Cambridge is a hub for university education in the east of England, with plenty for students to do in the city when not studying. Read on to see why it's so popular...
Updated: 29 Jan 2026
Situated in the east of England, about an hour and a half north of London, the city of Cambridge is known around the world for its top-quality university education opportunities, its history and its natural beauty. As such, Cambridge has become a hub for student activity on the east coast of the UK, with people flocking from far and wide to study there. Are you considering it too? As with any major decision, you’ll want to do plenty of research into what life studying in Cambridge could be like. To give you a place to start, we’ve created a handy student guide to studying in Cambridge, featuring useful info on the city’s cost of living, nightlife, universities and more.
As you might expect from a city with such an educational focus, Cambridge has some excellent museums and architectural sights for you to visit. From the fantastic Fitzwilliam Museum to King’s College Chapel and The Centre for Computing History, you’ll find plenty to inspire you.
Not only are they picturesque, but the rivers in Cambridge are also handy for a bit of fun. You can go punting along the River Cam, like you’ve probably seen in a few movies and TV shows, or (if you’re feeling adventurous) you can go paddle boarding along it too. You’ll probably want to bring a towel to dry your hair off if you’re opting for the latter, just in case.
Cambridge hosts a few festivals throughout the year, perfect for a long weekend of fun. Music fans can enjoy the likes of the Cambridge Club Festival and Cambridge Folk Festival, while the University of Cambridge’s very own Cambridge Festival has a little bit of something for everyone.
Like most cities, Cambridge has a great selection of places for shopping and dining. Three shopping centres – The Grafton, Lion Yard and Grand Arcade – ought to offer you the chance to pick up anything you need, while restaurants like Bread and Meat, SmokeWorks and Pint Shop will give you plenty of fuel for the day.
If all else fails, there’s always cows. Cambridge’s cows can be seen at Coe Fen, Midsummer Cotton and Stourbridge common, and they’re rather nice to go and see. They’ve even got their own Twitter account!
NEXT: See more things to do in Cambridge in our handy guide
With its large student population, it should come as no surprise that the nightlife in Cambridge is excellent indeed. There are a selection of nightclubs to visit, including the likes of Vinyl and MASH, perfect for some dancing and singing along. Hidden Rooms and 196 Cocktail Bar will be great for those nights where you’d rather just enjoy something delicious and have a natter with some friends.
Looking for something a little different on your night out in Cambridge? Head to The Tivoli to try your hand at shuffleboard or even indoor mini-golf. Cambridge Junction will also keep you entertained with live music, stand-up comedy and performances most nights of the week.
The cows will probably be asleep, so we’re afraid they most likely won’t be around for a big night out.
Not only does Cambridge’s big student population help with things to do, but there are also plenty of options when it comes to finding somewhere to live while studying in the city.
If you’re looking to live in university halls during your first year, both the University of Cambridge and Anglia Ruskin University have good options for you. At the University of Cambridge, single rooms can cost between £130 - £250 per week for shared facilities, and £150 - £260 for a room with an ensuite. Anglia Ruskin has a variety of room types for you to choose from, with prices ranging between £124 and £259 per week. Whatever your budget, you should be able to find something to suit you.
If you’re thinking about private renting in Cambridge, you’ll also have some choice of what sort of accommodation you could live in. Studio flats in the centre of the city can cost up to £1,400 per month, while a three-bedroom flat can cost £2,450 per month, which isn’t wildly expensive when shared with two other friends. Looking outside of the city centre can help you save money on rent. You’ll also want to budget for utility bills, which can cost around £80-£90 a month in a shared flat.
Cambridge isn’t particularly large, meaning it’s an enjoyably walkable city. If you plan your time, you’ll be able to get where you need to go without having to shell out for public transport. Picking up a bike at the start of your university course can also help you get about while saving money by the end of your time at uni, and you’ll get some extra exercise too, which is a bonus.
There are buses to help you get across the city and further afield, which are useful if you’re carrying hefty shopping bags. They’re £2.25 for a single ticket, but if you’re planning on taking the bus daily, a monthly pass costs £64 which can help cut down the costs. You’ll also find taxis aren’t too pricey in Cambridge, costing about 1/3 less than they would in London.
As ever, it’s important to consider the cost of living in a city when deciding where to live, especially as a student. There are a variety of supermarkets in Cambridge, including the likes of Sainsburys, Tesco, Lidl and Asda, so you should be able to find one that suits your budget. To give you an idea of what you might be spending on common groceries on average in Cambridge, a dozen eggs costs about £3.35, a kilogram of rice costs about £1.93 and a loaf of bread costs about £1.41.
A pint of beer in Cambridge is on average around £5, which is cheaper than in London. You’ll also be able to find cheap tickets and drinks deals in clubs and bars around the city, as many of them offer student discounts that you can benefit from.
NEXT: Find out more about the cost of living as a student in Cambridge
There are two universities in Cambridge, offering students ample options to find a subject that they’re passionate about.
The University of Cambridge is a world-famous institution which regularly appears in the top three spots of the Complete University Guide’s league tables. This prestigious university was founded over 900 years ago and is also a member of the Russell Group. It offers top quality teaching in a wide variety of subjects, as well as strong graduate prospects.
Anglia Ruskin University has campuses in Cambridge alongside Chelmsford and Peterborough. It has a strong history in providing education in art, and over the years it has increased its expertise in areas like business, engineering, medical science and more. The Anglia Ruskin Students’ Union is active across all three campuses, running events and societies to further the uni’s sense of community.
So, want to find out more about studying in Cambridge? Book an open day visit to get a first-hand look at the area, or check out our guide on reasons to study in Cambridge.