Cambridge is a vibrant, exciting city, and as a University of Cambridge student you'll never run out of places to explore, visit and study. Although it isn't particularly big, it's worth looking now at where you'll be living, and how close you'll be to your department. It's also worth looking up the location of the nearest supermarket, bike shop, park to relax in, and more.

The Accommodation Service's pages on getting around and things to do may be a good place to start. 

The city is small, and many people traverse it on foot, by bike or using public transport.

Here are some key pointers to getting your head around life in Cambridge:

• There are several large supermarkets on the outskirts of Cambridge, but the biggest one in the city is “Mainsburys” – a branch of Sainsbury’s on Sidney Street.

• Cambridge has a vast array of places to eat and drink. If you fancy a meal, pub trip or simply a quiet coffee outside your college, try Open Table, CB Travel Guide or Happy Cow for some great recommendations!

• Many students choose to use bicycles to get around the city. There are plenty of options to buy new or used bikes around Cambridge and many safe cycle routes through the city. The University offers information and discounts to encourage sustainable travel. 

• There are also wide-ranging bus services across the city, as well as two train stations if you need to travel to nearby London or beyond. The 'U' bus connects the main University sites and it offers discounts to University members. Cambridge is the closest station to most of the colleges.

• There are several General Practitioner (GP) or doctor's surgeries, dentists, and clinics in Cambridge. The city is also served by a major hospital – Addenbrooke’s. Your college will give you advice on signing up with a local GP surgery, though the NHS provides a useful list of nearby clinics.  For more detailed information please see the physical health section of the Student Support website.