Research and Prep

15 reasons to study in Cambridge

Applying to uni in Cambridge? Here’s 15 reasons why that’s a great idea. 

Eleanor Foulds
by Eleanor Foulds
Last Updated:
01 Jul 2024

Cambridge is an ideal student city, offering a unique combination of tradition, innovation and academic excellence. Located on the banks of the River Cam, the city provides students with access to world-renowned universities such as the University of Cambridge and Anglia Ruskin University. With its historic architecture, buzzing nightlife and diverse selection of shops and restaurants, Cambridge is a popular destination for both domestic and international students. Whether you're looking to build your career prospects or simply immerse yourself in culture, Cambridge has something to offer everyone.

1. Great educational opportunities


Access to world-renowned universities and colleges such as the University of Cambridge and Anglia Ruskin University. Between these two unis, you’ll have hundreds of courses on offer, covering subjects from literature to nursing to engineering.

2. Thriving cultural scene


The city has a variety of theatres, festivals, galleries and clubs perfect for students. You could check out Cambridge Literary Festival or The Cambridge Club Festival, or go to something open year-round such as the Cambridge Arts Theatre or the Fitzwilliam Museum.

3. Picturesque location


The city’s located on the banks of the River Cam, surrounded by beautiful countryside. There are also a lot of parks around the city, so you’ll have plenty of chance to breathe in some fresh country air.

4. Great connections


Excellent public transportation links to and from Cambridge make getting around easy and convenient. The city has a lot of local buses offering easy transport around the area, and the train station offers direct travel to places including London, Brighton and Norwich.

5. Famous faces


Lots of celebrities and historical figures studied or lived in Cambridge. One of the most notable was Sir Isaac Newton, who studied in Cambridge and developed his ideas about gravity in the city.

6. Research-intensive unis


The University of Cambridge is particularly well known for its research, meaning the city is home to many innovative research possibilities in a variety of areas.

7. Job opportunities


Diverse range of career opportunities for students after graduation in fields such as finance, engineering and healthcare sciences. During your studies, there are lots of part-time jobs available around the city thanks to the many retail and hospitality businesses.

8. Birthplace of football


The first football game as we know it today was played on a pitch in Cambridge. They used the ‘Cambridge Rules’ which founded the basis of the Football Association’s official rules for the game.

9. Beautiful architecture


You’ll find stunning architecture ranging from medieval churches to contemporary landmarks like The Glasshouse at the University Science Park all around the city. There are also a lot of quaint little streets to check out, and the University of Cambridge has a lot of beautiful old buildings around the city to admire.

10. Exciting nightlife


Cambridge has a large student population, so there’s plenty of nightlife to meet students’ desires. You’ll find various bars and clubs plus plenty of pubs offering live music events around the city so whether you’re after live music, a boogie to a DJ or a quiet drink in one of the cosy pubs, you’ll find what you’re looking for.

11. Recognisable streets


Cambridge has been used as a filming location for many films, including The Theory of Everything, Sylvia and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. So you might see some places you recognise and you might even spot some famous faces filming in the city if you’re lucky.

12. Safe environment


The city has low crime rates compared to other UK cities providing reassurance for students and their families. The safety of the city also helps you to settle in quickly and you’ll soon find that Cambridge feels like home.

13. Plenty of reason to spend time outdoors


A wealth of outdoor activities are available across Cambridge including punting along the river, cycling in Grantchester Meadows or taking a walk in Jesus Green Park. You could even escape out of the city to Milton Country Park and spend the day walking in the fresh air.

14. Shopping opportunities


An array of amazing shops selling everything from traditional souvenirs to modern streetwear fashion. You’ll find a lot of the popular high street stores around the city and in the shopping mall, but you’ll also find a lot of independent and smaller chain stores that you might not have come across before.

15. Cafés


Numerous cafés serve delicious food from all corners of the globe alongside locally grown produce in all corners of the city. Cafés can also be a great place to get some studying done (provided they don’t have a no laptop policy) with your friends.


Cambridge is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world, including the University of Cambridge and Anglia Ruskin University. The unis provide a range of courses spanning from the sciences to the arts and humanities, attracting students from all over the world. The institutions offer outstanding research opportunities, as well as excellent teaching staff with years of experience. The resources available at each university are outstanding, and they are constantly looking for innovative ways to further develop and improve their offering. With such an impressive array of facilities, it’s no wonder that many students choose to study at Cambridge’s universities.

Cambridge is a vibrant and exciting city for students, filled with attractions and activities. From punting down the River Cam to exploring museums such as the Fitzwilliam and Cavendish Laboratories, there’s something for everyone. There are also numerous restaurants, bars and clubs which provide great nightlife experiences. If you’re looking for culture, art galleries such as Kettle's Yard provide world-class exhibitions. Furthermore, students can take advantage of Cambridge’s excellent public transport system to explore the surrounding countryside or take day trips to nearby cities like London and Oxford. With so much to do in Cambridge, it’s no surprise that thousands of students choose to study here each year.


NEXT:

Find courses in Cambridge now.

Guide to studying in Cambridge.

Similar articles