Student halls of residence in Cambridge

If you’re looking for a student residence in Cambridge, and you still can't decide which one is the ideal one for you, keep reading! In this article we tell you the most important thing you have to keep in mind about this type of accommodation in the English city. Among the facts we mention are their advantages and disadvantages, information on private and university residences, the simplest way to find cheap options, and answers to some of the frequently asked questions by students.

Something essential that you have to keep in mind is that Cambridge is a student city par excellence. In fact, it must be one of the most recognised university cities worldwide due to the prestige of its institutions! Because of this, every year it welcomes a large number of students, both English and international, which makes the demand for accommodation very high. For this reason, we recommend that you make your reservation as soon as possible, so you can ensure that you have the ideal accommodation for you during your stay.

Pros and cons of living in a residence in Cambridge

In this section we tell you the most notable pros and cons of living in this type of accommodation in the English city:

Pros of living in student dorms in Cambridge

It allows meeting people as soon as you arrive in town, which means that you don’t feel alone at first and that you can integrate into the student community more easily.
In general, residences welcome students of different cultures and nationalities, which generates very enriching international environments.
They have convenient locations, both close to the university campuses and the leisure sites most frequented by students.
The cost of utility bills is included in the rental price.
The cleaning of the common areas, the maintenance of the facilities, and security is carried out by the same residence.
They usually have spaces for common use to foster a sense of community. These include a gym, common area with games, and study rooms.

Cons of living in student dorms in Cambridge

The demand is very high, so it can be difficult to find a place for your stay.
It can be hard to disconnect from university life, which somewhat isolates the experience of being able to enjoy the city of Cambridge itself. This is especially true for the university residences that are on campus.
The kitchens can be shared between two, three, and up to ten students! This can make it very busy at meal times, so you’ll have to wait your turn.
The cost can be very high for what is offered.
Living with so many students means there’s always something fun to do, which can be a disadvantage if you tend to have FOMO and it distracts you from your studies.

Private student residences in Cambridge

These residences, despite being private, have a strategic location in Cambridge, which is determined according to the campuses of the different institutions in the city. For example, there are several spread across neighbourhoods such as Central Cambridge, Castle, Chesterton, and Newtown, near the university campuses that are found there.

When it comes to the type of accommodation offered by private residences in Cambridge, you can most commonly choose between en-suite rooms (with private bathroom) or studio apartments (with private bathroom and kitchen). The latter are the ones that provide more privacy, although they also carry a higher monthly cost. In addition, many of these accommodations have the same details, but with more space, which increases its price.

Among the facilities they have, that you can enjoy with the other residents, there may be: gym, outdoor patio, terrace, area with sofas and television, games room (including foosball, ping pong and table shuffleboard), and quieter places to be able to study in silence.

Something important to keep in mind is that in Cambridge, like the rest of the UK, rental prices are usually determined per week and not per month. Make sure you do the maths correctly to know how much your monthly payment will be!

University student halls of residence in Cambridge

With the term “university residences” we refer to the residences offered by the universities in Cambridge. These can be within the campus of the institution of which they’re part (what’s called on-campus) or outside of it (off-campus).

The most common type of accommodation that you’ll find in university residences in Cambridge is that of single rooms. Of course, these can have a private or shared bathroom between several students (from two to ten people). The kitchen is also shared between residents, although sometimes each room has its own refrigerator, so there’s not a lot of problems with storing the food.

The university residences in Cambridge have some spaces to share among residents and thus foster a sense of community. The most common thing is to include a gym and study and relaxation room (with sofas and sometimes games). In addition, some of them, especially the ones that are houses, may have a patio or small garden.

One thing to keep in mind is that the majority of university residences don’t include details such as bedding (sheets, duvet or pillow), towels, utensils, and kitchenware. If this is the case with yours, you have to decide whether to take them from home or buy them as soon as you arrive in Cambridge.

Another detail worth highlighting is that, compared to the private residences available in Cambridge, the university ones tend to be more basic and have fewer amenities and design.

University Residences of the Anglia Ruskin University

The residences of this institution are on-campus, while the houses they offer are off-campus, but very close to it. Each of them welcomes students of specific studies, such as first year, international, etc., so you have to look carefully at which one you can apply to live.

If you want to know about accommodation near the Anglia Ruskin University, read this article.

Rent cheap student residences in Cambridge

In our Erasmus Play search engine you’ll be able to see all the prices of the available and verified residences for your stay, as well as the locations and characteristics they have. This way you can easily find the ideal residence for you! Once you choose it, in Erasmus Play you can make your reservation safely and online.

Frequently Asked Questions about student dorms in Cambridge

What are the requirements to live in a student residence in Cambridge?
The most common thing is that you have to be enrolled in one of the universities in the city, such as Anglia Ruskin University or Cambridge University. Some accommodations may also require deposits or financial guarantees. Additionally, for residences offered by universities, you generally have to complete the application within established deadlines and meet certain specific criteria, such as being a first year or an international student.
Are there scholarships for student residences in Cambridge?
Yes, there are scholarships and financial aid available for students seeking accommodation in Cambridge. These can come from universities themselves, charities, and other educational funds. Scholarships may be intended to support international students, low-income students, or students in particular circumstances. See if you can apply to any of them!
What’s cheaper, an apartment or a student residence in Cambridge?
Generally, sharing a private flat can be cheaper in Cambridge, especially if you’re outside the city centre. However, remember that student residences offer convenience and include services that can justify their higher cost. Prices vary widely, and it’s important to compare specific options, taking into account amenities and location.
When to apply for a student residence in Cambridge?
To apply for accommodation, it’s important to do so as soon as possible after receiving an offer of admission from the university. In this city, many residences assign rooms on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early increases your chances of receiving the desired accommodation.
Are there male and female halls of residence in Cambridge?
In Cambridge, halls of residence are usually co-educational, offering accommodation to both male and female students. Although some rooms or floors may be divided by gender, it’s less common to find residences entirely dedicated to a single gender.