On this page we you can find out more about what accommodation options may be available to you as a student at the University.

It’s important to note that students at the University of Cambridge have to adhere to rules regarding living in or close to Cambridge, set out in the terms of residence.

Many PhD students who are new to Cambridge will live in college-owned accommodation in their first year, however this isn’t mandatory by any means, and is dependent on whether your College has enough rooms for its postgraduate students. Take a look at your College’s website to see if they may be able to offer you a room. Keep in mind that there will be deadlines for applying for these rooms, so make a note of these!

In most cases, College accommodation is shared with other postgraduate students, such as other PhD or MPhil students. The type and quality of accommodation varies both within and amongst colleges, for example you may have the option of en-suite or a shared bathroom. You’ll note also that accommodation for postgraduates may be geographically separated from your colleges main or central site, but it is never too far. Living in college in your first year here – if you are able to – is a great way to meet people within your own College and to make friends.

Some colleges offer rooms to PhD students in the later years of their PhD after their first year, but this is not usually guaranteed.

If you do not wish to live in College-owned accommodation, or are in the later years of your PhD where it is not so common to do so, you can rent privately in the city. It’s worth bearing in mind that the rental market in Cambridge is expensive, with prices similar to those you might find in London.

A good place to start is on websites like SpareRoom, Rightmove or Zoopla, which allow you to refine your search according to your budget and other requirements.

Postgraduate students are also eligible to apply for certain University-owned self-contained properties (apartments and houses). The university provides an accredited list of properties to rent, through which private landlords can advertise their properties to students. This is similar to finding your own private rental, but perhaps slightly easier to find. Prices of these properties are more expensive than college-owned rooms or properties.