One of the most significant decisions you will face as a student will be where you're going to live. Although most of the focus goes on course choices and university rankings, you really need to think about how the neighbourhood you are going to be living in will affect your quality of life. Some of the ways the neighbourhood you choose will affect you include; shortening your commute time to school, helping you create a social life and severely impacting your whole university experience.
Regardless of whether you're an international student or domestic student, understanding the local housing market will make the search for your student flats in Cambridge considerably easier. This guide will cover not only the most student-friendly neighbourhoods in the city but also provide information on various types of housing available as well as some practical advice on how to find suitable accommodation that fits your budget and lifestyle.
Why Location Matters for Students in Cambridge
Whether you're a domestic or international student, having more knowledge about the local housing market can make finding student accommodation in Cambridge easier.
This guide will provide you with details of the student-friendly neighbourhoods in Cambridge, different types of accommodation available to you and practical tips that can help you find accommodation suitable for your budget and lifestyle.
Location is an important factor when you’re considering where to live as a student in Cambridge
Although Cambridge is a small city, the area in which you live can make a difference.
Living further away from your lectures will give you less time to study, socialise or enjoy the city. Students who live closer to their campus find going to lectures, using university facilities and participating in activities much easier.
When you are looking for student accommodation in Cambridge, you should balance your budget, convenience and lifestyle preferences.
Best Neighbourhoods for Students in Cambridge
City Centre
Students looking for proximity to everything will appreciate how well the City Centre meets their needs.
While rental prices in the City Centre are some of the highest in Cambridge, students will receive outstanding value for their money because these prices reflect the area’s prime location.
Students experience an active social life around Cambridge as well as visiting tourists and residents.
Most university buildings, libraries, shopping, restaurants and entertainment venues are all either a short walk or bicycle ride away from any student living in the City Centre.
The City Centre provides accommodation opportunities to students, such as studios, shared residences/halls, and limited private apartments.
Students who want to live like a traditional university student (and pay a little more for a central location) will benefit the most from living in the City Centre.
Mill Road
Cambridge’s Mill Road is a popular area for college students.
Affordability: Mill Road has lower rent prices than Cambridge's City Centre while providing convenient access to university.
Student Atmosphere: There is a strong student presence in Mill Road, along with diverse and lively neighbourhoods.
Transportation & Amenities: Excellent bike paths and excellent public transit services make it easy to get around.
Accommodation Types: Shared student flats in cambridge, private homes, studio apartments and one-bedroom apartments are available for rent.
Best For: A lively, social atmosphere and great prices make this an ideal area for students.
Chesterton
Chesterton has become a popular location for students due to its proximity to the city centre.
Affordability: Rental prices are generally cheaper than in central locations.
Student Atmosphere: The relaxed environment of Chesterton makes it attractive to postgraduate students.
Transport & Amenities: Bus connections and bike paths provide easy access to campus.
Accommodation Types: There are many options for shared house, apartment and 2-bedroom apartments.
Best: For students looking for a quiet place that is close enough to the city.
Romsey
Romsey offers a low-cost living environment and community.
Affordability: Considered by many to be one of the cheaper areas for students.
Student Atmosphere: A friendly place with a diverse community of students, young professionals and families.
Transport & Amenities: There are great transportation options with the Cambridge train station close by.
Accommodation Types: Shared flats, student accommodation and private housing are typical options available in Romsey.
Best For: Students looking for affordable housing with convenient access to transport links.
Newnham
The neighbourhood of Newnham has a pleasant and calm environment.
Affordability: Rental prices may be higher than those elsewhere because the neighbourhood is very popular.
Student Atmosphere: Newnham also attracts students looking for a more peaceful way of life.
Transport & Amenities: Bicycles provide quick and convenient access to the city centre.
Accomodation Types: In Newnham there are apartments, studio flats and also a number of university-based accommodation options available.
Best For: Students who appreciate having a quiet and green area to live in.
Trumpington
Trumpington has undergone significant growth throughout 2023 through many new builds that have influence on both affordability with competitive rents, availability of student renters from an ever increasing student population.
Affordability: Prices vary, but there are often modern accommodation options available at competitive rates.
Student Atmosphere: The student population continues to grow as new developments attract renters.
Transport & Amenities: Transport to central Cambridge is easily accessible by public transport and bike routes.
Accommodation Types: New build accommodation such as modern apartments, studios, 1 bedroom apartments, student residences.
Best For: Students who want new accommodation with modern amenities
Petersfield
Petersfield has an ideal location with proximity to the city centre and train station.
Affordability: A reasonable price compared to other student accommodation areas.
Student Atmosphere: A bustling neighbourhood and active student environment.
Transport & Amenities: The area has good transport links and easy access to supermarkets, cafes, and restaurants.
Accommodation Types: Shared flat/apartment/house or private accommodations.
Best for: Students that desire a balance of amenities and sense of community.
Which Cambridge Neighbourhood Is Right for You?
For those who want to be conveniently near everything to do, the City Centre might be the best option.
Mill Road and Petersfield are generally popular areas for students seeking a lively social scene.
Romsey and Chesterton are usually the best options for students that are looking for low-cost housing.
If you want peaceful residential areas with lots of green spaces, Newnham would be a good option for you.
Trumpington might appeal to students who want to live in modern properties and/or recently built developments.
The best neighbourhood to reside in depends on your budget, lifestyle, and study habits.
Conclusion
Cambridge has many different neighbourhoods to choose from, and they all provide certain advantages to students. For example, living in the City Centre gives you access to amenities and services that make your life more convenient; Mill Road is full of life and activity; Romsey is more affordable than other neighbourhoods; and Newnham is a nice area where you can study without being distracted by noise. Other areas, such as Chesterton, Trumpington and Petersfield, all have something to offer that would meet your needs, no matter what kind of lifestyle or budget you happen to have.
In order to choose the right student housing in Cambridge for you, consider what you want most out of your accommodation cost, commute time, social opportunities, distance from university facilities, etc, and take the time to research neighbourhoods and types of accommodation, so that you find a place that will help you achieve your academic goals and have a great experience as a student.
