £120–£210/wk |
| 1-bed apartment (PBSA) | £180–£350/wk |
The above table clearly shows how much is student accommodation in Cambridge per month costs to international students.
Types of Student Accommodation in Cambridge
Cambridge provides a uniquely different living experience compared to other university towns in the United Kingdom. Due to the college system at the University of Cambridge, a great number of students, particularly undergraduate students, live in college accommodation throughout the duration of their studies. Here are different types of student accommodation available for them:
- En-suite Rooms– A private student accommodation Cambridge room that has a private bathroom along with the ability to use the common kitchen facilities. It is one of the most popular in PBSA accommodation and strikes the right balance between privacy and affordability.
- Studio Flats– A totally self-contained room equipped with a kitchenette and bathroom. The studio apartments in Cambridge are ideal for postgraduate students and people who value independence.
- Non En-suite Rooms –A room with community bathrooms and kitchens. The most economical option for students living in shared houses in Cambridge and very common in areas like Romsey and Mill Road.
- Shared Houses (HMOs)– Rental of a room in a shared house with others. This is usually the most economical mode of housing arrangement for students in Cambridge, particularly those located at places like Arbury, Chesterton, and Romsey Town.
- University Halls– In Cambridge University, most of the undergraduate students stay in college accommodation for a minimum period of one year. The rooms vary according to the college; some colleges give room facilities like en-suite while others have shared facilities.
Best Areas for Student Accommodation in Cambridge
Since it is possible to access most parts of the city within 15 to 20 minutes on a bike, it offers various best areas to live in Cambridge as a student. However, the things that affect rent in this location include the nature of the locality, distance from the city centre, and your distance from your university campus. The following are the best neighbourhoods for living as a student in Cambridge.
| Area | Best For | Avg Weekly Rent | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arbury | Cheapest rents in the city | £100–£135/wk | Budget-friendly; 15–20 min bus or cycle to centre |
| Hills Road | Closest to both campuses | £140–£185/wk | 5-min walk to University of Cambridge and ARU; great transport links |
| Romsey | Quiet living, great value | £120–£155/wk | Just south of Mill Road; 5–10 min cycle to city centre |
| City Centre | PBSA, close access to everything | £160–£250/wk | Walking distance to both universities; higher rents but unbeatable convenience |
| Chesterton | Village feel, north of the Cam | £115–£150/wk | Good value; 10-min cycle to city; popular with ARU students |
| Newnham | Leafy, peaceful, west of centre | £150–£200/wk | Popular with University of Cambridge arts and humanities students; close to Sidgwick Site |
| Mill Road | Social students, multicultural vibe | £135–£175/wk | Lively independent café and restaurant scene; 15-min walk to University of Cambridge |
For the cheapest student accommodation in Cambridge per week, Arbury and Chesterton consistently offer the most accessible price points.
Student Accommodation Near Top Cambridge Universities
Near the University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge employs the collegiate system, in which there are 31 colleges located all across the city, and that means the meaning of "near campus" differs greatly from that at other educational establishments. For those who do not live in college, the most popular student accommodation near University of Cambridge are Student Castle Cambridge, The Cam Foundry and Brunswick House.
Near Anglia Ruskin University (ARU)
The campus of ARU in Cambridge is located on East Road, which enables convenient transportation from Chesterton, Mill Road, and from the city centre. International students who prefer to arrange private accommodation near the ARU Cambridge campus will definitely enjoy Brunswick House, Anglia House and CB1. All these accommodations are conveniently located near the East Road campus and the Grafton Shopping Centre.
Student Accommodation in Cambridge for International Students
Cambridge has students from over 150 countries; roughly 9,500 international students study at the University of Cambridge, while ARU also has many international students enrolled. Finding safe student accommodation Cambridge before coming there as an international student is very important for you.
- No UK Guarantor Required– There are several PBSAs providing accommodation for international students at Cambridge which do not require the student to have a UK guarantor. Instead, most of these providers would accept the payment of 2-3 months of rent in advance or provide contact details of an international guarantor agency. The private house share and HMO options, on the other hand, are not as flexible, so the choice of PBSA is the best international student accommodation Cambridge, and it seems like a safer one to start with.
- When to Book– As far as the September intake is concerned, it is important to know that the critical time for finding accommodation for students in Cambridge without the problems associated with guarantors and lack of availability is between January and April. The best PBSA accommodations are usually fully occupied by spring.
- Documents Needed to Book– To secure your booking, you'll typically need:
- Your Passport,
- A Valid UK Student Visa (formerly Tier 4),
- A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter, and
- Your University Offer or Enrolment Letter
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