Student Accommodation in Cambridge: A City Guide for 2026/27

Cambridge is one of the UK's most distinctive university cities — compact, cycle-friendly and internationally recognised, with a student population of over 30,000 across two very different universities. It is not a cheap city to live in; the combination of limited housing stock, high demand and proximity to London means that accommodation costs in Cambridge are among the highest outside London. For students choosing private accommodation, understanding the difference between the two universities and how each relates to the city's housing market is an important first step.

Universities in Cambridge

The University of Cambridge has over 24,000 students and is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world. It operates through a collegiate system — students are members of one of 31 colleges, each of which provides its own accommodation, dining and social facilities. Most University of Cambridge students, particularly undergraduates, live in college accommodation for at least part of their degree. Private PBSA is less central to the University of Cambridge student experience than it is at most other UK universities.

Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) has around 10,000 students at its Cambridge campus and operates a more conventional university model, with a main campus close to the city centre. ARU offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across health sciences, business, law, arts and education. Private PBSA in Cambridge is primarily aimed at ARU students, postgraduate students and those who cannot secure university or college accommodation.

Where do students live in Cambridge?

Cambridge is a small city and most areas are within cycling distance of both universities. The cycle network is one of the best in the UK, and most students travel by bike rather than by bus or car.

City centre and Castle Hill

The historic centre of Cambridge, immediately surrounded by University of Cambridge colleges. Castle Hill sits just north of the centre and offers some of the most central private accommodation in the city, within walking distance of both ARU and the University of Cambridge. Convenient but expensive relative to other Cambridge areas.

Newmarket Road corridor

Running east from the city centre, the Newmarket Road area is one of the main corridors for private PBSA in Cambridge. It is particularly convenient for ARU students, with frequent bus services into the city centre and cycle routes throughout. A number of purpose-built student properties are located in this area.

Mill Road

One of Cambridge's most distinctive streets, known for its independent shops, international restaurants, cafés and diverse community. Mill Road runs south-east from the city centre and is popular with students who want a lively, local feel. Housing in the surrounding Romsey and Coleridge areas tends to be more affordable than central Cambridge.

Romsey and Coleridge

Residential areas to the south-east of the city centre, within cycling distance of both ARU and the University of Cambridge. More affordable than central areas and popular with returning students and postgraduates looking for shared houses.

Eddington

A large planned development on the north-west edge of the city, built by the University of Cambridge and designed primarily for postgraduate students, researchers and university staff. Eddington has its own shops, green spaces and community facilities, and has a notably modern and sustainable character compared to the historic centre. It is well connected to central Cambridge by cycle route and bus.

Arbury and Kings Hedges

Areas to the north of the city, generally more affordable than central Cambridge. A practical option for students who are comfortable cycling and want lower rents, though further from the main university sites than the Newmarket Road corridor. Students in this area may find Cambridge North station more convenient than the main Cambridge station.

Types of accommodation in Cambridge

University of Cambridge students are typically housed in college accommodation, particularly in their first year, and many remain in college housing throughout their degree. ARU provides some managed hall places for its students but relies significantly on the private sector. For students in private accommodation, Cambridge offers a mix of purpose-built student halls — primarily along the Newmarket Road corridor and in the city centre — and shared houses in the residential areas to the south and east of the centre. Demand consistently outstrips supply, and rents are high.

Featured student residences in Cambridge

The following properties are listed in full on Hallbookers with complete room information, facilities and student reviews.

• Stellaris — 444 Newmarket Road, CB5 8JL. New for 2026, offering en-suite rooms and studio apartments with all bills included. En-suite rooms from £230/pw, studios from £299/pw (51-week contracts). View full listing on Hallbookers
• Castle Hill — Castle Hill, central Cambridge. En-suite rooms and studios approximately 5 minutes' walk from the city centre and within walking distance of ARU. En-suites from £265/pw, studios from £300/pw (51-week contracts). View full listing on Hallbookers

What to expect from PBSA in Cambridge

Purpose-built student accommodation in Cambridge is almost exclusively en-suite rooms or self-contained studios, with all bills and Wi-Fi included. Rents are significantly higher than in most other UK university cities — en-suite rooms typically start from around £230/pw and studios from £299/pw — reflecting the city's constrained housing market and high demand. Communal facilities in most Cambridge PBSA include gyms, study spaces, social lounges and on-site management. Most contracts run for 44 or 51 weeks.

Getting around Cambridge

Cambridge is one of the most cycle-friendly cities in the UK, with an extensive network of dedicated cycle routes across the city. The majority of students travel by bike — bike theft is common in Cambridge, so a quality D-lock is considered essential. Electric scooters and e-bikes, operated through schemes such as Voi and Tier, are also widely used for shorter journeys. Bus services cover all main areas. Cambridge has two train stations: Cambridge station, with direct services to London King's Cross in approximately 50 minutes, and Cambridge North, more convenient for students living in Arbury, Chesterton and the north of the city. London Stansted Airport is approximately 30 minutes by train from Cambridge station, which is useful for international students.

Student life in Cambridge

Student life in Cambridge differs significantly depending on which university you attend. University of Cambridge students are largely embedded in their college communities, with social life centred on college bars, dining halls, sports clubs and college-based societies. Cambridge SU (Students' Union) represents students across the university and coordinates a wide range of clubs, societies and campaigns. ARU Students' Union serves Anglia Ruskin students with a student bar, events programme and welfare support from its base on the Cambridge campus.

The city offers a distinctive student experience beyond its academic reputation. Punting on the River Cam is accessible year-round from multiple hire points, and both universities offer discounted or subsidised access for their students. The Fitzwilliam Museum provides free entry to one of the UK's leading art and antiquities collections. Mill Road is the go-to area for independent cafés, international food and a more relaxed atmosphere — the annual Mill Road Winter Fair is a popular community event. The Cambridge Union Society hosts public debates and speaker events open to students from both universities. Grantchester Meadows, a popular spot for walks and picnics, is within easy cycling distance to the south of the city.

For more on what daily life at Cambridge University is like, read our guide to student life in Cambridge.

Frequently asked questions about student accommodation in Cambridge

Is Cambridge expensive for students?

Yes. Cambridge is one of the most expensive university cities in the UK outside London. Accommodation costs in particular are high, and students should budget carefully. Shared houses in areas like Romsey or Coleridge offer better value than PBSA, but demand is strong and competition for good properties is significant.

Do University of Cambridge students need to find private accommodation?

Most University of Cambridge undergraduates live in college accommodation for the majority of their degree. Some postgraduate students and those who cannot secure college housing do seek private accommodation. Private PBSA in Cambridge is primarily aimed at ARU students.

Which area is best for ARU students?

The Newmarket Road corridor is the most convenient area for ARU students, with several purpose-built halls and good bus links to the campus. The city centre and Castle Hill area are also well placed, though more expensive.

How do students get to London from Cambridge?

Cambridge station has direct services to London King's Cross in approximately 50 minutes. A 16–25 Railcard provides a third off most rail fares and is worth having for regular London trips.

Is Cambridge easy to get around without a car?

Yes. Cambridge is one of the most walkable and cycleable cities in the UK, and the majority of students do not need a car. Cycling is the most practical way to travel between most accommodation areas and both university campuses.

Browse student accommodation in Cambridge

Find and compare student accommodation in Cambridge on Hallbookers, including rooms near Anglia Ruskin University, the University of Cambridge and the city centre.

Browse student accommodation in Cambridge on Hallbookers

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