Cambridge is one of the cities in the UK that houses prestigious universities. This attracts lots of applications from students across the world.
Due to the increasing number of applicants each year, most universities’ accommodation price tends to rise over the year.
Hence, to study at Cambridge, your budget should increase. But, most students seek cheaper accommodation due to a lack of funds. (Xanax)
If you fall in the category of students looking for cheap accommodation in Cambridge, you’re just in the right place.
We will show you a list of cheap student accommodations in Cambridge and how to get one fast. Use the table of content below for easy navigation.
Table of contents
- What’s Student Accommodation Like in Cambridge?
- How Much Does it Cost to Get Student Accommodation in Cambridge?
- What are the Factors to Consider when Choosing Student Accommodation in Cambridge?
- How Do I Get Student Accommodation in Cambridge Cheap & Fast?
- Where to Get Student Accommodation in Cambridge Very Cheap
- How Else Can I Pay for My Student Accommodation in Cambridge?
- Student Accommodation in Cambridge FAQs
- Conclusion
- References
- Recommendations
What’s Student Accommodation Like in Cambridge?
Cambridge has a variety of accommodations available, and their rooms vary from medieval to modern. Whatever your choice may be, Cambridge ensures that you will have a room and access to a shared kitchen and laundry room.
Another type of housing you can find in Cambridge is shared accommodation. This is common to most international students. It is considerably cheap and saves costs for them.
You don’t have to choose between ‘catered’ or ‘self-catered’ accommodation at Cambridge. There are basic self-catering facilities available if you want to cook yourself. All universities offer catering services where you can buy cafeteria-style meals and three-course dinners at a reasonable price.
Also, colleges encourage community meals; this is an opportunity to make friends and meet new people. In comparison, a few colleges require that you have a certain number of meals at Buttery or the cafeteria each term.
In addition, each school has a team of porters to ensure the safety of staff and students. As one of the pillars of university life, porters are usually the first point of contact for any problem at the college or if you need information.
Read more: How to Get Student Accommodation in Liverpool
Types of Student Accommodation in Cambridge
As we stated earlier, three basic types of accommodation exist at Cambridge. It includes: on-campus, off-campus, and shared accommodation.
On-campus is basically the best among others, and it is very close to school, but quite challenging to secure one. As a new student, you must apply on time to reserve your chosen room.
Private student accommodation is another type most students at Cambridge University will opt for. It offers comfort, and you can choose based on your budget.
Shared accommodation is for low-budget students who don’t mind sharing a room with another student. To save costs, most students are comfortable choosing shared accommodation.
Finally, some students will opt for studio accommodation. This type is called an exclusive apartment because they are well furnished to your taste.
Read more: 10+ Cheapest Student Accommodation in London 2023 | How to Get One
How Much Does it Cost to Get Student Accommodation in Cambridge?
The cost of any accommodation in Cambridge varies from college to college and often depends on the type and style of the room you want.
If you’re an international student, you should always understand that the cost of accommodation is a severe budget to consider before going to Cambridge because the price will not be as low as expected.
However, one of the best ways to save costs as a student in Cambridge is by getting accommodation that is within your budget.
Colleges in Cambridge offer accommodation in various bands to suit different budgets, and the rent varies on the size and facilities.
Also, Cambridge students only pay rent when they are residents in Cambridge. And most universities’ accommodation fees last for 30 weeks which is longer than the number of weeks you spend for study.
From our study, the cost of on-campus student accommodation in Cambridge ranges from £2,400 and £4,000 per year. In contrast, private student accommodation costs from £4,560 – £9,670 per year.
However, a student can pay per week based on their budget. We estimate the range of student accommodation, depending on the size and scope of facilities, to be between £100 and £140 per week. On average, weekly student accommodation should be £104.25.
You must know that the actual cost of a student accommodation depends on the room and style they choose.
Hence, we’ve estimated that in the 2020-21 academic session, students should expect to pay approximately £2,400 – £10,200 on average for any student accommodation in Cambridge per year.
Read more: the University of Cambridge Scholarship Opportunities.
What are the Factors to Consider when Choosing Student Accommodation in Cambridge?
New students preparing for college life are often faced with lots of decisions to make. One of them that poses a challenge is where to study.
Once you’ve chosen where you want to study, the next big question on the list is, “where will I live?”
Before deciding where to live, there are many factors most students should always consider. Checking out these factors will help you make a good decision.
#1. Closeness to School
The key factor you need to consider before getting student accommodation is the house’s location.
The location of your accommodation can make a huge difference in your college experience. Your closeness to campus saves you a long walk or transport fare to school.
So, it is important to think about the convenience of your accommodation.
#2. Safety of the Community
Before choosing any student apartment, always consider the facility’s safety and environment.
This is very important, but most students overlook this factor due to their excitement after securing admission to their dream school.
Whether you like it or not, the safety of your residential area contributes 23% to your student experience. So, it will be worth the accommodation, such as the security systems, and if there will be porters to make you feel safe.
#3. Cost of Accommodation
Looking for cheap student accommodation in Cambridge is to save cost. So, it is good to stick to your initial plan.
The cost of the accommodation you’re choosing should not be more than your budget. As you check the cheap accommodation we stated below, make sure you’re considering your budget.
#4. Comfortability
Another essential factor you must consider is your chosen place’s comfort. You should know what you expect from your room before you start looking.
The comfort of your accommodation can include a designed bedroom with a study room, an exclusive dining area, a gym area, and so on.
How Do I Get Student Accommodation in Cambridge Cheap & Fast?
Accommodations in Cambridge are pretty on the high side, so students are opting for any cheap accommodation they can find in Cambridge.
Cambridge is experiencing a high number of students each year based on the quality of their universities. This has caused a significant increase in population.
Although this is a good reputation for Cambridge, it poses a significant challenge to accommodation.
Because most universities’ residential halls are not large enough to accommodate the many students that apply, they operate on a first-come, first-serve basis.
If you’re looking for an easy way to find cheap student accommodation in Cambridge, follow the guidelines below. We promise you that you will get enough knowledge on how to get the best and most affordable student accommodation fast.
Step 1: Check the School Accommodations First
The first thing to do is to check your school website for information about student accommodation. You can find the necessary accommodation guidelines, fees, and how to apply.
This applies to students that prefer a school hall of residence to private accommodation.
Step 2: Consider Your Budget Before Applying
Considering your budget means you have to opt for considerably cheap accommodation.
So, in choosing student accommodation in Cambridge, you must verify how much it will cost and if it is within your budget.
Remember that rent is not the only fee you have to pay. You’ll also have to pay for gas, electricity, internet, and furniture.
Step 3: Make Sure You Apply on Time
To get cheap student accommodation in Cambridge, you must apply on time.
From our study, the best period to apply for accommodation is between two-three months before school resumption. It is the best option for any student who is considering their budget.
Step 4: Ask Questions Before Paying
Make sure not to pay for accommodation without asking questions. You can write questions and ask the landlord or property managers.
Start by asking, “What facilities are shared? (e.g., laundry)? Does the rental include utilities or internet access? Are you allowed to have guests? What about pets, parking, and bicycle lockup?
This information is essential, especially for international students.
Where to Get Student Accommodation in Cambridge Very Cheap
Your school accommodation website is the first place to get cheap student accommodation.
Each university at Cambridge has comfortable hall residences that students can apply for. As mentioned above, you should endeavor to apply on time.
Other places to get student accommodation at an affordable price are through agencies. They can help you identify the cheapest accommodation in your chosen area.
Here is a list of the best places to get cheap student accommodation in Cambridge:
#1. Longview Terrace:
Longview Terrace is located just off Histon Road, just over 1 mile from the city center, just a 23-minute walk away. The property is perfect for students and sharers studying in the city, with Anglia Ruskin University being a 35-minute walk away.
2 Longview Terrace: The price ranges from £99.00 per week to £141.00 per week with a £250.00 deposit. Click Here to explore!
#2. Hemingford Road:
Hemingford Road is just under 2 miles from Cambridge City Centre, around a 27-minute walk. If you are a student, Anglia Ruskin University is only a 16-minute walk away.
The most popular and cheap student accommodation you can find here includes:
- 10 Hemingford Road: Price ranges from £109.00 per week to £151.00 per week with a £250.00 deposit. Click Here to explore!
- 32 Hemingford Road: Price ranges from £127.00 per week to £151.00 per week with a £250.00 deposit. Click Here to explore!
- 40 Hemingford Road: Price ranges from £109.00 per week to £151.00 per week with a £250.00 deposit. Click Here to explore!
#3. Victoria Road:
Victoria Street is less than half a mile from the city center of Cambridge, only a short 15-minute walk away. This property is perfect for sharers studying and working in Cambridge, with Anglia Ruskin University just a 22-minute walk away.
- 6 Beaconsfield Terrace: Price ranges from £99.00 per week to £163.00 per week with a £250.00 deposit. Click Here to explore!
- 23 Victoria Road: All rooms cost £109.00 per week with a £250.00 deposit. Click Here to explore!
- 27 Victoria Road: Price ranges from £109.00 per week to £170.00 per week with a £250.00 deposit. Click Here to explore!
- 30 Victoria Road: Price ranges from £109.00 per week to £150.00 per week with a £250.00 deposit. Click Here to explore!
#4. Histon Road:
Histon Road is located in Arbury, just over a mile from Cambridge city center, a 17-minute walk away. This student accommodation is perfect for sharers.
It is close to excellent transport links to campuses around Cambridge and Anglia Ruskin University and is a 30-minute walk away.
- 31 Histon Road: Price ranges from £112.00 per week to £163.00 per week with a £250.00 deposit. Click Here to explore!
- 29 Histon Road: Price ranges from £151.00 per week to £188.00 per week with a £250.00 deposit. Click Here to explore!
- 123 Histon Road: The price ranges from £112.00 per week to £155.00 per week with a £250.00 deposit. Click Here to explore!
How Else Can I Pay for My Student Accommodation in Cambridge?
There are several options available that can aid you in paying for your accommodation. Most schools at Cambridge offer student scholarships that cover the cost of housing.
Also, the colleges and universities in Cambridge commit to giving the financial support necessary to complete student courses successfully. The support ranges from tuition, medical expenses, books, and accommodation.
So, if you’re a student having financial issues, contact your school bursary department, and you might get the help you need through scholarships and financial aid.
Check Out These Top 10 UK Scholarships For International Students
Student Accommodation in Cambridge FAQs
You can get very cheap accommodation from the following cities in Cambridge: Longview Terrace, Hemingford Road, Victoria Road, and Histon Road.
Yes, students who book early often get good discounts and pay much less rent for their accommodation. You can also utilize the discounts and cashback from group bookings in Cambridge.
Yes, you can find shared accommodation all over Cambridge, but some house owners don’t allow sharing your apartment with a stranger.
We’ve estimated that in the 2020-21 academic session, students should expect to pay approximately £2,400 – £10,200 on average for any student accommodation in Cambridge per year.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cambridge is affordable for all students and has a strong record of providing cheap student accommodation. As a student looking for reasonable accommodation, affordability will not be a barrier to coming to Cambridge.
References
- ukstudenthouses.com – Student Houses in Cambridge
- youthincmag.com – Five Important Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Student Accommodation
- undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk – Accommodation
