Home to one of the world’s most famous universities, Cambridge combines beautiful architecture with cobbled streets and punting on the River Cam.
It's beautifully aesthetic to walk or cycle around. It's always bustling at weekends, and during the summer especially. There are so many fab little coffee shops, book shops, and restaurants, and the market is to die for! Cambridge is famous really for the beauty of the colleges, and they really are breathtaking. Cambridge has tons of large open green spaces, but is also only a 45-minute train ride away from London – day trips are very popular. (Second year student, University of Cambridge)
What Cambridge's famous for...
Punting
The classic Cambridge activity, get your ‘punting pic’ and check out the city's exceptional architecture, from the River Cam.
Cambridge nightlife, according to students
Every [University of Cambridge] college has its own bar, which is generally the starting point for any night out. There are also too many pubs to count, the majority of which are student-friendly, especially in the centre. There are only a few nightclubs that students go to. They are all no more than a three-minute walk away from each other, and each club has its own traditional night(s) on which students go to them. Saturday night is considered ‘townie’ night, so none of the students go out then. (Third year student, University of Cambridge)
Comedy icons
Comedy troupe 'The Cambridge Footlights' has spawned some of the country's sharpest comedic minds, including Richard Ayoade, Stephen Fry, and Jimmy Carr.
Cambridge nightlife, according to students
There are so many excellent pubs in Cambridge – standouts being The Eagle, The Mill, and The Alma. Drinks are usually pretty expensive, but there is always a really nice atmosphere. (University of Cambridge student)
Silicon Fen
The area surrounding the city – already known for its inventive minds – has forged an impressive reputation as a bubbling tech hub, with many exciting start-ups based here.
Student life in Cambridge
Local gems, tips, and things to do, as recommended by students.
Low on cash
Practically every museum is free. I've been to the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, and the Fitzwilliam Museum, and would recommend either. (University of Cambridge student)
Treat yourself
If you fancy a nice dinner or cocktail in Cambridge, the rooftop terrace Six is a great place to celebrate a special occasion, with stunning views of Cambridge and its historic town. (Third year student, Anglia Ruskin University)
Friday night out
All the clubs are located in the centre of town, with only a few streets between them. The music is usually pretty cheesy, but it's always a fun night, and you'll see lots of familiar faces. (University of Cambridge student)
Sunday chilling
If you fancy something a little more adventurous, walk along the Cam down to Grantchester for a pint in one of its pubs. (Third year student, University of Cambridge)
When family visit
There are some really nice independent restaurants along King's Parade. Punting is always a great tourist activity, and allows you to get views of Cambridge that are unseen by foot. (University of Cambridge student)
Feeling cultural
The student theatre scene is quite big [here]. Cambridge is home to Footlights, who have produced some famous comedians like Mel and Sue! The ADC is the main theatre they perform at. (Third year student, University of Cambridge)
Catch up with mates
There are some cute independent cafes around the city, such as Fitzbillies and Bridges. There are also great pubs, like The Bath House and The Granta. (Second year student, University of Cambridge)
Grab a bite
The market is definitely my favourite place to eat. There are so many different options to choose from, which keeps everyone happy. You can take your food to Jesus Green or to The Backs, to eat there. (Second year student, University of Cambridge)
Cambridge in pictures
Fitzbillies
A picture of my favourite bakery in Cambridge, Fitzbillies. A great place to grab a coffee and a tasty, freshly-baked treat with friends. (Bob Hewis, second year student at University of Cambridge)
River Cam
The Cambridge image we all think of, and where students go and relax on a summer's day. (Oliver, third year student at Anglia Ruskin University)
Cloister Court
This is Cloister Court in my college, Sidney Sussex. This building consists of second and third year accommodation. Me and my friends have picnics in the nearby gardens often. (Stella Fitzpatrick, third year student at University of Cambridge)
Living in Cambridge, according to students
I love living in Romsey! I live by Coldhams Common, and I'm going to miss it so much when I leave – looking out of the window and watching the cows grazing the grass in the morning never gets old. I am near five main supermarkets, all within a 15-minute walk of each other (Asda, Sainsburys, Lidl, Tesco, and a new Aldi)! There's also an express supermarket on Vinery Road. The walk to campus is only about 20-25 minutes, but feels a lot less than that, and is a pleasant walk. If you cycle it only takes about ten minutes. The walk to Mill Road, a very popular area for shops, cafes, and restaurants, is only short. (Third year student, Anglia Ruskin University)
Queen's College
A picture of Queen's College during LGBTQ History month. This is special to me because, coming from a rural area, it was heart-warming to see how inclusive and welcoming a city like Cambridge is. (Bob Hewis, second year student at University of Cambridge)
Living in Cambridge
Housing, travel, and budgeting tips.
Where you'll find students
- Queen's Road
- Romsey
- Fairstead
Local transport
- Weekly ticket: £15
- Cambridge Megarider
- Bus
Student money tips
There aren't many [food] shopping choices in Cambridge. So, unless you're willing to trek over the river to Lidl or Aldi, you almost certainly will shop at one of the Sainsbury's (‘Mainsburys’, ‘Slocal’, or ‘Farawainsburys’, to name a few). I'd say it's definitely worth getting a nectar card. (Second year student, University of Cambridge)
The cost of living as a student soon adds up, us our budget calculator to find out roughly how much you'll need each month.
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Living in Cambridge, according to students
I chose to live in Chesterton, as it almost halved the rent, and allowed me and my housemates to live in a house of three – most houses in central Cambridge are [for groups of four or five]. There's a Co-op around the corner, and a Budgens up the road. Our house next year is closer to town though, as a 30-minute walk to uni isn't ideal at all. But it's an extremely peaceful area. (Second year student, Anglia Ruskin University)
Study options
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